Ely City 2 Cambridge University Press 0

Ely Standard: Ely City FC V HadleighEly City FC V Hadleigh (Image: Archant)

ELY City are on their way to the final of the Cambridgeshire Invitation Cup for the second year running after easing past Cambridge University Press on Tuesday night.

The Robins, the current cup holders, were in top form on the night, with goals from Richard Chadwick and Chris Sterecki seeing them past a spirited Press outfit.

They are set to face Cambridge City in the final, to be played at the home of Cambridge United in April.

Boss Alan Alsop said: “It’s great for the club and something that has never happened to us before.

“We are delighted to be playing Cambridge City, we are going to go into it as underdogs and that suits us down to the ground. They will put out a strong team, Gary Roberts will want to win it because it’s a final.

“It will be interesting to see how they are doing in the league in April because that may determine what sort of team he puts out, the lads cannot wait.”

The Robins took the lead on Tuesday night thanks to a poacher’s goal from Chadwick, he popped up at the back post to slot home a deep cross from close range.

After the break, Press came out renewed and took the game to the hosts, dominating proceedings or the first 15 minutes. Ely held firm however, and were able to double their advantage in the 70th minute as right back Chris Sterecki capped a superb run with a drilled shot into the bottom corner.

Alsop said: “We were physically much stronger than them on the night. They are a good footballing side if you let them play but we didn’t.”

The Robins came into the match following a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Hadleigh United on Saturday.

United scored three goals in the first half to stun Alsop’s side, with just a single strike from Austen Diaper by way of reply. Midfielder Josh Bridgeman also missed a penalty for the hosts.

Defender Ben Lawrence was presented with the Everyone Active man of the match award by Simon Clasby of Everyone Active. The match sponsors were Taylor Wimpey of Soham.