Deeping Rangers draw with Newark Town in the United Counties League

Josh Moreman scored a late penalty to earn Deeping Rangers a vital point in their United Counties League clash at Newark Town on Saturday.

Moreman converted his spot kick deep into stoppage time as the Clarets shared the spoils with their fourth-placed hosts in a 2-2 draw.

Oleksandr Muzychuk had earlier netted his first goal for the club to get Deeping back on level terms as they pocketed a point to move out of the relegation zone.

Rangers had gone into the clash on the back of a five-goal away defeat at table-topping Eastwood CFC last Saturday.

And they found themselves trailing after just five minutes of the weekend match when Matteo Perkins gave Newark an early lead.

However, within two minutes, Muzychuk had hauled Deeping level and they looked the more likely side to take the lead before half-time.

Ryan Smith had headed one chance wide for the hosts while Perkins saw another effort blocked before Newark goalkeeper Jake West - who is dual registered with Spalding United - produced two superb saves to deny Deeping.

A goalline clearance from former Spalding and Holbeach player Mitch Griffiths then thwarted Deeping early in the second half before West produced another fine save to deny Byron Adiado.

Newark then regained the lead in the 69th minute as an excellent pass from Alex Hales picked out Ryan Rushen who put the Blues back in front.

Deeping continued to look for a second leveller and substitute Luke Hunnings headed just over before the visitors were thrown a late lifeline.

West came flying out of his goal to commit a foul in the area and Moreman kept his composure to convert the spot kick in the sixth minute of injury-time.

The spirited showing moved Deeping one point clear of second-from-bottom Shirebrook Town who lost at Harrowby while basement side Kimberley were beaten by leaders Eastwood.

Deeping are back in action on Tuesday night when they host Spartan South Midlands League Division One side Eaton Socon in the semi-final of the Hinchingbrooke Cup at the Haydon Whitham Stadium.