City of Ely hockey proved that the number 13 need not be unlucky as the league-toppers surged to a 6-0 win over Louth and to a 13th game unbeaten this season.

The men’s firsts dusted off any post-Christmas cobwebs with a dominant victory over the Lincolnshire side who are languishing in 11th in the East Cambs Division 3NW.

Ely’s excellent league form has seen them drop points just once this season with one draw, and they began 2016 in winning fashion with a comprehensive victory over Louth.

Ely began the game on the front foot with their characteristic pressing game, dominating possession.

However, the festive break appeared to have dulled Ely’s normal sharpness in front of goal and despite the midfield providing plenty of service for the front three, it wasn’t until midway through the first half that the deadlock was broken.

Some slick midfield passing allowed Matthew Samouel to find himself in space at the top of the D and he slotted the ball pass the diving Louth Keeper to open the scoring.

After spurning a number of opportunities to double their lead, captain Feroze Abbas made a tactical change and brought on man-of-the-match Charlie Kisby, who made an instant impact after he rifled in a shot to grab the elusive second goal.

Soon after, Nick Wells drove towards the Louth D and threaded a superb pass to Kisby, who, without breaking his stride, deflected the ball into the back of the net.

The second half saw Ely step up their game, building patiently from the back and showing defensive solidarity, with goalkeeper Dodsworth in the Ely goal having little to do and keeping out Louth’s only shot on goal.

Continued Ely pressure resulted in a short corner which Tim Reynolds dispatched with aplomb before Abbas added a fifth as Ely’s dominance continued.

Warren Dennis scored fantastic goal late in the second half to seal a 6-0 victory and yet another three points for the goal-happy Ely side who will be hoping to take momentum gained from their win into their meeting with in-form Cambridge University thirds on Saturday.