Ely City Women delivered a hardworking and gutsy display to defeat higher league opposition Newmarket Town Women Development 2 - 0 at The Demcom, reaching the Alan Boswell League Cup Final for the first time in the club’s history.

The hosts made the perfect start and took the lead inside the opening two minutes. After Newmarket were penalised for a back pass from a throw-in, Ely were awarded an indirect freekick just inside the penalty area. The ball was tapped to Beth Horsfield who stepped up, lifting her powerful strike over the crowded six yard box and into the far corner to give Ely an early lead much to the home crowds delight.

That breakthrough gave Ely some belief and a foothold as they continued to compete all over the pitch. Natasha Lane, Louise Harwood and Megan Dunlevy set the tone in midfield, winning second balls and keeping Ely on the front foot, while Treasure Nwanebu and Charliene Murombo caused constant problems with their aggressive pressing and direct running in behind turning the Jockey's backline, backed up by Horsfield and Danni Youngs.

Ely doubled their lead midway through the first half with that press as Newmarket were caught hesitating at the back. As Nwanebu dispossessed the full back and poked across the box with Newmarket appealing for offside, Murombo was on to it. Stealing possession again just inside the area, she drove across the box and smashed a clinical finish past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 to the home side.

HT: Ely City Women 2 - 0 Newmarket Town Development

Newmarket responded after the break with a little more urgency and started to get a foothold in the game applying some sustained pressure, forcing Ely to defend deeper. However, the hosts remained disciplined and organised in their shape. Captain Ellie Cooper led superbly from the back, as she was supported by Christine Cullen and Kerry Dyer in blocking any through balls or sweeping up any danger in behind. Keeper Atlanta Stevenson kept calm and assured when called upon, making a couple of routine stops and taking the pressure and pace out of the game when the Robins needed rest bite.

Despite long spells without the ball in the second half, Ely never lost their threat on the counter and worked tirelessly to close spaces and frustrate their opponents. The ball out from the back and through the lines via Youngs, Lane and Horsfield still troubled Newmarket going back to their own goal, as Nwanebu and Murombo chased down to win possession or territory up the pitch. As the game entered its final stages, Newmarket pushed forward in search of a way back, but Ely’s 'back to the wall mentality and game management ensured they saw out the game comfortably.

At the final whistle, the celebrations reflected the significance of the performance as well as occasion. Although not the most quality of games for game play, it was composed, hardworking and clinical which saw Ely City Women grab a well deserved victory and secure their place in April's League Cup Final, a landmark achievement for the club. Although their first appearance in the Alan Boswell League final, its a second cup final in consecutive seasons after their cup run to the Junior Invitation final last term.

Team: Stevenson, Dyer, Horsfield, Cooper (C), Cullen, Harwood, Lane, Dunlevy, Youngs, Nwanebu, Murombo.
Subs: Lupson, Nutter, Chandler, Gibson, Mintus.