BATTLING Ely Reserves were undone by a late break-away goal as they went down 1-0 at home to Littleport. An Andrew Francis strike 15 minutes from time sealed the game for the visitors in what was an intense local derby at The Unwin Ground. The game was a

BATTLING Ely Reserves were undone by a late break-away goal as they went down 1-0 at home to Littleport.

An Andrew Francis strike 15 minutes from time sealed the game for the visitors in what was an intense local derby at The Unwin Ground.

The game was an open affair from the whistle and both teams looked to seize control of the midfield early on. Kevin Hills was dominant for The Robins and was instrumental in several of the home side's early attacks.

The chance of the half came just after the 20 minute mark when Chris Lupson saw his effort scrambled off the line and away to safety. Several big challenges followed in the remainder of the opening half, bringing a real derby edge to the game.

A similar pattern of play occurred when hostilities were resumed after the break and Ely became somewhat frustrated as a number of decisions went against them.

Ely had another golden chance just after the hour when Dave Cornwall was sent through one-on-one with only the keeper to beat. The Littleport number one was more than up to the task though and saved well to keep the scores level.

As play progressed, The Robins committed more men to the attack, becoming stretched in defence in the process. Seizing upon this, Littleport stole away on 75 minutes to take a decisive lead, Francis latching on to a measured through-ball.

The goal knocked the wind out of Ely's sails and, unable to muster the strength to force an equaliser, the Robins were left to their third defeat in as many games.