Deeping Rangers beat Ashby Ivanhoe in the United Counties League Premier Division North
Deeping Rangers recorded a fourth successive United Counties League victory to boost their play-off push on Saturday.
The Clarets were 2-1 home winners over Ashby Ivanhoe in the Premier Division North clash at the Haydon Whitham Stadium.
Josh Moreman and Luke Hunnings hit the goals which moved Rangers to within three points of a coveted top five spot.
Joint manager Scott Bogusz commented: "It was another good win and the result was really pleasing.
"If you look at the league table and where Ashby are, most people would say that it should have been three points.
"But they have played a lot of games less than everybody else because they've had really good cup runs and you can't be a bad side if you do well in FA competitions.
"It was a difficult game and the pleasing thing for us was that our first goal came when I felt we were edging the game.
"Both teams had good spells but we managed to score when we were on top and there have been times this season when we haven't punished teams.
"The second goal was also pleasing because we have been working on setpieces in training and different ways to score goals rather than just in open play."
With goalkeeper Aaron Butcher sidelined due to injury, Deeping brought in ex-Spalding custodian Michael Duggan who has remained on dual registration with Stamford since early in the season.
The Daniels' Ashton Offler also remained with Rangers for his final game before the completion of his step three suspension.
New signing Rob Conyard was also on the bench having returned to Rangers from league rivals Wisbech Town.
The visitors had gone closest to breaking the deadlock in the early stages with goalkeeper Duggan producing a fantastic fingertip save to turn Sam Grouse's shot onto the post.
Rangers then took the lead shortly after as Moreman rounded off a good team move with a calm finish for his second goal in three games.
Ashby came close to getting back on level terms early in the second half when Chris Acott rattled the crossbar with a shot.
But Deeping then doubled their lead just past the hour mark as John-Paul Duncliffe and Ellis Perry-Burdett linked well from a throw-in with the latter's pinpoint cross being headed home by man of the match Hunnings.
The visitors did cut the deficit midway through the second half when Jack Samples finished well with a header after a tidy move but Rangers saw out the remainder of the game for a hard-earned victory.
They now face a crunch clash on Saturday with a trip to fifth-placed Melton Town.
