Guy Habbin tweaked the side from the 2-0 Vase win last weekend, as Rob Ruddy came in for his first start with Alfie Rogers dropping to the bench after his midweek game for the army.

It was the home side that shocked the Robins, when after 3 minutes, a good ball in behind from Spurling saw Harvey tuck past Tyler Key for 1-0. Ely tried to settle, as the home side started to play the ball around. But they equalised on 20 minutes somewhat fortuitously when Key’s long kick downfield caught the wind, miscommunication between the defender Liggett and keeper Munson saw the defender nod over his keeper and into the net for 1-1. Munson attempting to make the interception was injured as he retreated to try save and although got up after some treatment, was replaced 5 minutes later.

Ely took the lead just after, as a great in swinging corner saw the ball scrambled inside the 6 yard box and between Hamer and Root – the ball found the net. Mass appeals from the home side saw the referee consult his linesman. But with no clear and obvious view – the goal was given to give the Robins the lead. They could have extended their lead going into the break, but the whistle went for offside before any celebration could start.

HT: Hadleigh United 1 – 2 Ely City

Second half the Reds needed to defend their lead but also build on it as the home side looked to press again. It was an early injury to Joe Brannan though that saw the Robins up against it to start.
As the hour mark passed, little chances fell as the wind whipped around the ground, both sides couldn’t put much together. The impressive Lawal worked well inside after he collected off Partridge before laying to Friend. Friend took one touch but fired over on the edge.

It was Friend again who could have the next chance, as good work by himself into the area saw the unlucky Liggett’s day go from bad to worse as he was penalised for upending Friend. Friend stepped up for the penalty, but the sub-Keeper Warren saved well to his right.

That spurred on Hadleigh, as the Robins tried to collect themselves and what should have been 3-1 could have been 2-2, but for the heroics of Key who dived up to his top left after Lambert for Hadleigh let fly. Harvey went close again for the home side, his 30-yard free kick whistled just passed the post, before he hit the bar from 10 yards with Key this time beaten. The Robins held on for the last 5 minutes and came away with the point from a tight game throughout,

FT: Hadleigh United 1 - 2 Ely City

Team; Key, Kerr, Brown, Ruddy, Partridge©️, Brannan, Root, Hamer, Friend, Biggs, Lawal.
Subs; Sutcliffe, Murkin, Cook, Rogers.

MediaTeam POTM; Tobi Lawal.