Deeping Rangers beat Sleaford Town in the United Counties League Premier Division North

Seven points and seven goals during a crucial seven-day spell has moved Deeping Rangers out of the United Counties League relegation zone.

The Clarets followed up their win at Gresley Rovers last weekend and the midweek draw against Skegness Town with a 4-1 derby victory over Sleaford Town on Saturday.

Matt Sparrow struck twice with Bryan Adiado and Scott Waumsley also on target as Rangers continued their resurgence under manager Brett Whaley.

He said: "There have been a lot of good aspects of what we've done over the past week.

"We've only conceded two goals and scored a few more and also picked up the points which are critical because we need to get them on the board at this stage.

"It's been a brilliant week for us because, going into it, we knew how important it was going to be."

Rangers had to overcome an early deficit on Saturday as they conceded a goal after just two minutes when Ricki Goodale could only divert a Josh Parker cross into his own net.

But Whaley was delighted with the reaction of his side and how they also responded to being pegged back in midweek by Skegness Town.

He added: "Our reaction to goals has been really poor and you did worry for us after conceding so early on Saturday.

"The lads pulled together though and it ended up a comfortable win to cap a brilliant week for us.

"It's been pleasing and the real sign of where we are is that we're a little bit disappointed that it's seven points and not nine because we felt that the game last Tuesday got away from us a little bit."

Sparrow opened his account for the afternoon by hauling Rangers level after 25 minutes when the ball fell invitingly for him to smash home his finish past Liam Flitton in the Sleaford goal.

The visiting custodian then twice denied the Deeping goalscorer with smart stops before Rangers went in front five minutes before the break.

Sparrow's cross took a deflection off Flitton leaving Waumsley with a simple header into an empty Sleaford net.

Luke Hunnings and Waumsley both went close to increasing the Clarets' lead after the break before their third goal arrived just past the hour mark.

Adiabo and Sparrow both linked well with the latter pulling the ball back for the former to fire home his first goal since joining Deeping from Parson Drove.

Rangers looked to add to their tally with Flitton producing a fine save to thwart Sparrow while Liam Hook fizzed a shot just past the post.

The win was then wrapped up with four minutes remaining as Sparrow surged past a challenge before driving his shot beyond Flitton.

The victory moved Deeping two points clear of the danger zone but Whaley insists his side still face a fight for survival.

He commented: "We're in the relegation fight so the points are really valuable.

"We can't get too far ahead of ourselves else we'll still be in there. We can't think that it's job done because it isn't.

"There is a long way to go for us and we're in a relegation fight until we're completely clear of it."

A crowd of more than 260 turned out for the derby duel and Whaley was pleased to reward the supporters with a Deeping victory.

He said: "There was a brilliant atmosphere and those that turned out made loads of noise.

"It was a great crowd and, what was really important for us, was to put on a performance that could justify those sorts of numbers coming through the gate.

"I was really pleased and hopefully those that came and watched will come again."

Deeping's next match is a tough trip to second-placed Lincoln United on Saturday.