Ely Ladies 2s v Newmarket 2s

Today wasn’t Ely’s day. The ladies 2s found themselves incredibly unlucky to be on the end of a last second goal, giving the visiting team the away win.

A squad of 16 meant only one thing today – an extremely complex subs plan. 5 subs on the side line and the starting 11 raring to go Ely took the push back.

Having really settled into the game towards the end of the first half, Ely’s press became much more disciplined. The subs plan was being executed really well and not only were fresh legs casuing Newmarket issues but the changes in players also seemed to be confusing the Newmarket team.

Overall, the first half was somewhat non eventful. End to end play with Ely matching Newmarket, pass for pass, the first half ended 0-0.

Ely thought they had taken the lead early in the 2nd half. A strike just outside of the D found it’s way into the back of Newmarket’s goal, however Ely failed to make contact with the ball in the D and after a brief moment of celebration, the goal was disallowed.

Soon after, taking this as a bit of a wake-up call, Newmarket were able to weave their way through what had been a strong and well organised defence, and scored their first goal.

Ely, unperturbed, continued to press high and close Newmarket down and after some good play down the right, Sarah Sutton was able to manoeuvrer her way to the top of the D, stretching to push the ball towards the goal and tumbling to the floor as the ball passed over the goal line. A fantastic goal bringing the match level at 1-1.

A tense finish to the game with Newmarket pressing high, and Zara Dighton hanging up front, enabled Ely to catch Newmarket on the break and create a number of opportunities to take the win, however with only 20 seconds remaining, Newmarket picked up the ball in midfield and were able to take a strike int the D which hit the Ely backboard. As the remaining 10 seconds ticked away, Ely were out of time and as the headline says, history had repeated itself and the match ended 2-1 to the visitors.

An unlucky day for Ely who with 16 players and a complex subs plan, had played exceptionally well.

Ely will play Newmarket away in the second half of the season and will be looking to turn the tables and leave the match with all 3 points.