Carter marshals his troops as City cling on to victory

Ridgeons Under-18 North League Ely City 3 Grantham 2 ELY made hard work of what should have been three comfortable points after dominating the first half, scoring three times and in reality it should have been more, but a disappointing second-half displ

Ridgeons Under-18

North League

Ely City 3

Grantham 2

ELY made hard work of what should have been three comfortable points after dominating the first half, scoring three times and in reality it should have been more, but a disappointing second-half display saw them hanging on at the end.

Ely eventually took the lead on 18 minutes with a superb 22-yard half-volley from Steven Reid flying into the top corner and within minutes it was two with an even better goal.

Liam Hart chased down a harmless looking ball down the right and unleashed a stunning 35-yard volley that took the keeper by surprise giving him no chance.

A defensive mistake allowed the visitors back into the game but City gained their two-goal advantage on the stroke of half time when the impressive Hart raced clear, only to be brought down in the area for a penalty, which Spriggs converted.

The second half was very disappointing, with Grantham having the upper hand and they pulled a goal back on 55 minutes from a well-struck free-kick as Ely stopped playing. The best chance City created in the second half fell to Aaron Collins but his shot from 12 yards was brilliantly saved by the visitors' keeper.

Grantham forced three corners in the last two minutes and only a super header off the line by Rob Mennary in the dying seconds denied them a point.

Man of the match was Lawrie Carter, who again led his team well and battled non stop to ensure his side took all three points.