Kershaw Senior B Witchford 96 suffered a surprise setback as they lost 3-2 to Needingworth United.

Ely Standard: Witchford 96 v Needingworth United,Witchford 96 v Needingworth United, (Image: Archant)

Ryan Potts and Scott Fielding scored in the first half to hand the visitors the advantage, before Potts added a third early in the second period.

Chris Hall netted a brace for Witchford but it proved in vain. Michael Emms saw red for 96 after picking up two yellow cards.

NMC Division 3B

Ely Crusaders returned to action on Saturday against Benwick Athletic.

But a poor start meant that, within 10 minutes Crusaders found themselves a goal down as Shorn Carnegie handled in the box after Russ Mansfield misjudged a ball.

Ely sprung into life and managed to restore parity before half-time after a superb solo effort from Matt Brodie, taking on two defenders and slotting home from a tight angle.

Ely were denied the lead at the start of the second half as Stuart Freeland’s header was judged not to have gone over the line.

The lead came shortly after, however, as Brodie found space in the box to slot home Rory Abel’s cross.

With 10 minutes to go, Ely looked to have the points in the bag as Lewis Peacock headed home a Brodie free-kick.

However, poor concentration cost the Crusaders two points.

Two route-one balls caught the defence out cold and allowed Benwick a share of the spoils.

Elsewhere, Burwell Swifts lost 2-0 to Fenstanton Reserves.

Kershaw Premier League

Aaron Maskell’s goal was scant reward for Soham Town Rangers Reserves in their first league game of the year.

The Greens’ second string have been out of action since December 20 and it wasn’t a happy return to action as they went down 2-1 at Wisbech St Mary.

Kershaw Senior A

The spoils were shared between Soham United and Chatteris Town on Saturday as both sides finished with a goal each.

The point keeps United in fourth place in the table.

Elsewhere, Ely City Reserves picked up a much-needed win over Somersham Town at the Unwin Ground.

Liam Bishop struck twice to hand the Robins’ a second league victory in succession, moving them off the bottom of the table.

NMC Division 2B

A superb first half performance by Fordham laid the foundations for a convincing 5-1 victory over Alconbury.

Fordham took the lead on 12 minutes when Graham Ford headed home from Will Tyte’s corner.

A superb strike from Alex Theobald made it 2-0 after good work by Ford and Tom Thatcher.

Tyte’s fine 25-yard shot against an upright led to Fordham’s third when, from the rebound, the keeper felled Reece Peacock. Theobald converted the spot-kick.

A rare slip allowed the hosts to pull one back before the interval and Ben Tuff’s fine save prevented a second.

Jonny Mitchell’s fine chip from 20 yards virtually sealed the match but there was still time for Theobald to complete his hat-trick 10 minutes from time.

Elsewhere, Kevin Opoku netted to secure all three points for Isleham United at Mildenhall, on Saturday.

Opoku’s first goal of the season was enough for a 1-0 win for United, moving them third up to third in the league table.

Mepal Sports came away with a valuable point from their visit to Exning United.

Veteran forward Jaz Jatana and Darren Murfitt were both on target as Sports secured a 2-2 draw, their first point in seven matches.

NMC Division 4B

Littleport Town Reserves’ promotion hopes suffered a blow on Saturday as they could only manage a draw at Outwell Swifts Reserves.

Haydn Palmer was on target to salvage a point for Port.

Elsewhere, Haddenham Rovers endured a torrid afternoon as they were beaten 6-2 by visiting Earith United. Marcin Skowyrski’s double was a rare positive for Rovers.

Reg Haigh and Arthur Peck Cup

Witchford 96 Reserves booked their place in the next round of the cup courtesy of a 3-1 win at Barrington Reserves. Witchford will take on Isleham United Reserves in the third round, scheduled to be played on January 31.