SHEPSHED DYNAMO 2 DEEPING RANGERS 3: Alex Beck’s last-minute strike sealed a dramatic victory for Deeping on Saturday – and brought an end to their six-game winless streak.
With hosts Shepshed appealing for offside, the striker kept his cool to fire home a disputed winner at The Dovecote, keeping his side in the hunt for a top four finish in the process.
Beck had earlier cancelled out Steve Chaplin’s second-minute opener, before Matt Heron’s 65th-minute effortwas equalised by a second from Dynamo ace Chaplin (75).
Although his side required a last-gasp goal to secure all three points, Rangers chief Tuncay Korkmaz felt his charges deserved to win by a bigger margin.
“It was a refreshing change to be on the right end of a late goal for once,” said the Turkish tactician. “But although we left it late, I felt we deserved to win a bit more comfortably.
“On the balance of play we had eight really good chances and it should really have been all over by half time.
“But credit to Shepshed, they are a good side and going forward they also caused us plenty of problems.
“It was pleasing to get the game on, but the conditions were very difficult.”
On a heavy pitch, Chaplinput the hosts ahead when he held off skipper Steve Julian and fired past James Doughty.
But Deeping were level four minutes later when a Julian free kick was flicked on by Heron and buried by Beck.
David Burton-Jones, Tom James and Ryan Oliver all wasted good chances in the first half before Heron put Rangers ahead for the first time, finishing well after his initial strike hit the post.
James then missed a sitter at the back post before Chaplin lashed home a stunning leveller from distance.
Deeping had the last word though, with Beck finishing off Heron’s cross to seal a first win since January 5.
Meanwhile, Korkmaz is hopeful of hanging onto captain Julian after receiving a seven-day approach from rivals Holbeach United. The approach came hot on the heels of Nick Jackson’s departure to Spalding United – and the respected boss admits the ball is in the defender’s court.
He added: “I had an honest chat with Steve and we both know where we stand. If he decides to go, I’ll wish him well.
“Likewise, Jacko went to Spalding with our best wishes. He was a great lad to have at the club, but he has the chance to be part of something big.”
Deeping: Doughty, Tinkler, Stone, Ashton, Julian, Holt, James, Burton-Jones, Beck, Heron, Oliver. Not used: Bull, Evans, Korkmaz.