Report by Chris Gibson
After reclaiming the Cliff Bullen Trophy last week against Leverington Sports, City were looking to finish the season strongly despite a disappointing defeat to Over Sports on Saturday.
Remarkably - though perhaps unsurprisingly given his character - skipper Fin Logan making his fifth appearance in just eight days. He has featured for both the first team and reserves across two cup finals, two league fixtures, and a play-off semi-final in a single week. Sammy Townshend missed out through injury, while Oskaras Urbonas dropped to the bench after a busy run of games.
The Robins began brightly, applying early pressure on a warm evening that showed signs of a long, hard-fought season. Ely controlled possession and tempo, with Josh Townshend and Luke Mansfield linking up well to create an early chance, though Mansfield dragged his shot just wide.
In the 12th minute, Ely had their first real sight of goal from a corner. After a scramble in the box, a header was directed goalwards only for the Witchford keeper to tip over while back-pedalling.
At the other end, Ely keeper Joe Murfitt had to be sharp. First, he raced out to meet a long ball that had deceived Jamie Baxter, and then again when he intercepted another direct attempt with Jack Challis following up with a superb tackle to deny the rebound.
Ely continued to dominate the next 25 minutes, although Witchford remained compact and well-organised, leaving little space for the home side to exploit. From set pieces, Ely crafted two good chances: James McCabe saw his effort well saved, and Dan Jeffery’s dangerous free kick caused a scramble in the six-yard box, but the final touch just eluded a red finish.
Logan dropped deeper into midfield to open up space, allowing Ely to press higher. Mansfield remained an outlet on the left and, after being fouled, won a free kick 30 yards out. Jeffery’s delivery wasn’t cleared cleanly, falling to Baxter, who fired just over from the edge of the box.
Right before half time, Ely had a nervy moment as a bobbling back-pass was played to Murfitt. He controlled well and turned the Witchford striker but was fouled as he cleared. After receiving treatment, he managed to see out the half but looked clearly uncomfortable.
As the second half began, Murfitt was replaced after being unable to shake off the effects of the earlier challenge. Jeffery took over in goal, while Zak Slane slotted in on the right. Urbonas, coming off the bench, was kept unusually quiet but still flashed a shot wide after a good run. Soon after, his crosses almost picked out Dan Heron unmarked in the box but was cleared just in time.
The tempo of the game then dipped, with Witchford becoming more adventurous in the final third. Jeffery - now between the sticks had to be alert, sweeping up a couple of dangerous through balls and confidently claiming a high cross under pressure.
Ben Harnwell and Conor Loker were introduced late on as Ely searched for a winner. Mansfield stung the keeper’s hands at the near post after great work from Dani Carvalho, and Loker also saw an effort blocked as the match came to a close.
It wasn’t the fiery derby some might have expected, with both sides appearing more settled than combative. Chances came at both ends, but neither keeper was overly tested. Witchford will likely feel the more satisfied, but Ely can look back over the season with relative pride in their efforts again this year!
A semi-final in one cup, winners in another, and another top-four league finish—another successful season for the Reserves.
Well done to Chris, Rich, and the squad!

Starting XI: Murfitt, Carvalho, Jeffery, Baxter, Challis, Logan, McCabe, Mansfield, Woodbine, J. Townshend, Heron
Subs: Urbonas, Loker, Slane, Turner, Harnwell