ELY City boss Alan Alsop remains satisfied with his side’s pre-season campaign despite a disappointing reverse at Lakenheath at the weekend.

Returning striker Richard Chadwick netted twice for the Robins against the Kershaw Premier side, but three goals shipped at the other end saw the hosts, who are two leagues below Ely, come away with a notable scalp.

Ely have managed three draws and two defeats from their pre-season so far but, despite going without a win, Alsop believes his side are in good shape.

“It was a good run out for the players,” he said. “There were one or two lads who needed the minutes and some others that I hadn’t seen play before so it was all good experience for them.

“Lakenheath are certainly not a bad side, I was disappointed that we lost but overall it was a good game and the level of performance from the players was good.

“I think during the pre-season we have played some good sides, we’ve had a few draws and some defeats but I’m not too worried about that, the only thing I’m disappointed with is the injuries.”

The Robins have one more pre-season fixture tonight (Thursday) against Sawston before they begin their league campaign in earnest against FC Clacton but, despite a mini-injury crisis, Alsop believes his side will be capable of taking three points.

“We may be missing six or seven players for the Clacton game but we’ve still got a good side, I think the squad is stronger than it was last year and I think we have got enough to get the win.”

The Robins could well be without first team regulars Tom Beech, Ben Lawrence, Brady Stone, Michael Blake, Nick Impey and James Wallis for Saturday’s match but boss Alsop hoped he may be able to welcome some players back for Tuesday night’s trip to Dereham.