Saturday February 4th 2006

Cambridge League Div 2

Market Deeping Ladies (3) v Ely Ladies 2nd XI (0)

Deeping’s ladies were bitterly disappointed to yet again be awarded a 3-0 walkover in their game against Ely – poor preparation for their tough table-topping game at Saffron Walden next week. They have played just once since Christmas.

East Div 3NW

Market Deeping 1st XI (1) v Cambridge City 3rd XI (2)

This game was a huge disappointment for an understrength  Deeping 1st XI as they failed to topple the league leaders. They lacked their usual midfield but still felt they should have beaten a subdued City side on the day. Both City goals came from defensive disorganisation. Pete Jeffery got Deeping’s goal to equalise but Deeping couldn’t finish the job..

East Div 5NW

Cambridge South 2nd XI (1) v Market Deeping 2nd XI (6)

Deeping could have put out an entire XI of absent, injured or flu–ridden players this week, and there was some trepidation as they took two vets who had already played for the thirds plus regular umpire Andy Gregson to play mid-table Cambridge South.

They needn’t have worried as one of the double-uppers, Russ Seaton drove through the South defence with an ease he didn’t produce in the 3rd XI, and Gregson, out of the game for two seasons after a nasty accident, almost scored with his first touch. He looked comfortable throughout but it was the goal grabber, Steve Waters who opened the scoring - and with the aid of Seaton completed a ten-minute hat trick. Seaton then dribbled right through the South defence and set up Waters to add a fourth at the far post to pass his all time seasonal goals record. Seaton then smashed home a short corner on the stroke of half time.

Deeping were more subdued in the second half, but the defensive qualities of Jez Phipps, Phil Tokens and Magnus Windsor shone and skipper Mike Gregson looked dangerous every time they broke out. Seaton scored another superb solo goal, and South grabbed a very late consolation. Deeping will stay in the second promotion spot and should be much stronger next week against bottom of the table St. Neots 4th.

East Div 7NW

Market Deeping 3rd XI (3) v Spalding 4th XI (1)

With two of their best youngsters out with flu, Deeping’s team called on seven veterans to play Spalding’s teenage stars. Only two points separated the teams at the top of the league but the contrast between the teams was obvious – Spalding were all superb movement, constant running and competitive tackling while Deeping doggedly defended, used their superior skills and called on several hundred years of experience. It was just about enough, as they took the lead after 15 minutes when Russ Seaton got on the end of a long sweeping move down the right. Spalding equalised from a short corner and it was 1-1 at half time.

Ed Saunders in his first game for 18 months and young regular Phil Arnold were excellent in defence, the latter also deserving a goal as his shot was brilliantly saved.

Deeping then soaked up enormous pressure for the first ten minutes of the second half, but gutsy defending saw them through, before Kevin Richardson accurately converted a switched short corner. Deeping then made a few more chances and at another short corner Richardson’s reverse stick shot found its way in through a forest of legs and feet. Deeping go back to three points clear at the top of 7NW – but play the new second placed side Peterborough next week.