Robins crash out of FA Cup

ELY City’s FA Cup dreams were dashed on Saturday after Stewarts and Lloyds Corby snatched a 1-0 win.

ELY City’s FA Cup dreams were dashed on Saturday after Stewarts and Lloyds Corby snatched a 1-0 win.

Sloppy defending from the Robins after just nine minutes allowed the visitors to open the scoring but despite dominating the remainder of the play, Dennis Lightning’s men were unable to get back on terms with Corby who defended admirably to secure the win.

An encouraging start for the home side saw Robbie Mason come within a lace’s width of opening the scoring when wide man Nick Impey flashed a drive across the box. Their good early work was soon undone however, as Corby broke through the heart of the home defence to open the scoring with less than 10 minutes on the clock.

Ely were not to be knocked out of their stride however and we soon back on top, putting together some eye-catching passing moves.

One such move involving David Johnson and Richard Chadwick resulted in the former being brought down in the box which brought a penalty for the home side with 15 minutes gone.

Dave Smith was denied from the resulting kick however, by an excellent save.

Ely continued to dictate the play there after but were frustrated by Corby who defended deep and in numbers and restricted the home side to long balls.

With less than 10 minutes to play, Ely were once again denied by the Corby keeper who made an excellent reaction save to thwart a powerful header destined for the top corner.

Corby proved effective on the break as the game wore on and went close to sealing the win late on only for a striker to miss a glaring opportunity with only keeper Lee Pacey to beat.

It proved inconsequential in the end though, as the visitors held out for the win.