Ely City 4-2 Diss Town: The Robins book their place in first round of FA Vase with much-needed win

Ely City put their wretched league form aside and booked their place in the first round proper of the Buildbase FA Vase courtesy of a 4-2 win over Diss Town.

The Robins bagged their first win since their first qualifying round success over Kirkley & Pakefield on September 10 thanks to strikes from Alex Theobald, James Seymour, Kelvin Enaro and substitute Mason Newman.

Martin Grey, who deputised for Brady Stone for the third consecutive match, made three changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Godmanchester Rovers, with Craig Neal, Liam Griffin and new signing Ashley Shipp coming in for the suspended Matty Simpson, unavailable George Darling and Dominic Hunt, who dropped to the bench.

The away side, who won the Vase in 1994, struggled to adapt to the swirling winds at the Unwin early on and Ely snatched an 11th minute lead through Alex Theobald’s fourth goal in as many games.

Their lead didn’t last long, however, as Shaun Hudson rounded Harry Reynolds to slot home moments later.

Ely retook the lead in the 23rd minute through captain James Seymour, who rose highest to power in a Jamie Alsop corner and the hosts went into the break two goals to the good thanks to summer signing Kelvin Enaro, who nodded in at the far post.

Ely looked to extend their advantage even further in the opening stages of the second half but switched off just after the hour, allowing Diss’ Solomon Pope to reduce the deficit with a downwards header.

Sensing a way back in to the tie, Diss flooded forward but couldn’t break through a resolute Ely back four and the home side sealed their passage into the next round – and £800 in prize money - through Mason Newman, whose corner was spilt into the net by the Diss stopper.

Brady Stone’s men will discover their first round proper opponents today (September 26) at midday.