Ely City mens first team moved to within one win of topping the East Leagues Three North West Division last weekend thanks to a 4-3 win over Cambridge City 4ths.

Ely’s experienced team claimed their fourth straight win thanks to the skill of Matt Samouel, who struck three of Ely’s four goals.

Captain, Feroze Abbas, said: “Training is making a massive difference to the Ely play with the team now having the confidence to transfer the ball around with ease and having the patience in midfield to build up some slick moves and create the opportunities in the circle.”

The mens second side, however, had another disappointing result, losing 1-0 to St Ives 4ths in Division Six North-West (South).

Despite good runs along the line by Marc Hunt, the local lads were unable to find the net and St Ives leapfrogged Ely into fourth place in the standings.

It was much better news though for the mens 3rds, who claimed their first three points of the season with a 3-1 home success over third-placed Kettering 4s.

Mike Wilderspin hit a brace and Liam Goodson also netted for Ely.

Ely’s ladies first surrendered their unbeaten start to the campaign.

They went down 4-2 to an impressive Bourne Deeping side in Division Three North-West.

Bourne raced into a 4-0 lead and despite goals from Hannah Brown and Jo Rayner, the Peterborough side held on to seal the victory.

The ladies seconds turned in their most impressive performance this season – but that wasn’t enough to see them beat league-toppers Newmarket seconds in Division Four North-West (South).

Despite the seconds’ loss being their fourth straight defeat, captain Gemma Neal insists her side are always improving.

She said: “There is no doubt that this was Ely seconds’ best match of the season.

“Efforts from training are starting to shine through in game-play and it is noticeable that the team is developing as a whole.”

Up-and-coming players were also in action last week.

The club hosted a half-term hockey camp, which saw more than 50 youngsters take to the pitch during their week off school.

A spokesman said: “The camp was open to everyone – not just club members – of all ages from four to 16 years and all abilities.

“In the morning the kids were split into four groups and undertook a number of different exercises aimed at building their skills. After lunch they focused on individual skill development and then played some matches where positioning and tactical support were looked at.

“The kids learnt some great new skills and had a lot of fun in the process!

“Given that it has been such a success, we will be looking to host another day camp in the February half term.”