Guy Habbin added new signing Jordan Chipps to his side to make his debut, as Aaron Hamer shook off injury to cover for the absent Jev Cook at full back. Stoker and Jack Friend again renewing their place in attack.

From the outset, Ely City sought to assert themselves, pressing high and trying to dominate the middle of the park. The opening exchanges saw the Robins probe the Fakenham defence, attacking down both flanks and looking to shift the ball quickly through Chipps, Stoker and Alex Kerr. The visitors, for their part, looked to stay compact and absorb pressure, hoping to hit on the break, as both teams looked to work themselves into the game without giving much away.

The breakthrough came 15 minutes in, as City won a corner on the left. The whipped in ball found space Stoker climb at the back post and head home clinically. That opener settled the nerves and allowed Ely to grow in confidence.
After that goal, Ely continued to press. Stoker had a deflected effort just over the bar, before the exciting Chipps drew a save from Fakenham’s keeper one on one, before firing over when free from a corner.
The visitors were pinned back at times, forced to defend deep and make clearances under pressure. The Ghosts had moments of respite, trying to counter quickly, but Ely’s defence was alert to the danger and rarely gave them time or space. When they did get in, Ely stopper Ben Newton made an excellent save at his near post.

HT: Ely City 1 – 0 Fakenham Town

The second period saw Ely pick up where they left off. Fakenham attempted to push forward more, but Ely’s shape held firm, forcing their attackers wide or into error.

5 minutes into the second half, a second goal from Stoker put the tie beyond doubt. The ball was played down the centre as the talisman ran on to the ball and drifted over the to the far-left touchline. As he drew the defender, he cut back across and delivered a cross cum shot that dipped under the bar and in to make it 2-0. Fakenham tried to rally instantly as Rob Ruddy headed away a dangerous cross, before Jacob Partridge denied the winger with a block. As the half went on, the Robins were sharper in transitions and looked for openings.

Although ahead by two, Ely didn’t sit back entirely - they continued to press without recklessness. The backline stayed organised, intercepting crosses and denying cutbacks. In the closing stages, Fakenham tried to force their way back, Newton was on hand to push wide before he tipped away a dangerous effort but overall, the Robins’ defensive unit held firm. The midfield helped shield, tracked runners, and quelled the visitors’ momentum, Alex Brown and sub Fin Logan working tirelessly in front of their back line.

As full time approached, Newton again saved well, before Partridge hacked off the line from the rebound to maintain the clean sheet! Ely saw out the remainder of the game where previous games had slipped away. No needless panic, no collapse - just a side fully in control until the final whistle.

FT: Ely City 2 – 0 Fakenham Town

Team; Newton, Hamer, Kerr, Partridge, Rogers, Ruddy, Brown, Chipps, Friend, Stoker, Sutcliffe.
Subs; Lawal, Saunderson, Biggs, Logan, Urbonas

POTM: Tom Stoker