Ely City’s FA Vase campaign came to an abrupt halt on Saturday after a frustrating afternoon at the Unwin Ground for the Robins.

A goal in each half was enough to ensure that Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties Premier Division outfit Newmarket Town progressed in the FA Vase, at the expense of their Division One counter parts.

The hosts started strongly but were left frustrated when Newmarket went ahead after 13 minutes, thanks to a powerful strike by Ross Paterson.

The hosts responded well and dominated the remainder of the first half, with Matthew Simpson and James Goodge creating Ely’s best chances to equalise but both were denied by George Lawton in the Town net.

Newmarket improved in the early stages of the second half and Steve Holder doubled their lead when he headed home Paterson’s corner after 55 minutes, having been left unmarked.

The hosts continued to work hard and James Seymour eventually pulled a goal back with just two minutes to play, but his side were unable to find a late equaliser.

Bradley Stone’s side were due to be in Cambs Invitation Cup action last night, but received an automatic place in the next round after their opponents, Great Shelford, failed to raise a team for the tie. Ely now face two consecutive away fixtures as they travel to Suffolk side AFC Sudbury on Saturday and then a cup tie with Fakenham Town on the 14th of October.