Deeping Rangers were ultimately punished for a slow start against their UCL South opponents.

An unmarked strike by Louis Samuels at the far post in the opening minutes set the tone for a nervy first half for the home side.

Aylestone were fairly comfortable all the way through to half time with a number of other chances. It was a classic case of Rangers needing to get to the break still in the game as opposed to being out of it and further goals in arrears. There was further hindrance for the home side when influential midfield Harvey Thorne (pictured) had to leave the field with a back injury.

There were positive signs but Evan Kane added a second after Rangers struggled to clear the ball from their box.

Frustrated, the home side found their groove but there were a couple of decisions from the officials that appeared to hinder their progress.

A corner fired into the Aylestone box was pushed away by a defenders hand but despite the whole ground seeing it, the linesmans flag stayed down. Whether both he and the referee couldn't clearly tell if it was a home or away arm that made the save might provide mitigation. But the home fans weren't happy.

They were also maddened by the aforementioned Kane landing a headbutt on Spencer Tinkler as the Rangers defender remonstrated with him for a theatrical dive. The referee preferred to keep his cards in his pocket and tell the players to get on with it.

Around this unexpected late drama Ryan Cook raced through on goal to get a goal back for Deeping.

But then, an eventful afternoon for Kane came to a head after Aaron Butcher upended an onrushing forward in the box giving away a penalty.

It was converted to restore Aylestone's two goal cushion. But there was still time for Kellan Hickinson to add a lovely second for Deeping.

There wasn't enough time for that momentum and head of steam to get an equaliser and take us to penalties, but an entertaining cup tie was enjoyed by all.