RIDGEONS LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION Tiptree United 1 Ely City 1 ELY City are riding high at the top of the table thanks to an 88th-minute Tom Beech strike in a bruising encounter. Tiptree made their intentions clear in the third minute at Chapel Road, on Sat

RIDGEONS LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION

Tiptree United 1 Ely City 1

ELY City are riding high at the top of the table thanks to an 88th-minute Tom Beech strike in a bruising encounter.

Tiptree made their intentions clear in the third minute at Chapel Road, on Saturday, when a player received a booking for a two-footed challenge on Ely talisman Andy Chatters.

Fortunately for The Robins, their captain returned to the field after treatment, but the unwelcoming hosts continued in a similar fashion.

Ely nearly took the lead twice in the opening half. Simon Warren had a good shot saved from 12 yards and, shortly after the half-hour mark, Chatters forced a stunning save as the goalkeeper tipped the ball over the crossbar.

The Robins continued to enjoy the majority of possession in the second half, but went behind in the 59th minute when a free-kick was whipped in and headed home from six yards.

Beech came on to replace Robbie Mason, with the striker unable to continue after suffering a heavy challenge in the first half.

Ely then brought on James Reeves and Tony Speed and moved to a 3-4-3 formation, where they attempted to utilise Reeves' pace on the right whenever possible.

With 15 minutes remaining, Reeves was clattered with a scything challenge, and with no substitutes remaining, the Ely man hobbled on until the end.

City held their nerve to hit the equaliser at the death. Nick Impey turned well in the box and powered in a shot which the goalkeeper tipped on to a post, but Beech reacted well to tap in the rebound.

Ely manager Dennis Lightning said: "Tiptree could be a good side if they didn't try to kick every team they play off the park.

"I found some of their nasty stuff to be unacceptable. My lads did well to keep their discipline and refuse to be intimidated.