ELY City 2 got the New Year off to a flying start with a battling 4-3 win over a spirited St Neots side. Four first-half goals put the hosts in a commanding position and some resilient defence late on saw Ely clinch the win, despite a plucky come-back fro

ELY City 2 got the New Year off to a flying start with a battling 4-3 win over a spirited St Neots side.

Four first-half goals put the hosts in a commanding position and some resilient defence late on saw Ely clinch the win, despite a plucky come-back from St Ives that brought them to within one goal of a share of the spoils.

The win moves Warren Dennis' side up into third position in Division 4NW of the East Hockey League, with a testing trip to Cambridge South their next challenge.

Ely came into the game knowing that only a win would do as they look to maintain their championship challenge.

Some good early passing play from the home side has St Neots on the back foot and Ely raced into a two goal lead with less than 15 minutes on the clock.

Both goals came after excellent work down the right wing by Marc Hunt, who crossed for Jack Upton to convert on both occasions.

Content with their lead, Ely began to ease off the pace and were duly punished by the visitors who pulled a goal back.

The goal was a wake-up call for Dennis' men and they soon restored their two-goal lead courtesy of a Xavin Taylor goal.

Going into the second half, Ely were in a strong position to kill the game off, but St Neots reduced the deficit with a second goal. The score was soon 4-2, with Xavin Taylor converting high into the St Neots net after a strong run by Robert Radcliffe. With about ten minutes left, St Neots grabbed a third goal that set up a nervous finish to the game, but Ely held firm to secure an important win.