DEEPING RANGERS 1 ST IVES TOWN 3: Deeping’s UCL Premier Division title hopes all but ended on Saturday as third-placed St Ives secured a deserved three points.
The hosts were behind on 23 minutes thanks to a freak James Doughty own goal, which saw the keeper palm the ball into his net after a collision with skipper Steve Julian.
A debut strike from Dom Lawless (31) then put the Saints in command at Outgang Road – and although Dave Burton-Jones pulled one back (69), Karl Gibbs headed his 22nd of the season (84) to seal a big win for the visitors.
With Matt Heron (ban), Harry Deane (unavailable) and Ash Stevens (left for Holbeach United) all missing, Rangers were severely depleted in attack and never really looked like taking anything from the game. They are now 21 points behind leaders Holbeach with just 14 games left to play.
Deeping player/boss Tuncay Korkmaz said: “It’s a shame that we were missing so many, it would have been a better game. We perhaps looked like getting a draw for a ten minute spell after our goal, but overall the best side won.
“You have to defend set-pieces well against St Ives and unfortunately we came up short.
“I can’t blame Ash Stevens for going to Holbeach, he’s got a massive chance of winning the league there. We may look to bring somebody in if the right player is available, but overall we’re still well-equipped to finish in the top six.”
Rangers: Doughty, Lambley, Jackson, Tinkler, Julian, Holt, Hands (Bull), Burton-Jones, Beck, Ashton, Stone (Ginty).
• Sat: Deeping v S&L Corby (3pm).