DEEPING may have lost the battle but they have certainly not lost the war.

Both these sides went into Saturday's top of the table clash boasting 100 per cent winning records and, despite Deeping losing theirs after a well fought game, boss Tim Barnes expects his side to bounce straight back from their 1-0 loss at Beaumont Way.

As both managers employed man markers to good effect the game was understandably tight.

With Deeping keeping a close eye on Mason Wilson-Rhiney while Hampton watched Joe Hussey like hawks, chances were few and far between as these two well matched teams went toe to toe.

Both these two teams have more than one dangerman, however, as Hampton's Bradley Catton proved when firing in the only goal of the game from range.

Deeping now face Bourne who managed to maintain their own 100 per cent record with a win at Netherton Falcons, but Barnes is hopeful history is on his side as he attempts to get his side back in the winning habit.

He said: "It was a really good tight game and, fair play to Hampton, they got the goal and played really well. Both myself and their managers, Mark (Sandsby) and Dave (Foster), had targeted the opponent's dangermen and that meant goals were always going to be few and far between.

"But you can't watch everyone all the time and they ended up scoring a great goal which gave them the points. We now have to play Bourne who are at the top of the table too and we hope to be able to get a result there.

"We did the double over them last season so we will be confident, but they are a class side and we will have to be at our best to get the points."

Hampton meanwhile are sitting pretty at the top of the league after a win which owed as much to their goal keeper Lewis Saunders as it did to Catton's excellent strike.

Assistant manager Sandsby said: "It was always going to be a tight game against Deeping as they are a cracking team and we are delighted to have just edged the game, especially as the boys took on board their instruction so well.

"But with four minutes to go my heart was in my mouth when they got through our defence but Lewis made a superb save which kept our lead.

"James Ward and Liam Hatfield also made massive contributions in defence but the whole team were superb on the day and can be proud of their efforts.

"I would also like to add that the referee (Joe Wareing) had an outstanding game for a 15 year-old lad and was a credit to the Junior Alliance."