football rambles

On Saturday the Eastern Counties league drew to a close and both Ely and Thetford were in need of wins to guarantee their place in the top division next season. If Ely were going to get a result they had a pretty good chance against Woodbridge who were already relegated. Things didn't get off to a great start for the Robins or for the Woodpeckers really, as both teams seemed to struggle. Inevitably though, as has been so often the case the visitors went into the lead and Ely were left chasing shadows. Fortunately, though news was filtering through that Diss were letting in goal after goal. If they lost it meant both Ely and Thetford were safe and as a third goal went in at Diss the game at the Unwind became less and less relevant, which was just as well, as it really was a dull affair. Ely finally gave us something to cheer in the 66th minute. MacDonald put in one of those corners that went into the box and is often hard to see who connects with it. This time Adam Murray seeme...

Woodbridge have something of a reputation as a bogey team for Ely. They woodpeckers often finish below the Robins, but always seem to win at the Unwin. Funnily enough though, it was the first time that I actually managed to get to a game contested by the two teams in the 5 seasons that I have been following Ely. The omens weren't looking too good for the Robins from the start. Both fullbacks were missing with Kenny Smith coming in for the injured Chris Sterecki, who has been a revelation this season, Richard Chadwick had to relinquish his usual role as centre forward to cover for left back Sam Parkinson and Ben Lawrence was missing at centre half. Later in the game Darren Coe, who was playing at centre back went off and his partner Adam Murray, who had an uncharacteristic nightmare of a game was sent off. Man of the match for Ely was goalkeeper Lee Pacey - when you lose 2-0 at home and the keeper is the best player it says it all really. Ely managed to stay in the game for ...