Ely City manager Brady Stone has praised Alex Theobald after the Robins’ star striker committed his future to the club this week.

Theobald was subject to an approach from Ely’s higher-level rivals Soham Town Rangers at the beginning of the week, but has decided to stay at the Unwin Ground until the end of the season.

The former Fordham talent missed the start of the season through injury, but has hit the ground running since his return, finding the net 10 times.

Theobald also made the difference with a goal in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Stanway Rovers and boss Stone sees the striker as a vital member of his squad.

“I’m delighted that Alex is staying,” he said.

“We know he wants to play at a higher level but I sat down and had a chat with him and we said it’s best for him to stay until the end of the season as it’s his first season at this level.

“We’ll never stop a player from going but he’s a massive player for us. He’s scored 10 goals now and he leads the line brilliantly.”

Stone also believes that his Ely men have turned a corner in recent weeks.

The Robins are unbeaten in their last three matches in all competitions following their impressive draw with high-flying Stanway, and Stone says he is pleased to see his side playing with more confidence.

“It was another good performance on Saturday,” he said.

“We were the better team in the first 20 minute and had two or three good chances. They came back and were the better side after that and Harry [Reynolds] had to make a couple of really good saves.

“We picked it up in the second half but we couldn’t find a winner.

“It’s a massive point gained, rather than two dropped. We’ve taken two points off Stanway over the last few weeks which is brilliant.”

Ely will hope their purple patch can continue this weekend – but face a tough test in the form of a trip to Felixstowe & Walton United.

The Seasiders have only experienced defeat once at Dellwood Avenue and have won their last three Thurlow Nunn Premier Division games without conceding a goal, but Stone believes his side have enough quality to get a positive result.

He said: “It’s another massive game this weekend, but we’ll go there with no fear after three good results and can hopefully get the win.”