Brady Stone says Ely City’s 3-1 win over Kirkley & Pakefield was the perfect remedy to a result which saw him question the commitment of his players.

The Ely boss slammed the Robins last week, saying their 2-0 defeat to Haverhill Rovers was the worst he had seen them play in his three years in charge but says their victory on Saturday – which saw goals from Nick Heap, Alex Theobald and Tom Williams – was the ideal response.

“We made six changes but that was mostly because we needed to freshen up because we’ve had a lot of games recently,” Stone said.

“We started a bit slowly but over the last hour I thought the lads were excellent. They all came to the game after what I said last week wanting to prove me wrong and they did. It was the perfect response.”

After watching his side go a fifth game without a Thurlow Nunn Premier Division win last Tuesday, Stone warned his players that they would slip down the table if they failed to improve – and they answered his call, turning in their best performance in recent weeks to come from behind at beat Kirkley at the Ellgia.

“We got too set in our ways” Stone admitted. “I think everyone – including myself and Martin (Grey, assistant manager) – needed a little kick.

“I don’t like to criticise the players too much but we needed to respond and it has come just in time, with two massive games coming up.”

The first of those huge games – a trip to league leaders Felixstowe & Walton - falls this Saturday (3pm). The Robins then host local rivals Newmarket Town next Friday (13).

“We’re not going to set a target on how many points we want to get from the games,” Stone said.

“We’re just going to go into the games with big smiles on our faces and play with no fear. We’ve got nothing to lose.

“Both sides are looking to get promoted so hopefully we can spoil their party. We’re expecting a big crowd for the derby so hopefully we can give them something to smile about and get the three points.”