Manager Brett Whaley keeps repeating that his young side will have up and down days and after the 5-1 defeat at Melton on Bank Holiday Monday there would have been plenty of people thinking this would be another difficult afternoon for his side.

Still shorn of the likes of Aaron Butcher, Tom Smith, Jacob Goodley, James Stainsby and Johnny Lockie, it was another inexperienced Rangers line up that took to the field against their unbeaten, league leading neighbours.

The return from injury of Lewis Arber in midfield would be key as he was in a fierce battle with last seasons Deeping captain Dan Dougill, now of Grantham. It was a tight first half in the warm and windy conditions with the visitors shading it on possession, territory and chances.

The second half was a different story as Deeping weathered the storm and in Byron Adiado had a threat on the break.

Grantham had one clear cut chance in those minutes but teenage goalkeeper Issac Meek produced an acrobatic save to turn the ball away to safety. Seconds later the table turned completed as neat interplay saw Ryan Cook bearing down on the Grantham goal. He kept his cool to fire past Jack Steggles and the leaders were behind.

Grantham threw everything at Deeping for what felt like an eternity, including 11 minutes of time added on. The goalkeeper kept going up to try and get on the end of set pieces. He even took a long throw!

Another former Ranger, Josh Moreman, came on to try and push for an equaliser. But the rhythm was never there and when Dougill got sent to the sin bin for dissent, much to the joy of the home fans, the visitors looked like they were running out of steam.

A red card didn't help their cause.

It wouldn't necessarily have been a fair reflection on the game, but Deeping could have added to their tally on the break. Adiado, and subs Josh Randall and Kellan Hickinson all had chances to add to the score line.

Over the 90+ minutes though the better team won and Deeping will be hoping for more derby success this midweek when Skegness come to visit.