Ely Ladies’ 1s Vs Cambridge South 2s
1-4
Ely Ladies’ 1s made the journey to Cambridge to face off against the strong and well-drilled Cambridge South 2s team. In the first half Ely battled hard against Cambridge’s endless attacks on goal, but two early goals set the tone for the match. Ely made some quick breaks with runs along the lines and quick passes, but sadly it was no match for the Cambridge defence and, following a brief attack by Ely, Cambridge overturned possession and scored their third goal, giving a half-time score of 3-0. After the half-time chat, Ely went back out there with a new formation and new mindset. Ely faced several short corners, but didn’t let a single one go in, with great saves by Kat Bamber. Ely’s defence was strong, but Cambridge persevered and scored another goal, making the score 4-0. However, after a quick break, and an amazing pass by Lucy Harler to Annabelle Gilbert, who ran down the line and then passed into the D to Rhianne Jones, Ely scored their only goal. The success didn’t last long, as Cambridge wanted another goal, leaving Ely to battle hard in defence, particularly after a harsh green card was given to Ely player Ali Woods for kicking the ball away. Ely held strong until the final whistle blew, leaving the ladies with a 4-1 loss against Cambridge South. Captain Rachel Carpenter said, “We did well to come back in the second half. It was our first loss so far, so we are still making good progress”.
Player of the Match went to Kat Bamber
Muppet of the Match went to Ali Woods

Ely Ladies’ 2s Vs Newmarket 2s
1-2
The Ely Ladies’ 2s arrived at their home turf in Ely with their hopes high, having a squad of sixteen, which only meant one thing: a subs plan. Having settled into the game towards the end of the first half, with end-to-end play throughout, the game was even. As the half-time whistle blew, the score was 0-0. After a half-time chat, Ely went back out there ready to get a goal. Although the Ely ladies thought they had gained the upper hand with a quick strike from the top of Newmarket’s D, the goal was unfortunately disallowed due to it being struck just outside the D. Soon after this wakeup call, Newmarket were able to make their way up to Ely’s D and score the first goal of the match, making the score 1-0. Unperturbed, Ely continued to press high and, after some great passes and great play, Sarah Sutton was able to take a shot on goal and make the score 1-1. There was a tense finish to the game, with Newmarket putting pressure on the Ely defence. Then, with only 20 seconds left, Newmarket were able to beat Ely’s defence and score a last-minute goal, making the score 2-1 to Newmarket as the final whistle blew. Captain Gemma Neal said, “An unlucky day for the ladies, who played exceptionally well, but there is lots to work on”.

Ely Ladies’ 3s Vs Cambridge South 6s
3-3
The Ladies’ 3s made the journey to Cambridge South having a good feeling about this game. There was plenty of action in the first half, with the play going back and forth, but Ely were unlucky to concede a goal. However, 1-0 down, Ely were not thrown off their game and united to play strongly and continue to apply pressure, which resulted in Emilia Watts scoring an equalizer, making the score 1-1. Despite some great runs and lots of attacking action in the D, Ely were unable to get goal. However, a quick break from Cambridge saw them get their second, leaving Ely 2-1 down as the half-time whistle blew. Sprits were high during the half-time chat and Ely went back on the pitch with more determination than ever. Lots of action in the attacking D and a great touch from Julia Gilbert led to Ely levelling the match at 2-2. Giving it their all, Cambridge kept the pressure on the Ely defence and snuck in another goal, making the score 3-2. However, Ely refused to take a back seat, equalizing with another goal by Emilia Watts. Although many more opportunities arose, the final whistle blew with the score level at 3-3. Captain Lisa Taylor said, “I am very proud of my team. Some great play and work on pitch”.
Player of the Match went to Rhiannon James and Emilia Watts
Ely Men’s 1s Vs Wisbech Town 2s
2-5
The Men’s 1s started quickly, getting the ball up towards the Wisbech goal and having many opportunities throughout most of the first half. However, in the closing 5 minutes Wisbech were determined to score, and score they did: not one, but two goals just before the half-time whistle, making the score 2-0. Ely held their heads high and, after a team talk, were ready to get going again. The team talk proved to be effective, as Ely scored two goals by Matt Samouel and Keith Squires in the second half, levelling the game at 2-2. The game stayed level with opportunities for both teams, but as the game came to an end the Men’s 1s became tired. Wisbech took advantage of this and scored 3 more goals, bringing the game to a close with a 5-2 loss for the Men’s 1s. Team Captain Tim Reynolds said, “A tough game for the team but lots to learn for next week”.
Player of the Match went to Keith Squires

Ely Men’s 3s Vs St Ives 4s
0-5
It was a tough match for Ely from the start, with St Ives having a strong team. The play swung from one end of the pitch to the other. Ely had some great pace, moving the ball around St Ives’ players into their D, and had numerous shots on goal, but the score was 0-0 at half time. After a half-time chat, Ely were ready to get back on the pitch. However, the St Ives attacks were relentless and, despite the midfield and wings coming back to help, it was no match for the St Ives team, who scored five goals in the second half. As the final whistle blew, Ely Men’s 3s were left with a 5-0 defeat. Team Captain Mark Collins-Shirley said, “It was a great work rate from everyone but sadly did not match our efforts”.