RIDGEONS FIRST DIVISION Ely City 1 Stanway Rovers 2 FIVE minutes of madness cost Ely as they fell to defeat against the runaway league leaders, on Saturday. That was the view of Robins manager Dennis Lightning, who saw his side brought down to earth wi

RIDGEONS FIRST DIVISION

Ely City 1

Stanway Rovers 2

"FIVE minutes of madness" cost Ely as they fell to defeat against the runaway league leaders, on Saturday.

That was the view of Robins manager Dennis Lightning, who saw his side brought down to earth with a bump after thrashing Godmanchester last week.

That said, Ely more than held their own against champions-elect Stanway, but a disastrous five-minute spell proved decisive.

The first goal came after 42 minutes, when a throw-in which looked to be Ely's was awarded in favour of Stanway.

From that throw-in, the Essex side scored and they doubled their advantage in stoppage time when Dean Blackman was muscled off the ball in a controversial challenge, allowing the visitors to go 2-0 up.

Ely pushed their opponents back in the second half, and Vinnie Long's cross-cum-shot got them back in the game.

It was the former Newmarket defender's first goal for the club.

Despite pressing in the last 15 minutes, the Robins were unable to get on level terms as Ashley Brand and Simon Warren both spurned good openings.

"I felt we deserved at least a point from the game," said Lightning, "but it was just five minutes of madness, really.

"We've not given up on promotion because there is still 18 points to play for but we've got one heck of a run-in, starting with Walsham on Wednesday night.