Bottom of the table, Deeping Rangers, were the visitors to the Town Ground as Heanor looked to continue their winning run. Tom Hilton made his debut for the Lions as Charlie Cheetham was also restored to the starting line up.

In a mostly forgettable first half, Jamie Sleigh had Heanor’s best chance on 36 minutes as he raced through into the area. His shot was just tipped round the post by Watson, in the Deeping net.

With driving rain affecting conditions, Rangers decided to shoot from distance, Pierrepont turning away their best effort on the half hour mark. But the game remained goalless at the half time break.

The second half sparked into life after 50 minutes, however, as another long range shot from Deeping was clawed onto the underside of the bar by Pierrepont. The ball bounced down on the line and a Rangers forward looked to have the goal at his mercy, but couldn’t convert the chance.

Just five minutes later, however, Deeping opened the scoring with a very similar move. This time Pierrepont tipped a long range free kick onto the inside of the post, but Baker, following in, bundled the ball home on this occasion, giving the visitors the lead.

This stung the Lions into action, and on the hour mark Heanor drew level. John King picked the ball up just outside the box and unleashed a terrific left footed shot that left the ‘keeper floundering as it arrowed into the top right hand corner.

Just three minutes later, Heanor were ahead. This time Jamie Sleigh made no mistake as he found space on the left hand side and smashed a quality finish into the net.

In the 74th minute, Heanor looked to have secured the points, as Mason Tudgay danced past a couple of challenges before hitting another long range effort into the top corner.

Deeping showed plenty of spirit, though, and forced a penalty decision from the referee with just five minutes remaining; Thorne making no mistake from the spot.

This left a nervous last few minutes for Heanor as they saw out the match. Sam Brown made a last ditch challenge with virtually the last kick of the game to ensure the Lions held onto all three points.

In an entertaining second half, Heanor scored three ‘goal of the season’ contenders to extend their winning run to four games.

View our matchday photos captured by the wonderful Lesley Parker. Follow the link; Heanor Town vs. Deeping Rangers - Photo Gallery