Ely City bounced back from the disap-pointment of last Wednesday’s Cambridgeshire Invitiation Cup exit with a determined performance – which saw them come from behind twice – to beat Debenham LC 3-2.

The Robins looked to respond following their 4-2 cup loss to Cambridge City, but got off to a nightmare start on Saturday after Debenham swept home a free kick after just two minutes.

Ely struggled to get going after playing two hours of football in the week, but grabbed an equaliser when Alex Theobald finished neatly after a smart turn.

The Robins weren’t level for long, however, after they conceded possession and were punished clinically from the edge of the box.

After three goals in the opening 16 minutes, the remainder of the first half was a scrappy affair, with Ely going close to second goal through Ash Walter and Sam Goodge.

Lewis Hook and Nathan Littlefair came on for Ely for the second half and Brady Stone’s tactical reshuffle paid off when his side drew level through a fantastic curling effort from James Seymour just after the hour.

The decision to bring on Littlefair proved to be an inspired one, as with 10 minutes to play he climbed above the Debenham defence and headed the ball over the line,

despite the best efforts of Debenham’s goalkeeper, after Ash Walter flicked on anAlsop corner.

Ely had several chances to go two goals ahead, but Theobald, Lewis Hook and Goodge all spurned their opportunities.

The Robins held on to take all three points and secure their fourth consecu-tive league win, much to the delight of boss Brady Stone.

He said: “I’m really pleased with the win. We played 120 minutes against Cambridge City in the week and we started off quite leggy, but we did well to come back and get the win.”

Ely’s excellent recent form has taken them four points clear in second place in Thurlow Nunn Division One and nine behind league-toppers Wivenhoe Town.

The Robins were due to play Needham Market Reserves in the First Division KO Cup on Tuesday, but the fixture was called off due to a torrential downpour hours before kick off.

Ely will return to league action on Saturday against Diss Town (3pm).