The match began in blustery conditions, with both sides taking time to settle as play was largely confined to midfield. Early intent came from Ely, with Sam Townshend and Friend linking well down the left inside the opening ten minutes, forcing the home keeper into action for the first meaningful chance.

Ely continued to threaten, with Townshend particularly lively, driving forward on multiple occasions and going close with a shot under pressure on 13 minutes. Despite their attacking promise, the first half remained tight and competitive. Lakenheath had a dangerous spell midway through the half, striking the post from the edge of the area after a corner, but Ely stood firm.

The Robins gradually grew into the game, with surprise returning Louis Jenkins, Tom Rigby and Joe Tarpey working tirelessly to establish control, though the final ball proved elusive. A late flurry before the break saw Friend and Alex Kerr combine well, with Kerr firing into the side netting, but the sides went in level at 0-0, Ely arguably the more threatening of the two.

HT: Lakenheath 0-0 Ely City

The second half, however, told a completely different story.
Ely came out with intent and made the breakthrough just three minutes after the restart. A superb corner delivery from Tarpey was met powerfully by Friend, who headed home to give the visitors a deserved lead. Moments later, Ely struck again- Tarpey once more the provider, this time finding Rogers, who rose highest to double the advantage with another header.

Now firmly in control, Ely weathered a brief Lakenheath response before extending their lead on the hour mark. A long ball caused confusion in the home defence, eventually falling to Friend, who showed composure to take a touch and finish calmly for his second goal of the afternoon.
The game’s intensity briefly boiled over shortly after, with Lakenheath manager Steve Holder shown a red card following a touchline incident, further compounding the hosts’ frustrations.

From there, Ely dictated proceedings with confidence. Rigby controlled the tempo in midfield, while substitutes added fresh energy as the Robins comfortably managed the game. Defensively, Rogers was outstanding, producing a crucial goal-line clearance late on to preserve the clean sheet, alongside solid contributions from Rob Ruddy and Jacob Partridge.

FT: Lakenheath 0-3 Ely City

Team: Newton, Kerr, Hamer, Partridge (C), Rogers, Ruddy, Rigby, Tarpey, Jenkins, Friend, Townshend.
Subs: Collins, Biggs, Sutcliffe, Moore.

POTM: Alfie Rogers