Donald Trump’s inauguration as 45th president of the United States of America, Ed Sheeran’s domination of the charts and Leicester City sacking title-winning boss Claudio Ranieri.

Ely Standard: Mulready scored twice within one second-half minute to give Robbie Mason his first win as Soham boss. PHOTO: Andy BurfordMulready scored twice within one second-half minute to give Robbie Mason his first win as Soham boss. PHOTO: Andy Burford (Image: Archant)

These are all events that came and went during Soham Town Rangers’ 16-week wait for a Ryman Division One North victory.

But that painful wait was finally brought to an end last Saturday thanks to striker Sam Mulready’s quick-fire double over promotion-chasing Thurrock at Julius Martin Lane.

Ely Standard: Mulready fires in Soham's leveller from the spot. PHOTO: Andy BurfordMulready fires in Soham's leveller from the spot. PHOTO: Andy Burford (Image: Archant)

Soham boss Robbie Mason had admitted to losing sleep because of his side’s torrid league run that stretched back to December 3, but it’s almost certain that the player-manager slept soundly on Saturday night after the Greens’ much-needed victory.

The game started out as any other at Julius Martin Lane, with the away side taking an early lead courtesy of a David Cowley free-kick that sailed all the way in.

Ely Standard: Mulready's well-taken volley followed a penalty as Soham overcame Thurrock 2-1 last Saturday. PHOTO: Andy BurfordMulready's well-taken volley followed a penalty as Soham overcame Thurrock 2-1 last Saturday. PHOTO: Andy Burford (Image: Archant)

Soham huffed and puffed but couldn’t find a way through and it seemed that the Greens were destined to finish a 17th league match on the losing side.

But Mason rallied his troops at half time and their response rocked Thurrock, with Mulready bagging his first of the afternoon on the hour from the spot after he was felled in the box.

Ely Standard: Will Gardner slides in. PHOTO: Andy BurfordWill Gardner slides in. PHOTO: Andy Burford (Image: Archant)

And the Soham faithful only had to wait another 60 seconds until they were cheering again, with Mulready steering the ball home neatly after a long throw fell at his feet.

Thurrock threw the kitchen sink at Soham in the final moments of the game, but Mason’s men held firm to see out their first three points of 2017.

Soham’s win wasn’t enough to hoist them out of the relegation zone, but they are now level on points with 21st-placed Ware, who sit just above the drop zone by virtue of goals scored.