Deeping Rangers take on Newark and Sherwood in the United Counties League

Deeping Rangers play the first of back-to-back matches against Newark and Sherwood on Saturday as they target a third successive victory to continue their bid to move away from the relegation zone.

The Clarets have beaten Kimberley and Gresley in their last two games in the United Counties League Premier Division North.

They host the Highwaymen on Saturday before making the return trip to their adopted home at Harrowby United the following weekend.

That is followed by a home semi-final in the Hinchingbrooke Cup when Rangers entertain Eaton Socon on Tuesday, March 18.

Boss Brett Whaley said: "When you're in a relegation fight, which we still are, every game is important.

"It will be unusual playing Newark back-to-back as it means that you want to put in a good performance in the first game so you can get a bit of an advantage for the second one.

"I don't care who we play now because we need to keep picking up points because everybody is fighting down there.

"We've got two league games and then a cup semi-final so it's a big couple of weeks for us."

Bourne Town travel to Belper United on Saturday after 2-0 home win against Ashby Ivanhoe in midweek.

Blackstones host sixth-placed Staveley Miners Welfare on Saturday with the Stamford side holding a four-point advantage over their Derbyshire visitors.

Stones remain in fourth place and among the play-off spots despite defeat at Southwell City last weekend with eight games of their season remaining.

Holbeach host Dussindale and Hellesdon in Division One North of the Thurlow Nunn League while Pinchbeck travel to table-topping Haverhill Rovers.