Deeping Rangers draw with Eastwood CFC in the United Counties League Premier Division North
Goalkeeper Michael Duggan produced a man-of-the-match performance on his Deeping Rangers debut to help the Clarets halt Eastwood's six-game United Counties League winning run on Saturday.
The former Spalding United goalkeeper produced a string of fine saves as the two sides shared the spoils in an entertaining 2-2 draw in the Premier Division North.
Duggan made his Rangers bow with regular number one Aaron Butcher unavailable for the clash against their high-flying Nottinghamshire visitors.
Joint Deeping boss Scott Bogusz explained: "Sometimes in football, things just fall into place and it worked like that on Saturday because Duggy needs games of football and we were able to give him a game on Saturday.
"He's a great lad and he was brilliant for us. It was not only pleasing for us to bring him in and do so well but it also shows him that he's still more than capable.
"It will now be his decision going forward. We know how good he is but step three and four teams are also interested in signing him."
Deeping had gone into the game having won their last three league matches without conceding a goal.
Visiting Eastwood's rich vein of form had catapulted them up into second spot but they fell behind just past the half-hour mark when Matt Sparrow's cross was turned home by Tom Waumsley.
Eastwood found a way past Duggan before the interval but Rangers had regained the lead after the break through substitute Avi Vieira with a back post finish from a corner.
The visitors again levelled the match with both sides having chances to win the contest late on before the honours finished even on a stifling hot day.
Bogusz added: "It wasn't a nice heat to be playing in, but the lads did really well and they put everything they had into it.
"It was a really good game for the neutral with two teams playing different styles of football. We're starting a bit of a run for ourselves and it was important for us to take that into the game.
"We tried to exploit their weaknesses throughout the game which was pleasing because it shows us that the lads have got that adaptability in their game. We can change it if we need to and we did that.
"You would take a point before the game against a team which is second in the league, but it is always a little bit disappointing when you take the lead twice in a match.
"At the same time, there are a lot of teams in football who then lose the game 3-2 so it is a good point.
"It's a great result but we can't rest on it because all that hard work needs to be repeated in the next two games."
Deeping: Duggan, Duncliffe (Horne), Smith, Tinkler, Burton-Jones, Dougill (Salmon), Sparrow (Dias), Hook, Waumsley (Vieira), Foster, Davies (Sennett).
Deeping are at home to Hucknall Town on Saturday.
Defender Harvey Henderson has left the club to join Premier Division South side Yaxley.
