Ely City 2 Great Yarmouth Town 0

ELY closed in on top spot with a laboured win over basement boys Great Yarmouth on Saturday.

Despite coming up against a defence that has shipped a whopping 115 goals in 32 games this season, the Robins made hard work of the win and had goals from Ben Lawrence and Richard Gammon to thanks for securing the three points.

The victory moved Alan Alsop’s men level on points with second-place Brantham Athletic and just a point behind leaders Wroxham, who visit the Unwin Ground in a crunch clash on March 13.

The first chance of a largely one-sided first half came just three minutes in as former Soham man Gammon headed a loose ball goalwards, with the keeper just about able to gather from under his crossbar.

Yarmouth were seldom able to get out of their half in the opening minutes and the mounting pressure finally told as Ben Lawrence found himself in the right place at the right time to deflect Luke Parkinson’s corner home from six yards after 10 minutes.

Austen Diaper saw his half volley from 18 yards sail narrowly over a few minutes later but, thereafter, Ely laboured in possession and struggled to find a way through the massed ranks of Yarmouth players.

With less than 10 minutes left in the half, Gammon was sent clear on goal but a heavy touch saw him stretching as he shot, allowing the keeper to come out and smother.

Luke Parkinson went closer still to making it 2-0 before the break, only for his deft chip to come down off the crossbar and dance along the line before being hacked clear.

A similarly frustrating opening to the second half had Ely fans twitching on the sidelines but their worries were eased with 55 minutes on the clock as Gammon collected his second goal in as many games, tapping home from six yards.

The introduction of Taz Chisango and Richard Chadwick added fresh impetus to Ely’s attack on the hour mark and it was the latter who come closest as he was sent through one-on-one only for a heavy touch to allow the keeper to claim at his feet.

Though still vulnerable in defence, Yarmouth were much more organised in the second half and were able to keep hold of possession in midfield for longer periods, though Lee Pacey was seldom bothered in the home goal.

Chisango added a touch of excitement for Ely late on but his audacious back flick from Chadwick’s cross slipped inches wide.

The Robins travelled to Newmarket Town on Wednesday night (March 7) for a full match report and reaction visit www.elystandard.co.uk.