Macleod strikes as Clarets share the spoils with Tigers

find the cutting edge often enough to secure the winning position.

Rangers saw the first chance, Scott Mooney laid for Dan Jarvis, he proceeded into the box before blasting for goal bring a good save from home custodian Ricky Drury.

It became a long ball game that did little for those looking for a footballing contest.

Another Clarets raid had Jarvis finding Jordan Macleod in the box, he fed Dan Banister to shoot high over from 20 yards.

Deeping made the breakthrough on 23 mins, Michael Simspon did well in the corner, his cross saw Jarvis arriving to slam home from 12 yards for 0-1.

The Tigers responded, Luke Avis got in behind the Clarets back line to whip in a cross that Will Bird met, his header just off target.

Holbeach levelled on 33 mins, a back pass from the Tigers half saw young keeper Lewis Elsom mis control, Jonnie Lockie was quickly on hand to nip the ball away and run the ball into the empty net – 1-1

This buoyed the Tigers and they took the lead on 41 mins, Danny Setchell’s corner saw Spencer Tinkler rise at the far post, his header was well saved by Elsom but the ball fell for Lockie to slide home for 2-1.

Rangers were close as half time loomed, Luke Andersen’s free kick was met by Luke Hunnings, the header had Drury reacting to tip the ball around the post.

Half Time – Holbeach United 2 Deeping Rangers 1

The second period followed a similar pattern of play as neither side threatened their opposing keeper, Tigers Avis got to the goal line to whip a ball through the Rangers goal area that evaded everyone.

Deeping were level on 71 mins, Coulson won the ball on half way, he advanced before setting Macleod off on a marauding, weaving run, he went past two defenders before driving into the far corner past Drury’s dive - 2-2.

United’s Avis sent a ball through the Clarets defence, Lockie collected but his effort from the corner of the box flew wide of the post

Rangers had a couple of chances, Flack won the ball, he fed Jezz Adams who found space for a shot that dribbled by the far post, Michael Simpson fed Macleod, he advanced into the box to slide past the advanced Drury where Adams touched the ball home only for the Assistant’s flag to be raised for offside (looked a questionable decision to me!)

So after all the huffing and puffing the near neighbours had to settle for a point apiece.

Full Time – Holbeach United 2 Deeping Rangers 2

Attendance: 191

Holbeach United: 1. Ricky Drury, 2. Josh Ford, 3. Tom Smith, 4. Luke Wilson (14. Joe Braithwaite –90), 5. Spencer Tinkler ©, 6. Adam Jackson, 7. Luke Avis (12. Jack Smith – 79), 8. Danny Setchell, 9. Jonnie Lockie, 10. Joe Smith, 11. Will Bird (15. Liam Adams – 73)

Subs (not used): Luke Nicholson

Deeping Rangers: 1. Lewis Eslom, 2. Dan Flack, 3. Luke Andersen, 4. David Burton-Jones ©, 5. Luke Hunnings, 6. Aaron Davies, 7. Michael Simpson (14. Charlie Coulson – 66), 8. Dan Jarvis, 9. Scott Mooney (16. Fraser Sturgess – 90+5), 10. Jordan Macleod, 11. Dan Banister (12. Jeremiah Adams – 79)

Subs (not used): 15. Matt Carter, 17. Sam Murphy

Referee: Georgios Markou Nikandrou

Assistants: William Hardie and Mark Bruntlett