Deeping went on the offensive from the start and showed their intent – the first chance fell to Scott Coupland who miskicked 6 yards out after Scott Mooney did well on the goal line and laid off to his fellow striker.

The home side’s Matt Simpson tried a speculative overhead kick that brought a save from debutant Richard Stainsby in the Rangers goal.

It was the visitors who were beginning to dominate and the breakthrough came on 15 mins – Henry Dunn played into Mooney, his neat touch split the home defence to find Scott Coupland in the box where he saw his shot parried by home custodian Harry Reynolds but the ball looped into the goal.

Before the home side could recompose themselves they were 2 down, Mooney received on the edge of the box and another clever touch released Ben Lewis in the home box and he steered his shot inside the far post past the advancing Reynolds.

It was all Deeping now, skipper David Burton-Jones won well and tested Reynolds from 25 yards, Coupland released Tom Smith down the left only to see his cross cum shot evade the far post and the arriving Mooney.

A good Rangers move involving Mooney and Charlie Coulson saw Reynolds save his team again with a good feet save from Coupland.

With additional time being played the Clarets further extended their lead, a Rangers corner was cleared out by the home defence where Lewis collected, he curled in an inviting cross where Scott Mooney rose above the home defenders to head past the helpless Reynolds.

Half Time – Ely City 0 Deeping Rangers 3

The home side made three changes for the start of the second half and this reenergised them - the lively Mason Newman saw his drive tipped over by Stainsby, home striker Simpson tried his luck with an overhead kick but was wide of the post.

Rangers regained control and went further ahead on 57 mins, a long clearance from defence was chased down by Mooney, the ball moved to Dan Flack, to Dunn to Burton-Jones whose pass found Smith in behind the home backline, his pass was delightfully into the path of Coupland who had the easy task to side foot blast the ball past the dive of Reynolds – a good team goal!

Trickery from Coulson saw him free – his shot bringing a good save from the busy Reynolds while home sub Joe Peacock shot high and wide from 35 yards.

Reynolds kept the score line down again when Deeping sub Will Bird attempted to finish another fine visitors move only to see Reynolds save well – the home defence then blocked the follow up from Luke Avis.

There was some consolation for the Robins on 76 mins, Peacock unleashed a fierce drive that crashed against the cross bar and in the pandemonium that followed the Assistant Referee signalled a visitor’s hand ball offence and Peacock sent Stainsby the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Deeping were also awarded a penalty when Bird was pulled down only to see Burton-Jones’ effort rebound from the bar (at great force!).

A good spirited game ended with the home sides Simpson lucky to only get a yellow for a poor late challenge on Avis and Deeping’s Smith collect a yellow for ungentlemanly sportsmanship.

Rangers now face the challenge of Ryman League North Division Wroxham FC - the Yatchsmen visiting the Haydon Whitham Stadium on Saturday August 20th (3.00 KO) for a Preliminary Round tie.

Full Time – Ely City 1 Deeping Rangers 4