Deeping Rangers 2 Ashby Ivanhoe 1

Ashby fell to Deeping in a game of fine margins despite another strong second half performance.

Looking to build off last week's excellent result, Ivanhoe came close to taking an early lead when Sam Grouse curled a shot towards goal from the corner of the box, only to be denied by the post and possibly the slightest of touches by Michael Duggan.

Cruelly, Ivanhoe would find themselves behind just moments later, as an untimely slip by Liam Donaghy allowed space for Josh Moreman to drive into the box and slot the ball into the far corner.

Deeping followed the goal with a strong period of pressure. Looking to exploit the flanks, they delivered several threatening crosses in the first half, however this was to little effect.

Similarly to last week, Ivanhoe looked rejuvenated after the break. Five minutes into the half Chris Acott fired a dipping shot towards goal which beat Duggan, crashed off the bar and bounced off the line and out.

Déjà vu would strike in Deeping's favour for the second time in the match, as an Ashby effort which struck the woodwork was followed by a goal at the other end.

Ellis Burdett's inch perfect cross from the right was met by Luke Hunnings who headed over Sam Taylor and into the top right corner.

The goal was a blow to Ivanhoe, who had played well in the second half. However, they continued to probe and were rewarded eight minutes later as Jack Samples scored for the first time since returning to the club, heading home from close range.

The game was played almost entirely in Deeping's half in the remaining 20 minutes, with Ivanhoe pressing for an equaliser and the hosts content to run the clock down.

Disappointingly though, Ashby failed to trouble Duggan in this period and the game fizzled out with little drama other than a scary head injury to Ashby's Josh Thomas, who was forced off in the closing stages. Fortunately, the midfielder was walking around and talking following the match.

Ashby are due to play Hucknall Town at home on Tuesday.

The visitors only league victory thus far has come against Ivanhoe, something which Andy Gray's side will no doubt use as motivation for the return fixture.