DEEPING RANGERS 1 (Burton-Jones 20) HOLBEACH UNITED 3 (Flack 9, Allen 11, Harris 37): FLAWLESS Holbeach roared to a first win at Outgang Road since 2004 as they ended Deeping’s 22-game UCL Premier Division unbeaten streak at a canter on Tuesday night.
Dan Flack, Jonny Allen and Robbie Harris all found the net in the first half of the Lincolnshire derby, helping the Tigers make it five wins from as many games in the league this season.
John Chand’s side are now the only side to boast a 100 per cent record in the division and jump up to third in the early standings.
Although David Burton-Jones reduced Holbeach’s lead to 2-1 midway through the first period, Chand felt the scoreline flattered their hosts somewhat – such was the visitors dominance.
The Tigers chief said: “The score didn’t really reflect our dominance, it could have been much more to be honest.
“We played some great football and to win at Deeping, a place we’ve done so badly at over the years, really lays down a big marker.
“We’ve just got so many options. To win without Sam Mulready, Andrew Tidswell or Wes Lewis starting shows the strength in depth we have.
“At any level of football stability is also key – and I think we’re bearing the fruits of that now. This start is off the back of three years of hard work and I’m sure we’ll be there or thereabouts come the end of the season.
“Obviously it’s great to be the only side with a 100 per cent record, but that will mean nothing come the end of the season if we let our form dip like last year.”
The Tigers started superbly at their bogey ground and were soon 2-0 up when Flack fired home from close range and then Allen capitalised on a defensive mix-up to net the second.
Deeping’s man-of-the-match Burton-Jones planted a strike into the roof of the net to restore hope for the hosts soon after, but Harris buried a Mitch Griffiths cross five minutes before the break to restore the Tigers’ cushion.
Striker Harris and sub Lewis both missed great chances to add to the Holbeach tally, while Michael Byrne wasted Deeping’s best chance after the interval.
The Tigers now visit East Midlands Counties League leaders Basford United in the FA Vase on Saturday (3pm), before meeting Deeping again – this time at Carter’s Park – in the UCL Knockout Cup on Wednesday night (7.45pm).
Chand admits he’s more focused on success in the league this time around – but he isn’t taking either cup competition lightly.
“Basford have been going really well, so they’ll be a test,” added Chand. “But the league is our priority. The Vase is a massive competition, but I want us to be judged on league form this year.”
Andy Toyne should feature in both games after extending his loan from Spalding United to October 10.
Rangers: Doughty, Lambley, Tinkler, Logan, Julian, Ashton (Heron), Deane, Burton-Jones, Byrne (Hands), Holt, Beck (Brader). Not used: Waumsley, Ihama.
Tigers: Overton, Allen, Parker, Stevens, Brown, Toyne, Stupple, Flack, Treacher (Lewis 70), Harris (Tidswell 76), Griffiths. Not used: Elston, Sells, Jackson.
• HOLBEACH are running a coach for fans to travel to Basford on Saturday, leaving from Carter’s Park at 11.30am. Call 07733 123936 for more details.