Intricate Ely trumped by Norwich

Hockey

Ely City 2

Norwich Dragons 3

ELY were left counting the cost of missed opportunities as their display of intricate passing hockey was ultimately trumped by the pragmatism of Norwich Dragons.

Chris Purllant’s men forged countless scoring opportunities in a impressive display but their profligacy was punished by the accuracy of the sharpshooting visitors.

The loss leaves Ely languishing third from bottom of Division 2N and they face a crucial match against fellow-strugglers Cambridge City 3 on Saturday, in their bid to move up the table.

Norwich opening the scoring with a well-worked move after five minutes but, despite being thrust onto the back foot, Ely responded well and were soon in the ascendancy.

Some neat passing moves earned the home side no less than four penalty corners in a 10-minute period, but they were unable to get back on terms as their routines broke down.

Eighteen minutes in and with only their second attack of the match, Norwich moved 2-0 ahead, as a breakaway move saw the the ball squared from the by-line and smashed home at the far post.

Another three penalty corners came Ely’s way before skipper Purllant pulled a goal back from the spot and the leveller Ely’s play warranted came five minutes later.

A penalty corner awarded on the stroke of half-time allowed Ely to crowd the box without fear of counter-attack and amid the throng of players, Adam Graham slotted home, despite the calls of foul play.

Buoyed by their leveller, Ely emerged refreshed for the second half but soon slipped into a familiar pattern of play as several short corners went astray.

Despite Ely’s sinuous play, it was the Dragons who would have the final say as, just 10 minutes from time, they broke at pace from an Ely attack and made their numbers count.

Ahead for the second time in the match, Norwich were determined to keep it that way and they closed out the game in frugal fashion to register their fifth win of the season.