Momentum Builds For Region's Teams

IMPRESSIVE showings in the latest round of pre-season match-ups saw momentum continue to build for the region s leading teams. Both Ely and Soham were in pre-season action at the weekend and a couple of excellent showings added weight to the growing expe

IMPRESSIVE showings in the latest round of pre-season match-ups saw momentum continue to build for the region's leading teams.

Both Ely and Soham were in pre-season action at the weekend and a couple of excellent showings added weight to the growing expectation of a landmark season for the two clubs.

Soham, in action away at United Counties Premier side Cogenhoe, scored a decent 2-1 victory courtesy of strikes from Dan Sterna and Andy Furnell.

The hosts had taken the lead thanks to a first-half penalty, but order was restored when, after a number of half-time changes, Soham came out firing and scored early through Furnell to get back on terms.

The Greens piled on the pressure for the remainder of the half and were given their just reward minutes from time when Sterna netted.

Ely City meanwhile, were unlucky to come away with a 1-1 draw from a keenly contested match-up with Steve Lomas' St Neots side.

Having run the rule over the much vaunted visitors for large parts of the game, the Robins were stunned to concede with mere seconds to go, denying them an arguably deserved victory.

Though a number of high-profile players were missing from the line-up, Ely showed no signs of being over-awed and took the lead just minutes in to the game as Richard Chadwick capitalised on a defensive error to net.

Ely looked comfortable with their lead and might have extended it yet further with good chances for Adam Salmons and Chadwick again being spurned. With victory looking certain though, Ely switched off momentarily, allowing a lofted ball to find its way through to the opposition front men who made no mistake.