Ely march on with comfortable win

Cambridge Nomads II 0 Ely City I 6

Hockey

DESPITE missing Charles Kisby and Dan Jolly, Ely were still too much for a spirited Nomads side as they romped to a comprehensive win.

The match started with an inspired run from Chris Vincett which almost resulted in a goal inside the first 30 seconds.

The chance, though, seemed to do more to galvanize a struggling Nomads side as Ely failed to impose their passing patterns on the match.

Though the visitors dominated possession and territory, too many poor options saw a string of opportunities wasted. Goals from the irrepressible Vincett and from Tom Rutland, from a well-worked short corner routine, gave Ely control of the game at half-time, but it was, by and large, a disappointing and disjointed performance.

Despite some stern words from skipper Stu Clarke, the second half followed a similar pattern – Ely dominating the game but too wasteful in the final third. Two more short-corners brought goals for Chris Purllant and for the most unlikely of goal-scorers, veteran centre-back Julian Palmer. Ely saved their best hockey for the last 10 minutes, though, when two fine team goals for Purllant and Rutland, following brilliant build-up play from Upton, Wells, and a selfless Vincett, were a reminder of the team’s quality when they move the ball with precision and purpose.

Nick Wells, returning to his former club, said he was disappointed with the performance but picked out the decision-making and passing accuracy of man of the match Rob Radcliffe as a highlight, as the young right-back grows into his role within the team. Skipper Clarke added: “Tom and Jules will be pleased with their goals, but I’ve asked for more tactical discipline from the side and they mustn’t forget their defensive responsibilities too.”

Cambridge Nomads III 0, Ely City III 2

ELY City III completed a great day for the club with a 2-0 win over a strong Nomads outfit.

Chris Ray continued his remarkable goal-scoring streak with his fourth in four games, Chris Purllant adding the other. Skipper Rob Minns, who ran the game from the engine-room in midfield, said he was delighted with the commitment and developing fluency of his side: “I think you can really see the work the coaches have been doing with the lads,” he said.

As a side-note, the game saw the longest ever stick used in an East Hockey League match despite some initial doubts over its legality.