After last week’s disappointing FA Cup exit to Haverhill, Guy Habbin welcomed back skipper Jacob Partridge, along with Harry Biggs and Tobi Lawal, who both returned to the starting XI.

The home side began with spells of possession and territory, but posed little threat to the compact shape City had set up in front of them. The opening 15 minutes were largely played in midfield, with both teams looking to settle. As the game opened up, Alex Kerr cut in quickly from the wing, linking well with Jack Friend and Lawal, but their chances were stifled by a deep Heacham defence.

There was concern for the Robins on 20 minutes when Charlie Root took a blow to the head. Although he was able to stand and was willing to continue, he was replaced under concussion protocol as a precaution. His replacement, Jev Cook, altered City’s shape, giving Ely the chance to press in the wide channels and force Heacham backwards. That pressure began to tell when Alfie Rogers launched a huge throw into the box. Friend flicked it on, but before Partridge could head home, Heacham’s Tommy Hunt bravely nodded clear under his own bar.

That moment sparked City into life. Two set pieces in as many minutes caused panic in the Heacham box, with two identical handball appeals waved away by the officials. Biggs was becoming increasingly influential, his clever movement drawing fouls and creating opportunities. One such foul, 30 yards out, gave Hamer the chance to strike a free kick that rattled the underside of the bar and bounced on the line but again, the officials remained unmoved.

Right before the interval, Heacham broke quickly and forced a fine save from Tyler Key, who flew across his goal to claw the effort away to his left.

HT: Heacham FC 0 – 0 Ely City

City came out after the break with real intent, none more so than Joe Brannan. A free kick just inside Heacham’s half saw a call for urgency. Brannan stepped in front of Rogers, who had placed the ball, and launched a stunning strike. Spotting the keeper off his line, the defender’s effort sailed over the stranded stopper and dropped into the far corner - an outrageous opener!

Biggs continued to cause problems, dropping into pockets between the lines to link play. Kerr took one ball off him before being upended without punishment, and was caught again moments later as he drove toward goal. Substitute Sam Townshend was introduced and immediately made an impact, surging down the left, cutting inside, and firing across goal. The Heacham keeper parried, but before Friend could pounce on the rebound, the danger was scrambled away.

Heacham’s best chance came from a free kick into the box. Key saved the initial header before Brannan threw himself in front of the rebound to preserve the lead. Ely’s growing width allowed Biggs to stretch play further, and on the counter he found Townshend, who won a corner. From the resulting delivery, Alex Brown whipped in a superb cross and Partridge rose highest, flicking a header off the underside of the bar and in to double City’s lead.

Heacham pushed to respond, but substitute Rob Ruddy headed clear under pressure while Partridge and Brannan marshalled the defence superbly. City saw out the closing stages with composure to book their place in the next round of the Vase, where they will host Fakenham on September 20th.

FT: Heacham FC 0 – 2 Ely City

Team: Key, Kerr, Brown, Rogers, Partridge (C), Brannan, Root, Biggs, Hamer, Lawal, Friend.
Subs: Sutcliffe, Ruddy, Cook, Townshend.

Media Team Away POTM: Harry Biggs.