VERDICT: Five-star display from Deeping Rangers
The man-of-the-match award could have been shared by six players after a terrific display from Deeping Rangers.
Scott Coupland collected the club’s official honour and it’s difficult to argue against that decision.
Taking his tally to 19 goals so far this season, Coupland was also brought down for the penalty which made it 3-0.
Jason Kilbride matched him with two goals and an assist but this was a superb all-round effort.
Central midfielders Luke Avis and David Burton-Jones quite rightly earned plenty of praise from boss Michael Goode after the game as well.
Full-backs Dan Flack and Tom Smith deserve credit for key roles both defensively and offensively.
Take nothing away from their team-mates either as everyone played their part.
It was wonderful to watch – despite difficult conditions – as Deeping delivered a first-class performance.
Goode’s unbeaten record is extended to nine home league games.
But this certainly wasn’t one of those routine victories which you can get at this level.
Deeping had to be on top form because Northampton Spencer arrived with an unbeaten away league run.
Even when they were 3-0 down in the final 20 minutes, they never gave up hope.
But a couple of stoppage-time strikes finished off a great day for Deeping.
They have quality on the ball and sharp passing was made to look simple.
Rangers tried to get the ball wide but Coupland was always likely to be a key man again in a central position.
This time he was closer to Scott Mooney up front while Coupland continued to find those spaces where he gets the ball and creates so many problems.
Avis precisely picked him out on the edge of the penalty box after 18 minutes. Having twisted and turned onto his left foot, Coupland smashed his shot inside the near post.
Three minutes later it was 2-0 as Kilbride’s magnificent 30-yard volley flew in.
Spencer threatened but Deeping regained control to go 3-0 up on 65 minutes.
Avis and Flack combined for Coupland to get free for another shot on goal. He was fouled but Burton-Jones knocked the spot-kick into the bottom corner.
Matt Long replied with a low drive and Spencer had a couple of further chances.
However, there was no way back and Deeping got what they deserved.
Flack got forward again to set up Kilbride’s second and there was still time right at the end for Coupland to double his tally.
That secured a 5-1 home win for the second successive Saturday and this was a five-star display from Deeping.
DEEPING RANGERS
4-4-1-1: Bircham 7; Flack 8, Hunnings 7, Cotton 7, Smith 8; Goldson-Williams 7 (sub Bird 76 mins), Avis 8, Burton-Jones 8, Kilbride 8; Coupland 8; Mooney 7 (sub Tinkler 89 mins). Subs not used: Porter, Marsden, Swan.
NORTHAMPTON SPENCER
4-4-2: Thomson; Gartland, Lowery, L Bartley, Inwood; Dove, McBride, Matiyenga (sub Hall 65 mins), Allen (sub Clamp 65 mins); J Bartley (sub Haycock 57 mins), Long. Subs not used: Lutter, B Stone.
REFEREE
Joshua Crofts.
GOALS
Coupland (18 mins, 1-0); Kilbride (21 mins, 2-0); Burton-Jones pen (65 mins, 3-0); Long (71 mins, 3-1); Kilbride (90 mins, 4-1); Coupland (90 mins, 5-1).
BOOKING
Burton-Jones (foul).
ATTENDANCE
74
STAR MAN
Scott Coupland – two goals, fouled for the penalty and always a threat going forward. The man-of-the-match award could have gone to a few others who stood out too.
WHO’S NEXT
Boston Town (H) – Lincolnshire FA Senior Trophy quarter-final, Tuesday.