Ridgeons League Premier Division Round-up

RIDGEONS LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION

Ely City 1 Harwich & Parkeston 1

ELY conceded a late equaliser in this match, but it would perhaps have been rough justice on the visitors if they had left empty-handed.

Goalkeeper Lee Pacey could only watch as an early 20-yard shot skimmed the crossbar, and Harwich continued to have the better of the early exchanges.

It was against the run of play therefore, that Andy Pettit gave City the lead after 21 minutes.

After receiving the ball from Jamie Alsop only six yards from goal and with defenders covering the goal-line, Pettit kept his cool and guided the ball into the net.

He then had a chance to double the lead, but from close range again somehow managed to scoop his shot over.

In a scrappy second half Russell Flitton blocked a goalbound shot from Harwich, whilst at the other end Simon Warren flashed a shot just wide.

Robbie Mason was then dismissed for his second yellow card with seven minutes remaining, and in added time Alsop turned the ball into his own net when attempting to clear his lines.

Robins boss Dennis Lightning admitted afterwards that he was "disappointed" with the result and said that it was "a scrappy game."

"We had enough chances to put the game beyond them," said Lightning, "and we should have been at least three or four up before half-time.

"Credit to Harwich, they pushed forward in the second half, but we defended really well and they didn't look like they were going to score. But suddenly they played a good ball into the box and unfortunately Jamie Alsop got on the end of it."

Ely travel to bottom-of-the-table Whitton United on Saturday, and are hoping to pick up three points against a team promoted alongside them.

"Their results have been improving," warned Lightning, "and they've obviously got a reasonable side still.