Deeping Rangers lose at Kimberley Miners Welfare in their United Counties League opener
A dream start turned into a nightmare opening day of the United Counties League season for Deeping Rangers on Saturday.
The Clarets hit the front after just six minutes of their Premier Division North match at Kimberley Miners Welfare.
However, the hosts equalised just before the half-hour mark and had raced into a 4-1 lead by the half-time interval.
Kimberley added a further two goals in the second period to send Johnny Alflatt's side to a heavy defeat.
It had all started so well for the Clarets when Sam Mulready slotted home from a tight angle to give them an early lead.
There was little sign of the goal avalanche to come up until the 29th minute when Kimberley levelled with a tidy finish from Josh Mundell.
Hesitation in the Deeping defence was then punished two minutes later when Lewis Weaver fired the hosts in front.
Luke Clemenson went close to getting Deeping back on level terms with a header before the home side netted a third goal after 37 minutes with a long range strike from Josh Timson.
A fourth goal then followed on the stroke of half-time when a cross was hammered home by Paul Johnson.
Rob Conyard replaced goalscorer Mulready at the break and Jonny Lockie was introduced shortly after for Clemenson.
Conyard could have cut the deficit just before the hour mark but he headed wide from Josh Sennett's teasing cross.
Clarets custodian Tyler Key then made a fine save to prevent Kimberley from increasing their advantage while Liam Hook went close for Deeping from a free-kick.
The visitors had been much improved in the second half but any hopes of a comeback were dashed by two goals in the final five minutes from Declan Brown.
Rangers are without a midweek league match before hitting the road again on Saturday when they travel to Shirebrook Town in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup.