NON-LEAGUE FOOTBALL: Everything went wrong in FA Vase defeat, says Ely City manager Stone
Ely City manager, Brady Stone. - Credit: Archant
Brady Stone admits that “everything went wrong” in Ely City’s FA Vase exit last Saturday.
The Robins travelled to Spartan South Midlands League Premier Division side Tring Athletic hoping to kick-start a run similar to last season where they reached the last 16, but were hammered 4-1 in Hertfordshire.
Defender Tom Williams netted Ely’s consolation goal on an afternoon that manager Stone says his players will want to forget quickly.
“Everything went wrong. They wanted it more and it was just one of those days,” he said.
“Nothing went our way from back to front and hats off to Tring and we wish them the best of luck in the next round.
“They out-worked us and dominated us from start to finish. I can’t complain about the lads – they know they let themselves down. We just know we have to forget about it quickly and move on.”
The Robins are in Invitation Cup action tomorrow night against a side who they beat in a knockout competition a fortnight ago – Wisbech St Mary.
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However, Ely were forced to surrender their place in the next round of the League Cup after it was found that they had fielded an ineligible player.
“We played young defender Carson Silvain and it turns out we hadn’t submitted his first-team forms,” he said.
“It’s my fault and I hold my hands up to that. It’s disappointing because it’s another cup we want to do well in.”
The Robins return to Thurlow Nunn Premier Division action on Saturday with the visit of Brantham Athletic (3pm).
The Suffolk side have been one of the division’s in-form sides this term having only lost three times and Stone expects a tough test at the Ellgia Stadium.
“Brantham are flying this year,” he said. “They have an experienced manager and plenty of experienced players but they’re one of the sides we have to beat if we want to stay in the top 10.
“We need to stick together and kick on because the top 10 is still in our sights.”
Stone has also bolstered his squad by bringing in winger Deakan Napier from Newmarket.
