Deeping Rangers 3
Holbeach United 3
Two injury-time goals rescued Holbeach United a deserved share of the spoils with Lincolnshire rivals Deeping Rangers on Tuesday night.
After a goalless first period at The Haydon Whitham Stadium, Levi Wright fired Tuncay Korkmaz’s Deeping ahead soon after the re-start – only for Ash Murrell to level matters from a Lee Beeson cross in the 55th minute.
Matt Sparrow then hauled hosts Rangers back into the lead on 77 minutes after a howler from keeper Nick Conroy, before Wright looked to have wrapped up the points with his second in the final minute of normal time.
However, young gun Jordan Keeble pulled one back instantly when he diverted Beeson’s cross into the net, setting the stage for Charley Sanders to a fire dramatic 96th minute leveller for Darren Jarvis and his side.
The draw leaves Holbeach three points behind third-placed Thurnby Nirvana in fourth ahead of two Easter away games at Northampton Sileby Rangers (Saturday, 3pm) and Wisbech Town (Monday, 3pm).
Boss Darren Jarvis was again delighted with the character his side showed to secure a late draw, but did feel they deserved more than they got in a game that was plagued by high winds and heavy rain.
“It was an interesting game,” said Jarvis, who started his managerial career with Deeping Reserves. “We were against the wind in the first half, so I was delighted to go in 0-0 at half time.
“Credit to Deeping, they started the second half well and went ahead.
“But we were playing some good stuff and when we got level I felt we’d go on and win the game.
“Nick’s mistake then gifted them a second, which was a little soul-destroying.
“From then on we pushed on and really went for it. Even at 3-1 down I didn’t think it was over – and the character we showed to get those two goals was typical of the side of late.
“Certainly we deserved a point. On reflection of the entire 90 minutes, I’d say we were the side that deserved more, too.
“I know they were a little disappointed with the amount of added time.
“But with the amount of substitutions and Deeping’s ‘time management’ towards the end, I think the referee was justified.”
Jarvis is now looking forward to two exciting Easter games, against sides that are still battling for very different reasons.
Saturday’s opponents Sileby are embroiled in a relegation battle, while Monday’s trip to title-chasing Wisbech is sure to be a cracker.
New signing Jack Marsden, from Peterborough Northern Star, hopes to shake off an ankle injury to make his debut – and Jarvis is excited by both matches.
He added: “It’s just great to be involved in games that still mean something at this stage of the season.
“Sileby are a very unpredictable side – it won’t be easy for us.
“They are fighting for every point and will want to secure their UCL Premier Division status. It’ll be a really tough test, I’m sure.
“Monday at Wisbech will be a fantastic derby game. I’m really looking forward to that one.
“We’ll not think about that one too much just yet as Saturday is our focus. But I know that our fans are excited about it.
“Both matches are fantastic for very different reasons. It’s going to be hard to beat teams that are still fighting for points.”
The Tigers have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the Easter double, but will manage to fitness of Stacy Cartwright.
The defender managed an hour against Deeping as a holding midfielder on his return from a lengthy abscence and is more likely to feature against former club Wisbech on Monday.
Deeping: Feetham, Flack, Smith, Tinkler, Lewis, Palmer (Carter), Wright, Ginty, Goldson-Williams, Hamid (Sparrow), Avis.
Holbeach: Conroy, Worthington, Parker, Cartwright (Newman), Brown, Murrell (Keeble), Beeson, Kirby, Sanders, Tidswell, King.
Attendance: 75.
