Ely’s weekend could have been so much better after they started in blistering fashion against Stanway, racing into a two-goal lead within the opening 20 minutes.

ELY City had an Easter to forget as they suffered two damaging defeats inside three days.

The high-flying Robins title dream has been left in tatters after defeats to Stanway Rovers and Wisbech, leaving them some seven points adrift of leaders Wroxham, having played a game more.

Alan Alsop’s men will be looking to refocus however, ahead of their crucial Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup final against fierce rivals Soham Town Rangers on Wednesday at Cambridge United’s Abbey Stadium.

Ely’s weekend could have been so much better after they started in blistering fashion against Stanway, racing into a two-goal lead within the opening 20 minutes.

An opportunist strike from Austen Diaper and a powerful header from Adam Murray put Ely in a dominant position, with a red card also reducing the visitors to 10 men.

Ely spurned a host of chances in the remaining half hour however and were almost powerless to act as a rejuvenated Stanway side affected a remarkable turn-around in the second half, running in four unanswered goals to take a stunning victory.

Ely’s misery deepened on Monday as they travelled to Fen rivals Wisbech and came away with a 2-1 reverse.

An early Neal Spafford strike handed the hosts the half-time lead which Jon Fairweather doubled shortly after the hour mark.

Diaper struck five minutes from time to give Ely some hope but it proved not enough for the Robins as Wisbech held out.

Kick off for Wednesday’s crunch cup final, billed as the Old Fen Derby, is at 7.30pm. Contact Ely City or Soham Town Rangers for information about tickets and hospitality.