ELY bounced back from the �previous week’s disappointment against Sutton with a much-improved win over Louth.

Hockey

City of Ely 3

Louth 2

ELY bounced back from last week’s disappointment against Sutton with a much-improved win over Louth.

The home side started with a greater sense of purpose in attack but a series of neat moved failed to produce a breakthrough. Louth on the other hand, had no such trouble and with their first attack, managed to force the opening goal from a short corner.

Ely continued to press forward with the midfield of Gemma Voutt, Tina Roberts and Em Clarke supporting the forwards; it was not long before Ely got back onto level terms when a short corner of their own was converted by captain Voutt unmarked on the penalty spot.

Nerves settled, Ely continued to dominate and they restricted Louth to playing long balls to their attackers which were competently dealt with by Fi Bartley, Jenny Evans and Ali Chapman at the back. Ely’s dominance was rewarded when Dani Fletcher finished off a flowing move by rounding the keeper and flicking the ball into an empty net.

The second half saw more urgency from Louth and a couple of vital saves from Kat Bamber prevented Louth forcing their way back into the game early on. As pressure mounted on the Ely goal it was no surprise when some desperate last ditch tackles resulted in a number of short corners, eventually the defence was breeched and Louth levelled.

Ely’s response was positive and with the midfield pushing further forward Ely eased themselves back into the game. Katie Brammer’s foresight proved pivotal as a through ball to Chanre Bond drew two Louth defenders leaving Dani Fletcher free to slot the ball past the approaching keeper. This seemed to take the fight out of Louth who were lucky not to concede another late on as Ely’s fitness began to show.