Joe Tarpey curled a late dramatic finish to secure a 2-1 victory over Thetford Town, confirming City's place in the playoffs in front of a lively crowd of 378 at the Demcom Stadium. The win not only guarantees the Robins extend their season and chance of promotion, but also saw Ely leapfrog local rivals Soham Town Rangers, earning a home semi-final against them now in a season defining Fenclassico.

The Robins could not have asked for a better start. Inside two minutes, Ely broke sharply down the left, and when Friend beat the Keeper to the low cross field ball, the forward showed composure to cut inside and rifle a strike over the stranded goalkeeper from a tight angle. It set the tone for a dominant opening spell, with Ely pressing high and dictating the tempo. Tommy Rigby orchestrated from deep, while Friend and strike partner James Moore continually threatened the Thetford back line.

Despite Ely’s early control, Thetford gradually worked their way back into the contest. A warning sign came midway through the half when Ben Newton and his defence were forced into decisive action to keep the visitors at bay, skipper Jacob Partridge clearing off the goal line to avoid a tap in equaliser.
The pressure eventually told in the 31st minute, as Thetford crafted a well-worked move down the left, and a pinpoint chip to the back post, was headed home unchallenged to level the scores.

The goal shifted momentum, with Thetford enjoying their best spell before the break. Newton was called into action again with a sharp save with his legs to deny ex Red Anton Ebanks-Blake, before Louis Jenkins fired just over from Ely - ensuring the sides went into halftime locked at 1-1 after a competitive but increasingly scrappy end to the half.

HT: Ely City 1-1 Thetford Town

The second half saw a more tactical battle unfold. Thetford looked to play direct, but Ely’s defence was marshalled superbly by Rob Ruddy and supported by Josh Collins and Partridge as they stood firm, dealing comfortably with aerial threats.
Ruddy was called upon to make a crucial block on his six yard box after a cut back and Collins did superbly well with a last ditch challenge on the edge of his box.
At the other end, chances were limited as both sides struggled to gain a foothold. Sam Townshend was brought on and tried to stretch the game late on, as the ball was played in behind the Thetford line. The game appeared to be drifting towards a draw, a result that would see Thetford miss out due to Fakenham surprisingly hammering Haverhill and Ely would find themselves below Soham who were being held to a draw at Harleston.

But in the 89th minute, Ely delivered the defining moment of the afternoon and the play off standings. Tarpey picked up possession deep inside the Thetford half, turning purposefully towards the edge of the area, and unleashed a superb left-footed strike into the bottom far corner, sparking jubilant scenes among players and supporters alike.

The final whistle confirmed a crucial 2-1 victory - one that not only secures the Robins playoff berth but also propels them above Soham Town Rangers in the standings. The reward is home playoff advantage in the semi-finals against their rivals, setting the stage for a high stakes encounter with everything on the line at the Demcom Saturday!

FT: Ely City 2-1 Thetford Town

Team: Newton, Hamer, Tarpey, Partridge, Collins, Ruddy, Biggs, Jenkins, Rigby, Moore, Friend.
Subs: Sutcliffe, Allan, Townshend, Brown, Brannan.

POTM; Rob Ruddy