Ely City 2 St Neots 0

ELY gave their season a much-needed boost with a hard-fought win over mid-table St Neots on Saturday.

In their previous fixture, played back in October, Neots came away with a comfortable 3-1 win but there was to be no repeat on this occasion as the home side came out all guns blazing.

Playing a high-pressing game, Ely had St Neots pinned in their own half for much of the opening exchanges.

Though they were able to break down most of Ely’s attacks, St Neots could not break out of their own half.

Due to the pressure that Ely applied, the visitors were forced into mistakes in their own D and it was not long before a short corner was awarded, which Ely managed to convert thanks to a well-executed routine, with Chanre Bond slotting home.

St Neots fought back hard after the opener and, with a mistake from the Ely defence, the visitors had a three-on-one opportunity, with only the Ely keeper to beat.

After giving the goalkeeper the slip, St Neots looked certain to score until a crucial intervention from Emily Radcliffe, who stopped the ball on the line and pushed it past the post, a move that won her man of the match.

The second half saw St Neots increase their share of the possession and, after a break away, a card was given to Angelica Ferentinos for a late challenge. Ely were now on the defensive, but kept their composure and were able to break down the St Neots attacks.

A bold move from Alison Chapman saw Ely break once more and, with support from Bond and Jo Rayner, the ball was moved around the circle and smashed into the back board by Fiona Butler.