PRE-SEASON bragging rights went to Soham Town Rangers after their 3-2 victory over Ely City in the Doug Unwin Memorial Trophy match, on Tuesday evening. Goals from Darren Jimson, Michael Simpson and Scott Carter secured the win for Soham, but Charles Liba

PRE-SEASON bragging rights went to Soham Town Rangers after their 3-2 victory over Ely City in the Doug Unwin Memorial Trophy match, on Tuesday evening.

Goals from Darren Jimson, Michael Simpson and Scott Carter secured the win for Soham, but Charles Libam was shown a straight red card after a challenge on a former team-mate.

Defender Brett Claydon played his debut for Ely after his move from Soham and it was a challenge on Claydon that resulted in Libam's dismissal.

Soham manager Ian Benjamin said: "I had a chat with Brett and I told him that I couldn't guarantee him a starting place. He made the decision to go and I accept that."

Ely boss Dennis Lightning welcomed the signing, saying: "It is great to get Brett at the club and it is the sort of signing that shows people that we are going in the right direction."

But Lightning was without Andy Chatters, who signed for Yaxley this week.

Lightning said: "Andy called me and told me that he was moving on and I have to respect his decision.

"I thanked him for his great service at the club and wish him all the best. I told him that if things don't work out he is welcome to come back."

Tuesday's victory was another good result for Soham, who have impressed their manager with fine performances and an unbeaten record during the summer.

Rangers' run continued on Saturday with a good 4-0 win at UCL Premier side Sleaford Town.

Aaron Turner's neat finish on 14 minutes opened the scoring and he set up Libam for a second on the stroke of half-time.

Darren Jimson made it 3-0 early in the second half and Andy Furnell completed the scoring with a penalty.

Benjamin said: "It was a physical game but I was very pleased with the way we played.

"I have been happy with all our pre-season games and, in particular, the way the new lads have fitted in.

"Darren Jimson has scored some good goals and Martin McNeil is finding his feet nicely."

But injuries are still a worry for Benjamin. Nick Reeson has picked up a hamstring injury while Scott Johnson has an infected ankle after taking a knock in last week's 3-1 win over St Neots.

Paul Jones could miss the start of the season with a rib injury and Peter Hinde's calf problem also threatens to keep him out of the season's opening game.

Benjamin said: "It is not an ideal situation but I am hopeful that we can shake off most of these injuries soon."

# ELY also had an encouraging friendly result on Saturday when they drew 1-1 at home to King's Lynn.

Lynn opened the scoring on 15 minutes but Jamie Alsop's free-kick from 25 yards levelled the scores on the stroke of half-time.

Lightning said: "Lynn are a league above us so I was pleased with our performance. It was a good work-out and we played well.

"The most important thing was that it was a marked improvement on our 4-0 defeat against Arlesey. The lads have been training hard and we need to keep up those kind of performances."

# MILDENHALL lost 3-1 in their home friendly against AFC Sudbury, on Saturday.

Ben Cranfield's first-half strike kept Town in the game, trailing 2-1 at the break, but Sudbury's third goal killed off the game.