Football Ely City 1 Diss Town 2

Ely City players were left “devastated” on Saturday as they sunk to rock bottom of the league table after losing to fellow strugglers Diss Town.

The Robins looked on course for their first victory in 12 attempts this season until two goals in the final 10 minutes handed Diss the win and left Ely in dire straits.

Brady Stone’s side sit bottom of the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division, with no points to their name, and face an uphill battle if they want to retain their top-tier status this season.

Director of football, Sam Turner said: “As you can imagine, the players were devastated after the game on Saturday and its certainly a test of everybody’s character to try and get that first win of the season.

“Once again we competed in the match and with 10 minutes to go it looked like we were there but we switched off on two separate occasions and paid the price.

“It’s essential that we pick ourselves up and move on as there is always the next game to play. As a management team we are working hard and will continue to do so, and although I have said it since the start of the season, I remain confident that the hard core of our team will bring a bright future to Ely.

“Everyone from the chairman to the manager and myself will keep plugging away and I am sure the rewards are just around the corner.”

Luke Fretwell put the Robins ahead in the 60th minute, nodding home from close range from a corner.

Diss ramped up the pressure in the last quarter of the match as they went in search of an equaliser and their perseverance paid off in the 80th minute as they were awarded a penalty for a trip in the box. Matt Dixon made no mistake from the spot.

And the hammer blow came three minutes from time when a speculative long ball evaded the Ely defence and found Dixon, who finished superbly past Ely’s Craig Galbraith.

Ely are back in action on Saturday when they travel to FC Clacton whilst the reserve team entertains Outwell at the Urwin Ground. Kick off 3pm.