Ely City Hockey Club Match Reports

The day dawned bright and clear for this the 4th team’s last run out of the season. All was well in the world of Massey’s Marauders. His leg was not hurting, he had a team and was unlikely to lose any of them at the last minute as only the 1sts also had a game that day. Should’ve known better as on arrival at the hallowed ground that is Ely City Hockey Club we only had 10 players. Late cry offs due to sickness and surprise trips to Twickenham ! (Which is worst?)

Fortunately Tim was able to roust Spence from the pub and we knew we would have a team within 10 mins of the start. So start we did, and for the first time this season we started straight away. Massey played a cunning tactical ploy in pushing Trevor out wide right midfield and himself and stalwart ‘last line of defence’. Now normally Massey as last line of defence would be a scary prospect but with no sign of legs hurting and with March mostly passing the ball to him instead of trying to beat him, this seemed to work well !

With only 10 players starting it seemed life might prove difficult, but within minutes of the start the ball was worked beautifully to Matt Warby who swept the ball majestically home past a desperately lunging March Goalie. Always a wonderful sight, but made all the sweeter for the absence of having Smithy diving theatrically across goal and/or making noises of derision at any umpire within earshot.

So 1-0 up, 10 players could it last ?

Alex Spence swept royally onto the pitch asked what day it was, asked to be reminded of his name and age then played a key part in the next phase of this exciting game. We conceded !

Spence quickly atoned for this addition to March score-line by taking part in an exciting sweeping move that took the March defence to pieces, ending in a board shattering shot into bottom corner from a by now rampant, nay rampaging Alex Spence.
So 2-1 at half-time. Lots of encouraging words from all the older players for the younger players and lots of ‘are you alright Dad?’ from the younger players to the older players (cheeky little gits).

Team talk managed to avoid the P word but still instilled a fresh desire to win.

The second half at first threatened to undo all the good work of the first half performance. Fortunately having contrived to play this game without ‘Passion’ Roberts and ‘Swallow Smith’, the majestic 4th team continued to dominate an increasingly frustrated March team. In essence we wanted it more and we got it more ! Two more in fact, another from Matt and another from Spence.

All in all an excellent performance all round, the much sought after mix of youth and experience really shining through., but enough about me.
Many thanks to all those that worked so hard to win this game, securing our 4th place finish in the league. The team we beat by the way are promoted as champions.

Scorers:  Matt Warby (2); Alex Spence (2).

Man of the Match: Matt Warby.

Team: Ash Gilmour, Joel Gilmour, Richard Vincett, Fez Abbas, Julian Palmer, Tom Rutledge, Chris Purlant, Stu Clarke, Grant Gilmour, Ed Hugo, Tommy Hugo, Chris Vincett (Captain), Simon Webb

With nothing to play for and a third place finish already guaranteed to Ely 1st XI, Captain Chris Vincett decided to experiment tactically for their last game against Wisbech 2nd XI. However, the process of picking starting positions randomly from a hat did not pay off and the revised Ely defence of Ed Hugo, Stu Clarke and Chris Vincett meant that the Ely side were 3-0 down within ten minutes. A short corner finished by Richard Vincett pulled one back for the Ely side but was immediately followed by Ash Gilmour crashing into a Wisbech forward in the D, conceding a penalty flick. As the Wisbech forward duly converted, Chris Vincett reverted to a more traditional formation.

With the Ely team now playing in their regular positions, Ely began to dominate. Ely won short corner after short corner but were unable to convert any of them. Finally Fez Abbas, the only Ely regular player not to score this season so far, managed to squeeze a flick past the Wisbech goalkeeper. The goal led to ecstatic celebrations from the travelling supporters who were delighted to see the right back get his name on the score sheet for the first time this season.

With Ely 4-2 at half-time, Captain Chris Vincett made an inspirational team talk encouraging the Ely team to go out and overturn the deficit. Ely immediately began to dominate with Tom Rutledge quickly finding the backboard for his second of the season. Ely were unable to add to their goal tally and with ten minutes to go a soft goal crept past the Ely keeper and left the score at 5-3 to Wisbech. Five minutes from the end of play, Ely player Tom Rutledge was involved in an aggressive exchange of words with a Wisbech forward that ended up with Rutledge taking a punch from the opposing player who was then immediately sent from the field of play for the rest of the game.

Following the game, Captain Chris Vincett said “If we had played in our regular positions from the start we would have easily won this game but the game meant nothing and I decided to change things about. I am pleased that Fez finally managed to get on the score sheet and I am really looking forward to a real promotion challenge next season.”

Team: Ash Gilmour, Joel Gilmour, Richard Vincett, Fez Abbas, Julian Palmer, Chris Purlant, Stu Clarke, Grant Gilmour, Ed Hugo, Tommy Hugo, Chris Vincett (Captain)

Ely’s last home game of the season saw them host Cambridge Nomads 3rd XI. Following last week’s heavy defeat away at Rutland, Ely were determined to put a number of goals away against Nomads in the hope of increasing their goal difference and keeping the slim dream of promotion alive.

From the push-back a series of slick passes from the Ely right flank of Stuart Clarke and Feroze Abbas led them into the Nomad’s D where a cross was met by a Chris Purlant sweep into the corner of the net. 1-0 Ely and the opposition had yet to touch the ball. A couple of nice moves led to another 2 quick Ely goals from leading goal scorer Ed Hugo leaving the score at 3-0 after ten minutes. Nomads’ defence held out for the next ten minutes and rode their luck at times with Ely’s forwards unable to make the most of chances in front of goal. However with the half drawing to a close two more goals were added to the Ely tally, Ed Hugo completing his hat-trick and a Chris Purlant strike finding the backboard, leaving Ely 5-0 up at half-time.

A relaxed team talk from captain Chris Vincett encouraged the Ely forwards to be more clinical in front of goal and for the whole team to remember that goal difference could be crucial for Ely’s outside chance of promotion.

The second half began with another two goals for the Ely side. Julian Palmer’s blistering strike from the edge of the D and an Ed Hugo tap-in set up by his brother Tommy. Stu Clarke got on the end of a Chris Purlant strike and a further two goals from Ed Hugo, completing his double hat-trick, completed the rout, 10-0 Ely.

Following the game, Captain Chris Vincett said “The danger when playing sides like this is to drop to their standard of hockey. We did in parts during the game but I can’t argue with a 10-0 win!”

Later in the day 2nd-placed Cambridge University 3rd XI beat Bourne 2nd XI, ending Ely’s chance of promotion and leaving the ‘yellow and greens’ in division 3NW for another year. Last game of the season for Ely next week away at Wisbech 2nd XI.

Scorers: Ed Hugo (6), Chris Purlant (2), Stu Clarke, Julian Palmer

Man of the match: Stu Clarke

As dawn broke on Saturday, D Day was upon us. It was crunch time and in the dimly lit confines of Chez Roberts, the mastermind was at work, sharpening his pencil, deciding on tactics, cleaning up his hockey sticks and plotting the downfall of St Neots.  We had to win with a clear margin of 2 goals to be safe.  Defeat was not an option.  We had worked hard all season and it was painful to think everything depended on one game.

A bright,  sunny start to the day suspiciously morphed into a dark, sultry and moody day as if the gods of hockey relegation joined forces to watch over Roberts’ band of merry men and conspire to confine us to the depths of Div 7 NW.  Sun gave way to sleet, rain, wind and snow as we all changed into our kit ready to do combat for the last time this season.

The team talk was in depth and stressed the importance.  Win, WIN, Win at all costs.  Our fate was in our hands. Passion was more important today than ever!

So,  after a comprehensive and somewhat confusing warm up, we won the toss and push back.  The scene was reminiscent of the legendary helicopter scene from Apocalypse Now as we positively swarmed at the Saints, attempting to steamroller them into submission – all that was missing was Wagners Flight of the Valkerie blasting from the speakers!  We attacked in waves with slick passing, hard tackling and stunning effort and after the first ten minutes with some great work from Rich Marley and Tim in midfield the ball was drilled across the D and deftly turned in by Little Robert at the back post….1 – 0 and counting.

And so we continued, with Mark acting as a Dam Wall in defence, Spence in his characteristic swashbuckling form and Rich Marley playing like a man possessed on the right.  The midfield saw the return of Jack and his skilful touch and drive was just what we needed, alongside the tower of strength that is Tim and the  vision of Chris and the previous weeks star player – Luke.  The second goal was only a matter time and after some great play from Ben and Tim we won a free hit outside the D and the immortal words ‘AJ’ were yelled.  The ball rocketed into the kill zone and Paul Smith kindly stepped aside to allow Tim to dispatch the ball into the net at supersonic speed with a celebration reminiscent of a cross between  Torvill & Dean’s Bolero and a scene from Billy Elliot with a soundtrack provided by their keeper of “Bugggggeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!”

2 – 0………..could we do this???

After 25 minutes Rich Marley decided to he needed a new coat and decided to attempt to Seal Club one of the St Neots forwards and this forced a substitution which saw the introduction of one of their best players from a few leagues above and unfortunately this caused a shift in power.  Suddenly  we allowed Shaun into the game and we were on the back foot.  Could our resolve hold.?

Half time came and words were exchanged.  We could not afford to throw this away and effort was called for….from everyone.

The second half saw a complete switch around and we found ourselves under attack from the start.  Will in goal was called upon more and more to repel the attacks and after some excellent defending from short corners we finally capitulated.  A short found Shaun who beat his man, changed the angle and found the bottom corner.  2 – 1

We upped our effort levels again and Tim changed his role so that he acted as a human shield for our goal, taking hits to shins, knees, ankles, arms, hands and head – amazing there was actually anything left of him.

Chances did come but we could not capitalise on them and so it was a hollow victory.  Our fate rested in the hands of others……our destiny was to be decided by another team.

Our team night out was supposed to be a celebration of our season but it began muted, with whispered conversations of ‘what if’ and ‘ if only’ revolving around the lanes of Strikes.  But then after hearing the legendary ringtone of Robert’s phone we waited with baited breath…………………………………………………………………..the news was……………………………..GREAT!

We did it, the other results went in our favour and we were safe for next season. The night turned and the celebrations began.  Bowling degenerated into a showcase of raw talent and then we descended on foot ( Marley, Bill, Massey!!!!!!!!!) to the Chinese where Mark kindly paid the bill for us all to over indulge in food, beer, wine and Champagne.  A great night and a very kind gesture –

THANKS MARK FROM ALL FROM ALL OF US!

Next season here we come!

Passion, Passion, Passion!  - Bring it on!

This was going to be our toughest game of the season as Rutland were top of the league with an almighty goal difference and a team that looked sharp, focussed and skilful.

With the wind howling across the pitch we won the toss and started the game at break neck speed, controlling the game and really taking the match to them. With Jack and Tim missing in midfield we knew that we would have to work very hard and with 10 minutes on the clock our effort paid off. With some great play by Luke Massey and Glen in defence, the ball broke to Chris Roberts who dribbled his way into the D to score an absolute exquisite, peach of a goal and send us into the lead. Despite his muted, rather nonchalant celebration we all knew he was pleased with his 18th of the season!! 1 – 0 …….bring it on!!

The next 10 minutes came and went in a flash with both sides throwing caution to the wind and attacking at every opportunity. Chances fell to Paul Smith, beating 2 defenders only to be denied by the keeper, Chris Roberts, only to have his short corner closed down quickly and young Robert being denied at close range. This was to prove costly as Rutland began to stretch their legs and quickly scored 2 nice goals, leaving Will in goal with little hope of saving them. 2 – 1 and our heads began to dip, our jaws began to wobble (along with Chris Roberts’ belly) and suddenly we lost our drive. The very style that had seen us destroy teams at times this season dissipated from us – with our passes have very little pace, our tackling losing its bite and our effort dropping faster than a whores knickers in Amsterdam! The pressure hit us hard and 3 -1 was the score at half time.

A stern talking too with the immortal shouts of passion at half time saw us emerge with added vigour and swagger and the swashbuckling efforts (and reverse swan dives) of Spence, Luke Massey, Ben Smith and Rich Marley saw the ball ping its way out of defence and crisply passed around the pitch, carving Rutland to shreds. With a final precision pass from Massey to Little Robert , the score hit 3 – 2 and we were then back in the game.

We fought hard with more chances being created but in the end the style and pace of Rutland began to shine through and we were given a taste of what we need to strive to play like next season. A defeat that we need to learn heavily from. A score line that slightly flattered Rutland.! Bugger.

Man of the match: Luke Massey

Scorers: Chris Roberts & Little Robert

Team: Laura Tuck (GK), Cathy Gilmour, Holly Radcliffe, Hannah Scotney, Fiona Bartley, Heather Cooper, Emily Kisby, Ali Chapman, Chanre Bond, Pamela Clarke (captain), Gemma Voutt, Dani Fletcher, Jo Rayner, Anne-Marie Lye

Scorers: Chanre Bond (3)

Players of the Match: Hannah Scotney & Chanre Bond

This Sunday saw Ely Ladies 1st XI take on Newmarket 1st in the Premier Division League Cup Final, at the Kings School Pitch, Ely. With Ely anticipating a tough, feisty match, the pre-match build up began on Saturday as 9 of the players completed the Sport Relief Mile, followed by a gentle training session and a team carbo-loading session courtesy of pasta a la Gem!!

Ely were delighted to be able to field a full strength team and arrived early ready for action, expecting a tough battle ahead. With their desire to win evident from the outset, Ely started in impressive fashion. The midfielders enjoyed early possession and moved the ball effectively up the right flank through Fiona Bartley, Emily Kisby and Gemma Voutt and within minutes, Ely capitalised on their play to take a one goal lead via Chanre Bond. This success only served to increase Ely’s determination and Chanre Bond soon added a second goal, after battling her way past the opposition defence.

Despite the now two-goal lead, Ely maintained their composure and avoided any complacency in their play. With Newmarket put on the back foot, Ely were able to demonstrate their skills, executing some superb combination passing between the midfield and attack. The link up play through the spine of the team namely Hannah Scotney, Ali Chapman, Chanre Bond and Pamela Clarke generated a number of attacking opportunities and Gemma Voutt and Jo Rayner were both unlucky not to extend the Ely lead. Newmarket’s efforts to curtail Ely’s attacking movement and generate any counterattacking play of their own were repeatedly closed down by the Ely defence. Hannah Scotney, Cathy Gilmour, Holly Radcliffe and Fiona Bartley withstood any Newmarket pressure with admirable control and composure, preventing the league winners from formulating any platform for attack. However, Newmarket did eventually sneak their way through and grab a goal shortly before half time.

The second half saw Newmarket return to the pitch with an increased energy and much more fight in their performance. Although Newmarket dominated much of the play during the second 35 mins, Ely survived the onslaught and their renewed team spirit shone through. Ely were by far the more determined team and full of desire to secure the club’s first silverware for several years. Dani Fletcher exemplified this determination in her chasing of the ball and was unlucky not to net Ely’s third goal after forcing a mistake from the Newmarket keeper.

Ely worked superbly as a team and supported each other both in play and though encouragement right to the final whistle. The defence, commanded by the awesome Hannah Scotney, were outstanding throughout in deflecting any Newmarket attack and clearing the ball out of the ‘D’.

Spurred on by the enthusiastic Ely supporters who were instrumental in the performance, Ely Ladies 1st XI continued to seek out the win with forward attacking play right to the final whistle. Ely then extended their lead once more as ‘hot shot bok’ Chanre Bond seized the opportunity to net her hatrick. This secured a 3-1 win for Ely and a fitting, well-deserved result to see out Pamela Clarke’s reign as Ladies 1st Captain. With the cries of hot tub, the champagne then flowed as the celebrations for Ely’s success began.

Quote of Day: “I just can’t keep it down…………” Fiona Bartley, Hot Tub, 16 March 2008,

Team: Ash Gilmour, Joel Gilmour, Fez Abbas, Richard Vincett, Stu Clarke, Tom Rutledge, Julian Palmer, Grant Gilmour, Tommy Hugo, Ed Hugo, Chris Purlant, Chris Vincett (Captain)

Goals: Grant Gilmour (3), Chris Purlant, Tommy Hugo, Julian Palmer

Man of the match: Grant Gilmour

Ely turned up at Little Downham Road looking to get back to winning ways at home. Perfect conditions for hockey meant that Ely were able to start strongly against the team sitting at the top of division 3NW, Market Deeping. However within ten minutes Deeping had taken the lead with a break-away goal exploiting a weakness in Ely’s defence.

Five minutes later, Ely drew level with a Grant Gilmour strike hitting the backboard and two minutes after that Grant Gilmour doubled his tally and put Ely 2-1 up. Five minutes later, goalkeeper Ash Gilmour flattened a Market Deeping forward in the D and a penalty flick was awarded. The Ely goalkeeper dived the right way but was unable to stop the ball hitting the back of the net, 2-2.

Five minutes before half time a cynical charge from the Market Deeping sweeper on top scorer Ed Hugo left him with bruised ribs and unable to  participate  in any further in the game, and he had to retire to join the vocal but tense crowd of Ely spectators. However, Captain Chris Vincett came on up front to replace him. Two quick goals, one from each team, including a Chris Purlant strike found the backboard before half time leaving the score at 3-3 going into the break.

Captain Chris Vincett’s half time team talk urged Ely to continue the hard work and determination. Coming out for the second half Ely looked the more fired up team and Tommy Hugo quickly put Ely ahead 4-3. But again Market Deeping came back to draw level.

Entering the last fifteen minutes both teams pushed for the win and the home support became increasingly nervous with a sustained period of Deeping pressure taking a particularly hard toll on the Ely support’s fingernails. Some great saves from Ash Gilmour during this period kept Ely in the game and the scores level.

With the pressure on both teams, tempers began to fray. Tommy Hugo was the victim of an unpunished punch to the face in the Deeping D from the same player that had taken his brother out earlier in the game. A riled Tommy Hugo had to be separated from a number of Deeping players and both captains were instructed to calm their teams down.

When the game restarted, Grant Gilmour quickly bagged his first ever hat-trick for Ely leaving the score at 5-4 to Ely. Then in one of the most memorable moments of the season, ex-captain and all-round Ely legend, Julian Palmer, found himself picked out by Grant Gilmour unmarked  at the backpost in the Market Deeping  D and coolly slotted it home for his first goal in 3 years.

The two goal lead saw Market Deeping throw more and more players forward but Ely’s 3 man defence of Fez Abbas, Joel Gilmour and Richard Vincett proved resolute. Ely pushed back and for the last five minutes pinned Market Deeping in their own half and left them unable to create any more chances. The final score of 6-4 meant that Ely left the field with a deserved and truly memorable win against the almost-crowned champions of 3NW.

Following the game, Captain Chris Vincett said “My boys played their hearts out today. The effort shown from the whole team demonstrates that on our day we can beat any team in this league. We knew that they would be aggressive but we got up in their faces and they just did not like it”

With the minibus fuelled and ready for action we piled in, full of hope and optimism for a wonderful jaunt through the bleak and barren landscape and into the darkest depths of Lincolnshire.

Armed with the strangest route planner, which seemed to take us in the general direction of Spalding (via France), a couple of copies of The Times and the magic Mini Eggs we set off.  It wasn’t long before the usual intellectual games began such as ‘lets see how many cars we can overtake’, how many romantic and poetic outbursts Chris can shout at random women and the traffic light game.  A quick pit stop at Mcdonalds and then off to the game.

Spalding looked young and skilful in the warm up but we were immense from the whistle and attempted to steamroller our way into an early lead.  The attacks were relentless and within the first 20 minutes we managed to win around 6 short corners but failed to capitalise on any of them!! – would we live to regret it???

Spalding came back and after 25 minutes they scored………thankfully it was disallowed for a foot fault in the D and we breathed again.  Our work rate and team work was fantastic and with Jack Upton dominating midfield with Ben and Luke Massey making the kind of runs that Ronaldo can only dream of then surely it would only be a matter of time before Spalding capitulated and we scored a hatful.  But it wasn’t to be.  Half time 0 – 0 and the team talk consisted of ‘more of the same’ and ‘we HAVE to win this’ with ‘Passion’ the key word of the day again.

The second half saw much of the same with the Spalding keeper saving everything hit at him!  We managed at least another 6 short corners in the second half and still could not score.  It wasn’t until the 62nd minute when good work from Rich Marley and Luke Massey found Tim outside of D where he was fouled.  The resulting free hit was fired into the D where Paul Smith deftly and delectably took his chance with the style,poise and grace usually only attributed to true athletes or ballet dancers.  With a flick of his stick the backboard rattled and the keeper was shocked. 1 – 0 to Ely and the pressure was on!  However, this same piece of play was described by another team member as.. and I quote:
“The Elephant jumped in front of me scored it…..that was mine, flukey bugger”

We held fast and Alex Spence missed a chance on the back post to finish the game completely but at the final whistle we had secured 3 more points with Jack Upton deservedly getting man of the match and the whole team completely exhausted. Special mention should also go to Will for keeping a great clean sheet, Will and Mark for swapping throughout the game to maximise energy levels and Tim for his energy in midfield.

The journey home always feels much sweeter with a win under your belt and the banter began early with Jack taking the brunt of it (Cricket or Hockey!) and Chris Roberts educating a few of the younger members of the team in techniques of conversing with members of the opposite sex…valuable lessons!

Anyway, waffle aside, possibly our best performance of the season so far and long may it continue!!

Man Of the Match: Jack Upton

Scorer:  Paul Smith

Team: Ash Gilmour, Joel Gilmour, Richard Vincett, Neil Dodsworth, Grant Gilmour, Fez Abbas, Tom Rutledge, Julian Palmer, Stu Clarke, Chris Purlant, Chris Vincett (captain), Tommy Hugo, Ed Hugo

Scorers: Tommy Hugo (2), Chris Purlant (2), Richard Vincett, Chris Vincett, Stu Clarke, Ed Hugo, Joel Gilmour, Grant Gilmour

Man of the match: Ash Gilmour

Following a stinging and heavy defeat at the hands of promotion rivals Cambridge University last Saturday, this week Ely travelled to Bourne in determined mood. Captain Chris Vincett opted for a change in tactics employing a 3-4-3 formation in an attempt to keep Bourne trapped and contained in their own half.

The strategy appeared to be a stroke of a genius with Ely pinning Bourne back as hoped and retaining the lions share of possession, but Ely were unable to capitalise on their control of the game.

However, very much against the run of play, a rare defensive error from the otherwise reliable Richard ‘the Early bird’ Vincett, allowed Bourne to breach the Ely defensive line, but Man of the Match goalkeeper Ash Gilmore, making his first team debut, came to Ely’s rescue with a first class save, his heroics were repeated for a second time not shortly afterwards when again Bourne managed a swift break into the Ely D.

Ely sensing the need to exploit their dominance of the game, went up through the gears, mounting assault after assault on the Bourne defensive line. Ed Hugo, Chris Vincett and Tommy Hugo led the line brilliantly, epitomising the spirit of the team, by working tirelessly to close down defenders and running selflessly to offer movement and off the ball options.

The break through came mid-way through the first half, Stu Clarke and Feroze Abbas characteristically interlinked down the right flank, driving deep into the Bourne D before being cynically hacked down, penalty corner awarded. The resulting corner was an example of a well oiled set piece, confusing and confounding the Bourne defence and leaving Richard Vincett with an age to pick his spot which he expertly did flicking the ball past a dumbfounded Bourne keeperfound. 1-0 Ely!!

The floodgates were opened and sensing Bournes vulnerability, Ely attacked down the flanks with Grant Gilmore and Sturat Clarke while Julian Palmer, Tom Rutlege and Chris Purlant, rotating in midfield, transferred the ball from flank to flank.

Unable to compete with the fast flowing nature of Ely’s game, the Bourne defence conceded penalty corner after penalty corner, Joel Gilmore’s arrowing strike and Stu Clarkes predatory deflection adding a further two to Ely’s tally.

Captain Chris Vincett added a fourth before the break with a cool sweep shot at the end of another fluid Ely move.

The half time team talk was positive, upbeat and revolved round the concept of much of the same for the second half.

Ely did not disappoint, with Bourne being continually stretched, Chris Purlant continued to be a thorn in the side of the Bourne defence and managed to bag a goal from another typical top of the D strike.

The Hugo brothers were back to their predatory best, Tommy drifting pass defenders skilfully and slotting the ball past the stranded keeper on two separate occasions, while Ed was making himself a nuisance between the Bourne goal line and penalty spot, pouncing in cat like fashion to add another to his prolific striking record for the season.

Grant Gilmore and Chris Purlant rounded off a superb performance for Ely each clinically shooting past a thoroughly dejected Bourne keeper.

Captain Chris Vincett (aka the ‘key master’) said after the game “I am proud of the way my guys raised their game today following the defeat last week. We totally outclassed Bourne in every area of the pitch” .

Ely’s promotion challenge hangs by a thread, with them needing Cambridge University 3rd XI to slip up but a win against league leaders Market Deeping next week at home will keep the pressure on the students. Push-back - 13:30 Ely Astro.

As the new look squad assembled on the windy sideline for what is traditionally one of the most rugged and tough games of the season we knew that our collective tower of strength was going to be tested to the max.

After escorting our mascot ‘Daisy – May’ to the clubhouse (where she was kindly looked after – thank you Tanya and Tim!!!!) we were ready for the game. Today we were set to start from the whistle and be clinical and ruthless with our finishing……. Time would tell!

The first 5 minutes saw March take the game to us with a real determination and immediately test the defensive talents of Ben, Rich Marley, Luke, Mark and Spence. Their nerve held and with a quick ball out from Ben he found Chris Roberts in midfield with acres of space which he used to devastating effect to play ball into Tim who had made a Gazelle like burst up the pitch. With some swift skills he easily found Paul Smith in the box who deftly dragged the ball round the keeper and slotted home (with a commando style roll thrown in for free!) to make the game 1 – 0 and stun March.

However, they were straight back at us with everything they could muster and the next 10 minutes tested our teams resolve. Unfortunately all that pressure had to pay off and after some slick moves they netted to make it 1 – 1 and we were under the cosh again.!!

All was not lost though as Rich Marley pinched the ball from the opponents stick with as much ease as stealing ice cream from a baby and beat his man to release Luke down the right….the break was on and in a flash he found Tim on the top of the D who slipped the ball to Dan in the D…..short corner awarded. Our short corner routine still needs improvement but with Spence pushing to Chris the outcome was a fore gone conclusion and the backboard wilted under the force. 2 – 1 just before half time….nice!

The team talk was brief.. “PASSION, PASSION , PASSION” was the cry and all that we needed to complete the act was face paint and war markings. We were eager and ready in our positions awaiting the second half whistle and we began like men possessed.

Ben was outstanding at left back , carving his way up the pitch at every opportunity to find Dan out wide up front who was causing havoc with the March defence. Rob & Carl switched well and their determination and skill was destroying them down the right. From the whistle Smith tackled their forward and broke forward, slipping the ball wide to Luke Massey who shelled the ball into the D for Tim to net beautifully. 3 -1 and we were beginning to fly.

Rich Marley’s attacks down the right with Luke and Robert meant that the March midfield and defence were being pulled apart and it wasn’t long before the ball was played with style into the D where Tim flicked the ball goalwards, if came off Paul Smith’s stick heading into the net until a March defender headed it out…A flick was awarded and despatched with flair by the classy Roberts! 4 -1 and still we kept coming.

Luke deserves a special mention at this point as he clearly began to smell blood and began to play out of his skin…..he won every tackle, made every pass with pace and accuracy and epitomised what we have been striving to achieve all season. Outstanding! And so with him and Ben sensing a huge victory we relentlessly attacked. With Rich Marley linking beautifully with Tim and Chris they found Smith in space and he lifted the ball over the spread eagled keeper 5 – 1 and counting.!

Another unsung hero at the back was Mark who was dogged in his approach and marshalled the back line with great authority, allowing very little past him all day. The waves of players pushing forward saw young Dan break into the D and fire a shot which came back off the keeper, into the path of Paul Smith who gratefully netted his third of the day. 6 -1 and still we battled on. With only seconds remaining good work from Rob meant we had another short corner and Tim took the chance with ease.

A devastating performance from a relentless, motivated, determined and disciplined side that took glee from such a win!

Scorers: Paul Smith 3, Chris Roberts 2, Tim Reynolds 2

Man of the Match: Luke Massey