At 2-0 down and not against the run of play Deeping were making endless unforced errors and the City keeper looked to be in outstanding form.

A powerful Andy Brassington cross-cum-shot was then brilliantly roofed by the charging James Sharpe and Deeping had a sniff of the game.

They came out after half-time like a different more dominant side but still traded goals with City, twice taking the lead and then losing it when sloppy defence ignored the basics.

Paul Tancred scored another beauty and Sharpe was on hand to convert a deserved penalty flick from his own shot.

Sharpe then made a staggering solo run from the halfway line but, having beaten everyone, he hit the post when it was easier to score.

The game then got a little ugly with one player from each side lucky to only see yellow cards.

Henry Winfield-Chislett got a fourth, but after more careless hesitant defence Deeping conceded the lead with minutes to go and many teams might have settled for a draw.

To their credit Deeping stormed back and, when the ball ran loose to Russ Seton, he showed Sharpe how to score from an awkard angle by slotting the ball neatly into the net for a last-gasp winner.

Market Deeping II 5 Spalding II 4

UNLIKE their first team, the seconds never looked in real trouble but nearly became the authors of their own defeat as they threw away a substantial lead.

In the end Ali Rowledge's second goal provided the winner in this highly-entertaining nine-goal game.

Early Deeping pressure paid dividends as Phil Arnold continued his fine run of form to notch his sixth of the season, sweeping home after good work from Rowledge down the right wing.

Simon Biggs then coolly converted a short corner to double the lead before Paul Byrne smashed home as Deeping threatened to run riot.

It seems that Spalding only start to play well when they are up against it and, as Deeping took their foot off the gas, slack marking saw their defence left chasing shadows as the visitors pulled one back.

Four goals before half-time is always a good return for the spectators, but there was still time for a fifth.

Chris Mann's shot looked to be heading in, but Jas Phagoora following in made sure from close range.

A three-goal cushion at half-time was the signal for Deeping to sit back and the teams traded goals as Spalding then Rowledge for Deeping scored.

Sloppy marking once again allowed Spalding a foothold into a game in which they had looked dead and buried.

Two more goals brought Spalding to within one, but Deeping refused to relinquish the lead and began to attack dangerously in what became a bad-tempered affair with both sides having a man yellow-carded for dissent as the frantic second half threatened to boil over.

St Neots IV 1 Deeping Ladies II 3

DEEPING went to the top of their Cambs League Division Two Cup group with a well-deserved win at a dank and dark St Neots.

They mustered only 10 players for the game but still managed to dominate play.

After they had made numerous chances Charlotte Baxter opened the scoring.

In the final minutes of the first half St Neots finally broke through and had their first shot at goal but were denied by the goalkeeping of new signing Alison Swift.

The second half saw Debbie Wilding score the first of her two goals, closely followed by a nasty facial injury to Jo Addison who had played brilliantly throughout.

With Deeping down to just nine players St Neots finally managed to score, but the visitors continued to attack and Wilding scored again.

As Deeping continued to defend well, giving St Neots few chances at goal, Rachel Gale twisted her ankle and was carried off.

Down to only eight players and with 13 minutes left to play, Deeping not only managed to prevent St Neots from scoring but still managed to keep possession and keep attacking.