Ely City FC produced a clinical and disciplined away performance to run out convincing 4-0 winners at Woodbridge Town, with Ryan Swift netting two on his debut alongside Aaron Hamer and Tobi Lawal strikes.

The home side got the game underway and started brightly, pressing high and moving the ball sharply. Woodbridge earned an early free kick in a dangerous area, but Ely goalkeeper Ben Newton was equal to the resulting effort, making a comfortable save to settle the Robins.

Woodbridge continued to show intent in the opening stages, forcing Ely onto the back foot, but the Robins gradually grew into the contest. Ely’s first real warning came when Hamer delivered a dangerous cross-cum-shot that the home keeper did well to push away. Moments later, Woodbridge countered superbly, only for Newton to produce an outstanding save, with Alfie Rogers alert to throw himself at the rebound.

The breakthrough arrived on 20 minutes. A perfectly weighted through ball split the defence, Friend’s initial effort from the edge of the box was saved, but Swift timed his run to perfection, beating the offside trap and calmly placing the rebound under the advancing keeper to give Ely a 1-0 lead.

The Robins began to take control, and on the half-hour mark doubled their advantage. Harry Biggs surged down the left and delivered a teasing cross; Friend flicked on and Swift showed superb technique, chesting the ball up before volleying past the keeper for his second of the afternoon.

Ely weren’t done. Just four minutes later, slick build-up play saw Swift hold the ball up before laying it back to Alex Kerr. His cross found Hamer on the edge of the box, who turned his man inside and curled a magnificent effort into the far corner to make it 3-0.

Woodbridge had chances of their own before the break, most notably when a low effort beat Newton but was heroically cleared off the line by Hamer. Ely almost added a fourth just before half-time, Rogers nodding narrowly wide after another excellent delivery.

HT: Woodbridge Town 0 - 3 Ely City

The hosts again started the second half positively, pushing higher up the pitch, but Ely’s defensive unit stood firm, with Rob Ruddy, Jacob Partridge and Rogers dominant both in the air and on the ground. Up top Swift continued to cause problems and was denied again by the keeper early in the half.

Following a double substitution, Ely maintained their threat, and on 70 minutes the fourth goal arrived. The lively Friend did brilliantly to turn on the edge of the area, his shot was blocked, but sub Lawal was perfectly placed to tap home from close range and put the result beyond doubt.

Ely continued to create chances, with Lawal going close to a spectacular fifth, while Woodbridge battled to the end to get something despite the scoreline.
After five minutes of added time, the final whistle confirmed an excellent away day for the Robins.

A professional, composed, and ruthless display from the Robins, who absorbed pressure when required and punished the home side with clinical quality at the other end. Four goals, a clean sheet, and a thoroughly deserved victory on the road.

Full-time: Woodbridge Town 0–4 Ely City

Team: Newton, Hamer, Kerr, Partridge (C), Rogers, Ruddy, Brown, Biggs, Swift, Friend, Tarpey.
Subs: Cook, Fulianty, Rigby, Lawal, Sutcliffe.

POTM: Jack Friend / Aaron Hamer