Rob does job in Vase clash

FA VASE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND Stowmarket Town 0 Ely City 1 A ROBBIE Mason goal secured Ely s passage to the first round of the FA Vase. Ely were without influential centre-back Brady Stone, who injured knee ligaments in training in the week. And with Ga

FA VASE SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND

Stowmarket Town 0

Ely City 1

A ROBBIE Mason goal secured Ely's passage to the first round of the FA Vase.

Ely were without influential centre-back Brady Stone, who injured knee ligaments in training in the week.

And with Gary Dewsbury also missing, they were forced to reorganise the defence - Tony Speed made his debut at right back, and Dean Blackman and Vinnie Long came in to play in the centre of defence.

Mason hit a post with a 30-yard drive, then struck the bar from close range, before lobbing the goalkeeper to score in the 32nd minute.

Stowmarket, who beat Soham 4-1 in the FA Cup this season, stuck to their usual game plan of playing direct, physical football, but the new-look Ely defence, never looked threatened in the first half.

Ely looked by far the better of the sides for the majority of the second half.

The Robins stood firm in the final 10 minutes to resist a Stowmarket onslaught and prevented any clear-cut chances.

Ely manager Dennis Lightning said: "I don't recall our goalkeeper Tim Catley making a real save ... that's a remarkable achievement.

"Stowmarket is a tough place to go and get a result but we've put in a very professional performance."

Ely will play Ridgeons League Premier Division side Wisbech Town at home in the first round proper of the FA Vase on Saturday, October 7.

# The Robins' next match is at home to Saffron Walden, who are unbeaten in the league.