Fletcher almost doubled the score two minutes later but shot agonisingly wide under pressure.

ELY kicked their season off with a 2-2 draw against Cambridge University on Saturday.

Forward Dani Fletcher notched a goal in either half for Ely against a determined Cambridge team that hit back with two second half goals to earn a draw.

The point sees Gemma Voutt’s new-look team move into seventh place in Division 2NW ahead of next week’s match against Louth.

Ely forged the first real chance of the game with just 10 minutes on the clock, only for a hard-earned penalty corner to be sent wide.

The home side moved in front just five minutes later though, as Fletcher followed up on a rebounded save to fire past the Cambridge keeper.

Fletcher almost doubled the score two minutes later but shot agonisingly wide under pressure.

New-comer Annie Radcliffe enjoyed a lively competitive debut for the senior team and came close to opening her account on the half-hour mark only for her shot to be cleared off the line after rounding the keeper.

Cambridge came back at Ely in the final 10 minutes of the half and enjoyed a good spell of possession. Their best chance of the half came after 35 minutes as they forced a penalty corner, only for their effort to be charged down and wasted.

Ely kicked on in the second half and scored again through Fletcher but they were unable to hold on to their advantage as Cambridge hit back with two goals to share the spoils.