Deeping Rangers will remain in the United Counties League Premier Division North

Manager Brett Whaley admitted there was a sense of 'pure relief' after Deeping Rangers confirmed their status as a step five club at the weekend.

The Clarets claimed a 1-0 home success over Harrowby United in the United Counties League Premier Division North clash at the Haydon Whitham Stadium.

Enoch Opayinka netted a second half goal which moved Deeping seven points clear of the danger zone ahead of their season finale at Wisbech Town on Easter Monday.

It ended a season-long battle against relegation for Deeping with Whaley having revived the club's fortunes following his appointment.

He said: "It was nice to see the boys celebrating because they have been questioned a lot and I understand that excitement but, as a manager, it was just pure relief.

"We were in a difficult situation when I came into the job but I always believed that we could get out of it.

"I was just really relieved because I would have absolutely hated us to go down.

"I know that this isn't good enough for this football club so we have to deliver better for next season and the hard work for that starts now."

Saturday's success was a second 1-0 win in the last three games as the Clarets kept a third consecutive clean sheet.

Byron Adiado had gone closest in a first half of few chances when he shot straight at the Harrowby goalkeeper after being put clear by James Stainsby's pass.

Cal Davies went close after the break while Adiado sent another effort before the match-clinching goal arrived with three minutes remaining as Opayinka smashed home a close range finish.

It ensured a strong finish to the season for Deeping who have lost just twice in their last nine league games.

Whaley commented: "It was a bit like Deja-vu in that we've had to scrap and huff and puff and at times make it a bit ugly.

"A scrappy winning goal probably summed up the game but no-one could question how much we wanted it and were prepared to work for each other.

"We have become a team over the last few months and they deserve a lot of credit because the results have been good, which they've needed to be because everyone around us has kept winning as well.

"Our form has been brilliant in the last quarter of the season and there is clearly an upward trajectory because we have found a way to win games."