Skippers blast enough for Rangers to progress in FA Cup

for the first half.

Town went on the attack from the kick off, a corner saw scramble where a Bees header had visiting keeper Lewis Elsom down smartly to save among a flurry of legs in the first minute, another chance saw Barnes Gladman collect, his shot on the turn smashed against the upright.

Rangers started to see progress into the Town half, Charlie Coulson’s pass allowed Scott Mooney a shot that was just over the corner of the frame of the goal, it was the visitors who made the breakthrough on 24 mins, Dan Jarvis won well and fed Jordan Macleod, he ran to the edge of the box where he delivered a super ball into the middle of the box for Jezz Adams to apply a good finish from 8 yards. 0-1

The lead only lasted 4 mins, the Referee gave a cheap free kick against Deeping, Finlay Gray curled the kick under the bar beyond Elsom’s attempt to push away. 1-1

Jarvis chased a long ball to challenge home keeper Glen Giles, the ball fell for him but his route to goal was well defended by Town, Jarvis laid for Mooney, his shot being well blocked out to Adams who could not benefit and the ball was eventually claimed by the keeper.

The Clarets regained the lead on 32 mins, skipper David Burton-Jones won on half way, his pass sent Macleod racing down the wing, he cut back inside to blast at goal, Giles pushed away well for the ball to be belted back high into the net by Burton-Jones from the edge of the box. 1-2

Rangers were close to increasing their lead when Coulson’s pass allowed Macleod to advance, his shot from the corner of the box hitting Bees Freddie Robinson and looping over the goal.

Half Time – Harborough Town 1 Deeping Rangers 2

The visitors started the second period well but did not take advantage of their chances, Dan Flack was sent free by Coulson’s fine pass, his lay off allowed Macleod a shot that was well defended by the home team.

Harborough began to dominate possession, a Tony Bartlett corner saw Dan Forbes meet, his header being blocked on the post and cleared, Aaron Preston laid off for Bartlett to shoot but he skied his effort under pressure from Luke Andersen.

A ball over the Town back line had Adams bearing down into the box, Giles was out well to save at his feet.

Harborough’s Ali Ashkir thrust forward, his pass found Bartlett in freedom, his shot for the top corner bringing a fine save from Elsom, Gray’s clever free kick picked out Bees skipper Ben Williams, his controlled touch rebounding from the post.

Town’s Josh Walsh did well in the visitors box, his cutback being well defended away, Preston pounced on a loose ball but the shot dribbled through to Elsom.

With the game into additional time Harry Henbury dribbled his way into the Clarets box, his shot being well blocked by the resolute Rangers back line.

After a tight tussle it is Deeping who progress to an away tie at Step 4 Bedford Town in the FA Cup Preliminary Round – Wembley is still a long, long way away!

Full Time – Harborough Town 1 Deeping Rangers 2

Harborough Town: 1. Glen Giles, 2. Tony Bartlett, 3. Finlay Gray, 4. Freddie Robinson (18. Josh Walsh – 46), 5. Ben Williams ©, 6. Mark Baker, 7. Barnes Gladman (15. Harry Henbury – 68), 8. Callum Steer, 9. Dan Forbes 10. Aaron Preston, 10. Alex Morris, 11. Ali Ashkir

Subs (not used): 12. Jack Clipston, 13. Michael Brookes, 14. Thomas Gudyer, 16. Ryan Hodkinson, 17. Peter Taylor,

Deeping Rangers: 1. Lewis Elsom, 2. Dan Flack, 3. Luke Andersen, 4. David Burton-Jones ©, 5. Luke Hunnings, 6. Aaron Davies, 7. Dan Jarvis, 8. Charlie Coulson, 9. Scott Mooney (15. Jake Sansby – 77), 10. Jordan Macleod, 11. Jeremiah Adams (12. Fraser Sturgess – 68)

Subs (not used): 14. Matt Carter, 16. Jack Marsden, 17. Danny Bircham

Referee: Abdul Kadir