RIDGEONS FIRST DIVISION Ely City 1 Long Melford 1 ELY joint-manager Steve Taylor admitted that promotion was a long shot as he watched his side fail to win for the fourth successive game. Taylor s team squandered a host of chances against their Suffolk

RIDGEONS

FIRST DIVISION

Ely City 1 Long Melford 1

ELY joint-manager Steve Taylor admitted that promotion was a "long shot" as he watched his side fail to win for the fourth successive game.

Taylor's team squandered a host of chances against their Suffolk opponents, and even allowed them to take the lead against the run of play 20 minutes into the second half.

Simon Warren, Peter Munns and Robbie Mason were all profligate in front of goal before Melford went ahead, but Tony Brown levelled matters with his second goal in as many games.

There was a solid debut for defender Paul Cousins, signed from March Town United on Friday. Taylor said: "He looked good in the air and on the ground. It was just our strikers who let us down really, which is surprising because they are quality players."

The Robins lost Warren with a recurrence of a calf injury at the beginning of the second half, and Jamie Smith hit the bar with a header late on, but Ely could not break the deadlock.

"Promotion is still in the balance because there are still 48 points to play for," said Taylor. "But third place was always going to be a long shot. All we can do is take one game at a time.

"Melford was just one of those games where you hit a wall and you've got to get over it. Gorleston on Saturday will be another tough game but all we can do is look forward to it."

Warren should get over his calf problem in time to be selected and Gary Dewsbury returns to the squad after a bruised foot. Jamie Smith and Martin Westcott are both unavailable, however.