RIDGEONS LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION Long Melford 1 Ely City 1 ELY were well short of vintage form in a town famous for antique shops. Needing a win to guarantee promotion on Saturday, manager Dennis Lightning opted to drop top scorer Nick Impey for the more ph

RIDGEONS LEAGUE FIRST DIVISION

Long Melford 1 Ely City 1

ELY were well short of vintage form in a town famous for antique shops.

Needing a win to guarantee promotion on Saturday, manager Dennis Lightning opted to drop top scorer Nick Impey for the more physical pairing of Tom Beech and Robbie Mason.

Andy Chatters curled a free-kick from just outside the centre of the box onto the post after three minutes. Thirty seconds later Mason ran into the area and drilled a shot just wide.

Beech had three good chances in between the 25th and 32nd minute before Simon Warren fired narrowly wide from distance.

Yet many Ely attacks broke down with the referee unimpressed with their physical approach.

Centre-back Tony Brown volleyed over from 10 yards when unmarked following a corner, three minutes into the second half.

Mason had a golden chance in the 61st minute but volleyed over from eight yards when free, after Dean Blackman's cross to the back post.

But two minutes later Warren headed in from close range after a corner.

Ely couldn't kill off the hosts, and three minutes from time, they were punished by 18-year-old substitute Daniel Grindrod. City left themselves short at the back and a quick break finished with the striker racing through and slotting past Tim Catley.

Ely manager Dennis Lightning said: "It would be easier to take if we had been beaten by a good team. The whole experience has given me a resolve for next season that you would not believe. I've spoken with some of the players who want to be here next year and we all agree - we've got unfinished business.