This local derby will not be remembered for long in the memories of the crowd who attended, particularly the first half that provided little goal threat from a Rangers team who too often lacked the final pass and a depleted Stones side.

The home side offered more but met stout resistance, Dan Schiavi’s corner went all the way through, was retrieved by Scott Coupland who cut across the front of the box before finding Schiavi, he clipped the ball passing at the far post.

Stones’ Matt Cook cross field clearance was taken by Josh Hales, his lob effort being just too high.

Deeping’s Charlie Coulson broke forward, a 1-2 with Coupland allowed space to pick out Jason Kilbride in the box whose shot was blocked by the advancing Stones keeper Lee Crockett, Dan Flack pounced on a loose ball and shot for the goal missing at the far post.

Rangers broke the deadlock on 30 mins, Schiavi’s corner was met at the back post by the towering Jonny Clay to head home from 3 yards.

Blackstones almost got a chance, Tom Lancaster harried Clay with the his touch taking the ball through to Rangers custodian Danny Bircham.

Half Time – Deeping Rangers 1 Blackstones 0

Thankfully the second half proved to be a little more entertainment, Callum Madigan got his head to Schiavi’s corner, the ball hit the crowded defence to fall for Kilbride to volley with the same fate – Stones cleared quickly to find the lively Jones de Souza who darted for the home box where Tom Smith had matched the run and nipped in to thwart the danger.

A long clearance from Stones Hales got Tom Lancaster in behind the home defence, a poor touch saw the ball run through to Bircham.

Flack and Coulson exchanged passes for Flack to drive a teasing cross across the face of the goal and out to be cleared, while for Stones Hales curled in an effort from the touchline that was just too high.

Rangers doubled their advantage on 67 mins, Madigan sent a ball through the heart of the visiting defence where Schiavi collected to smash the ball past Crockett from the edge of the box.

Schiavi was on the end of a good Deeping move but his shot was straight at Crockett but he was on hand to score the third – Will Bird was fouled, Schiavi stepped up to drive the ball inside the post, from the corner of the box, with a static Crockett helpless. (73 mins)

Stones had a rare chance, CVook’s long ball was taken by de Souza, he ran at Deeping sub Warren McSkelly before trying an ambitious effort that was high.

Rangers’ Kilbride collected a short free kick from Madigan, cut inside but shot at Crockett.

Blackstones had the last word in additional time, Jack Bates did well on the goal line to cross where sub Phil Gadsby’s first touch saw his glance header drop over the line. (90+2)

Full Time – Deeping Rangers 3 Blackstones 1

Attendance - 95

Referee: David Avison (Tattershall)
Assistants: Chris Armond (Cranwell) and Mark Bruntlett (Boston)