Penalty shoot-out save ends three-year unbeaten record

One save in a penalty shoot-out finally ended Deeping Rangers' unbeaten run.
By The Newsroom
Published 1st May 2016, 08:56 BST
Updated 1st May 2016, 09:59 BST
Deeping Rangers won the PFA Under-15 CupDeeping Rangers won the PFA Under-15 Cup
Deeping Rangers won the PFA Under-15 Cup

They produced second-half equalisers from prolific pair Nathan Pickering and Alfie Ferguson to force extra-time.

But Ferguson’s spot-kick was kept out by player of the match George Hunter to make the difference as Birchwood Colts converted five penalties.

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Deeping have collected the PFA Under-15 Cup as well as the Peterborough & District Youth League’s Knockout Cup while they will be hoping to add the Division One championship.

However, they just missed out in Saturday’s Lincolnshire FA Under-16 Cup final.

Deeping created plenty of chances but trailed to Jake Soper’s header and a clinical finish by Rhys Patten.

Ferguson set up Pickering to lob Hunter and defender Joe Marshall just seven minutes into the second half.

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Ferguson levelled again for Deeping with a 25-yard drive into the top corner with only 10 minutes left.

Action from Saturday's cup final at Sincil Bank, LincolnAction from Saturday's cup final at Sincil Bank, Lincoln
Action from Saturday's cup final at Sincil Bank, Lincoln

Nathan Lane almost won it with the last touch in stoppage-time after 80 minutes and then Rangers had more opportunities in 20 minutes of extra-time.

Manager John Carver said: “When it goes to penalties, you never know what’s going to happen.

“Overall we gave a good account of ourselves and their goalkeeper getting the man-of-the-match award was a good 
reflection of the game.

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“We looked strong and we matched them in all areas of the pitch. We had chances to win it.

Deeping Rangers Under-15s shared four goals with Birchwood ColtsDeeping Rangers Under-15s shared four goals with Birchwood Colts
Deeping Rangers Under-15s shared four goals with Birchwood Colts

“We’ve won two cups and we are challenging for the title but we hadn’t lost for more than three years.

“This was our 86th game since a defeat so we had a few words in the changing-room after the match to reflect on 
the size of our achievements.

“We are obviously not used to losing and it can be quite difficult to take. We intend to come back in next year’s final.”

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Meanwhile, Deeping face Baston in the under-12 final at Stamford on Friday (7pm).

Celebration time for Nathan PickeringCelebration time for Nathan Pickering
Celebration time for Nathan Pickering

The majority of the players are friends on the same side for the school team.

DEEPING RANGERS U15

4-1-3-2: Conway; Burutsa, Baldock-Smith, Barrand, Carver; Haggett-King; Moroz, Scales, Dee; Lane, Pickering. Subs: Ferguson, Piddington, Baxter, Banham.

BIRCHWOOD COLTS

4-5-1: Hunter; Cook, Soper, J Hobson, Quinn; D Hobson, Mumby, Coles, Durkin, Fenton; Patten. Subs: Birkinshaw, Marshall, Stubbs, Sanders.

REFEREE

Deeping on the attack againDeeping on the attack again
Deeping on the attack again

Matthew Maddison.

GOALS

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Soper (23 mins, 0-1); Pickering (47 mins, 1-1); Patten (58 mins, 1-2); Ferguson (70 mins, 2-2).

PENALTY SHOOT-OUT

Stubbs (0-1 Birchwood); Moroz (1-1); Quinn (1-2); Ferguson (saved by Hunter); Mumby (1-3); Pickering (2-3); Coles (2-4); Barrand (3-4); Fenton (3-5).

BOOKINGS

Marshall (handball); Haggett-King (foul).

ENTERTAINMENT

★★★★★

Related topics:Pickering