Robins end season on a high
Ely City 2 Norwich United 1
AN injury-time goal from Adam Murray capped a fantastic win for Ely on Saturday as they brought their superb season to a close.
The centre-back, who has been a revelation at the heart of defence for the Robins this season, out-jumped the United goalkeeper to nod home a late corner and seal Ely’s 25th win of a landmark season.
The win cemented Ely’s place as runners-up in the Ridgeons Premier Division, their best ever finish, and comes just a week after they lifted the Cambs Invitation Cup, beating fierce rivals Soham, 3-2.
The game itself was a tame affair early on as both sides laboured in midfield, struggling to get a grip on the game. Richard Gammon has the Robins best chance of the opening 20 minutes, volleying powerfully from 18 yards and drawing a top-notch save from the Norwich goalkeeper.
Little more than five minutes later, Norwich had the lead as a gap left by the incapacitated Brady Stone, allowed a United striker to run on a slot past an exposed Lee Pacey.
The goal soured the mood inside the Unwin Ground, but the expectant home fans had to wait just 15 minutes before Ely struck back, top goal-scorer Richard Chadwick firing past the goalkeeper from a tight angle after bringing down a floated long ball.
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Norwich continued to create chances in the aftermath of the equaliser and kept Pacey on his toes with a series of shots from range.
Noriwch went perilously close to taking the lead again minutes after the restart only for Pacey to emerge the victor in a one-on-one battle with United’s Louis Cutajar, who had slipped a slumbering Ely defence.
Luke Parkinson rifled a volley off the crossbar as Ely stepped up their game going forward but they still looked vulnerable at the back as Cutajar again found space in the box, only to badly miscue his effort from six yards.
The game looked to be heading for a draw when Murray rose highest to steal the three points for Ely, sending the crowd into raptures.
After the match the team were presented with their cup winner’s medals and league runners-up trophy from Ridgeons League officials.
