Ely's last match of 2023 proved eventful after the robins were reduced to 10 men but fought to win 3-1.

Bottom side Long Melford were the visitors to the Demcom stadium looking for their first league win of the season.

Both teams started well but it was to be the Robins to strike first on 15 minutes after a pass across the 18 yard box was met by Dan Brown who slotted home from close range.

Melford levelled the game as Ryan Gibbs's powerful run into the area allowed him to slot home on 39mins.

The first major point of the second half came when Ely's Ardened Hida was adjudged to have committed a studs up tackle and was shown a straight red card.

Debutant Frankie Webster, on as a substitute, powered home a great volley after some good play by sub Josh Hales to regain the robins the lead.

The game was settled at 85mins as man-of-the match Aaron Hamer smashed home a 30-yard volley to secure the points for the home side.