Ely City Reserves produced a spirited, wholehearted display but were narrowly beaten 3-2 by West Wratting in the Cliff Bullen Cup Final, in a contest that was a valiant battle with no shortage of contentious moments, excitement and drama for a final.

From the very first whistle, Ely showed their intent. Within seconds, a defensive mix-up from the Wratting goalkeeper presented a golden opportunity, but the loose ball just wouldn’t fall kindly for Ben Harnwell to capitalise. It set the tone for much of the evening - Ely the sharper, more proactive, and unlucky not to make early pressure count.

The Robins continued to press, with Dani Carvalho lively down the flank and Josh Townshend driving at defenders. A strong early challenge on Dom Hunt saw a Wratting forward cautioned and the tone of the game, while Ely’s attacking play brought a series of dangerous moments, including a blocked effort from Harnwell again and a strong penalty shout for handball waved away despite clear contact in the area.

Despite Ely’s control, it was the impressive Wratting machine who struck first against the run of play. Pressure down the right saw the ball cleared and and a looping cross back in saw the forward's fortunate mis headed effort found its way into the net giving Wratting an unlikely lead. To their credit, Ely responded with composure. On the half-hour mark, Conor Loker showed persistence on a long ball, pouncing on a defensive error and finishing emphatically to level the score at 1-1.

The turning point of the half came shortly after in controversial fashion. Debutant Robins Youth keeper, Reece Hall appeared to collect a long ball cleanly on the edge of his area, but adjudged to have handled outside the area by the linesman and subsequent booked, gifting Wratting a set-piece. From the resulting phase, after the ball was recycled from the wall blocking the effort, they restored their lead with a close-range header, leaving Ely frustrated heading into the break.

HT: Ely City Reserves 1-2 West Wratting

The second half saw Ely come out with renewed purpose. Carvalho and Loker drove the team forward, whilst Wyman and Hunt made defensive interventions and James Chivers appeared to calm the Robins in midfield. However, further contentious officiating decisions for both sides disrupted the flow, including questionable free-kicks and another penalty appeal for the Robins that was reduced to a free-kick on the edge of the box, when deemed the trip had been made on the line of the 18 yards box. Ironically just wear Hall was adjudged to have stepped for his 'handball' first half.

But Wratting extended their lead in spectacular fashion on 55 minutes. Their ability to grind into games and take the pressure gives them the press of counter which gets them up the field. And it proved, as after a long throw was flicked on, their prolific forward produced a stunning acrobatic finish making it 3-1 - harsh on Ely, but undeniably clinical and worthy to win any game - let alone a final. They nearly extended the lead further tow minutes later, but Hall made a close range block from a header, before the youngster punched away under pressure.

Still, the Robins refused to yield. Substitutions injected fresh energy, and Ely laid siege to the Wratting goal. Charlie Tunnell fizzed over from a set piece and the Wratts stopper saved well from Carvalho. Carvalho dazzled with his direct running, Townshend and him combining effectively, and Harnwell’s deliveries caused chaos, twice going close from corners which the Wratts keeper did well to deal with. Wyman, tireless throughout, drove forward in search of a breakthrough and late hope the Robins.

As the game entered its closing stages, Ely threw everything forward. Sub Phil Turner nearly reduced the deficit with a late strike, and deep into stoppage time, the deserved goal finally came. A superb cross-field ball found Townshend, whose delivery was expertly flicked home by Wyman to make it 3-2.

Despite a frantic finish and relentless pressure, time ultimately ran out on Ely’s comeback.

This was a performance full of heart and resilience. On another day, the outcome could have been very different. The Robins dominated large spells and created the better chances, but Wratting proved robust and decisive when it mattered most, like their consistent form this year has proven.

FT: Ely City Reserves 2-3 West Wratting

MediaTeam POTM: James Chivers

1. REECE HALL
2. FINLEY LOGAN
3. JAMIE BAXTER
4. JAMES CHIVERS
S. DOM HUNT
6. BRETT IRVINE-WYMAN
7. CONOR LOKER
8. BEN HARNWELL
9. JOSH TOWNSHEND [C]
10. CHARLIE TUNNELL
11. DANILO CARVALHO

SUBS
LOUIE DIVER, GEORGE LAMB, KIERAN
JONES, OSKARAS URBONAS, PHIL TURNER