With Tiff Toynton still unavailable, Atlanta Stevenson stepped in as worthy replacement in goal, in an unchanged line up to last weeks narrow loss to Real Bedford.

The game started with Ely again, progressive going forward, with both Youngs and Chazza Murombo having early chances. But the home side got into the game, showing why they were also promoted to this league last season. Good build up play saw them create something out of nothing, Orris finishing from close range against the run of play. But the Robins are growing to be more resolute at this level, as they made their way back into the game. Beth Horsfield and Murombo causing issues for the home side out wide as the away side drove forward.

It was Murombo who’s trickery the Walden defence could not cope with, as she got away down the left side.
It was from there, Ely got their deserved equaliser. Murombo weaved inside off the wing into the area and was hauled down, but as the referee deemed fair and play on, Emily Grande-Buttimer drove in and swept home the loose ball for 1-1. Ely grabbed the lead before the break, another foul 25 yards out saw Horsfield’s floated effort spilled by the keeper, as the ball was scrambled out – Ellie Cooper smashed home ahead of the defender to give the Robins the advantage at half time.

HT: Saffron Walden Women 1 – 2 Ely City Women

Into the second half, Walden came out wanting to get back in the game, Cooper and Kerry Dyer made good interceptions before Tash Lane blocked an attempted through ball deep in her own half.
Stevenson made a good save and then intercepted a cross as the home side added pressure. Youngs had an effort blocked on the break, before Horsfield had a great chance but scuffed wide as the Walden held out.
Their equaliser came after the hour mark, the pressure told on the back line and the prolific Maynard poached in behind and struck to level the scores.

The Robins Women kept at it, knowing that they were creating chances and causing Saffron Walden issues in front and in behind. Lou Harwood fed Murombo again, but she was blocked before Youngs caught a shot across the box but lacked pace to beat the keeper. As time ticked down, it was Murombo again pulling her markers apart, as she beat the midfielder and full back, as she drove forward. As she made her way into the box, she was pulled down for a clear penalty. The experienced and lethal Youngs stepped up and fired to the keepers right into the corner to give Ely the lead.
The Robins held on late, with the defence holding strong and Stevenson sweeping up – for a deserved 3 points away from home.

FT: Saffron Walden Women 2 – 3 Ely City Women

Team; Stevenson, Dyer, Cooper, Cullen, Dunlevy, Grande-Buttimer, Harwood, Lane, Horsfield, Murombo, Youngs.
Subs: Gibson, Chandler, Nutter, Pillow.

POTM: Chazza Murombo