Rangers reach cup semi-final after penalty shoot-out drama

Deeping Rangers progressed into the semi-final of Hinchingbrooke Cup but they made hard work of it last night (Wednesday), beating Godmanchester Rovers 6-5 on penalties after drawing 2-2 in regular time.

Dan Flack gave Deeping the lead five minutes into the match at the Haydon Whitham Stadium but Micky Hyem levelled with a 28th minute free kick.

Matt Carter put Rangers back in front in the final minute of the first half but dead ball specialist Hyem equalised with another free kick two minutes from time after Deeping defender Tom Palmer was shown red for a foul leading to the kick.

Rangers got off to a terrible start in the shoot out with Jamie Graham’s penalty saved by Niall Conroy, but Deeping keeper Danny Bircham came up big and saved the third Godmanchester kick. David Burton-Jones, Carter, Charlie Coulson, Joe Braithwaite and Flack all scored to for Rangers with Tom Meechan, Tom Spark, Taylor Parr, Hyem and Tom Moran on target for the visitors to leave the shootout score at five apiece after six kicks.

Bircham saved the next Godmanchester effort from Austin Diaper enabling Ryan Oliver to hit the winning spot kick.

The victory was another success for Rangers’ master tactician Tuncay Korkmaz who has been named the ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League Premier Division manager of the month for January.

Korkmaz was given the award after he guided his side to wins over Harrowby United (3-1), Long Buckby (3-1), Stotfold (3-0) and AFC Kempston Rovers (2-1).

Deeping also drew 2-2 at Wellingborough Town and then lost 2-1 at home to Boston Town.