A perfectly observed moment of silence set the tone before kick-off, with both sets of players and supporters paying their respects impeccably. What followed was a difficult afternoon for Ely City, who were ultimately beaten 5-0 by league leaders Mulbarton Wanderers, though the scoreline felt harsh on the Robins’ overall contribution.

The game began scrappily, both sides compact and cautious during the early exchanges. Mulbarton registered the first speculative effort on seven minutes, a long-range attempt from 40 yards that never troubled Newton.

Ely’s first signs of attacking intent came when Alex Brown was impeded deep in midfield as the Robins countered, though the referee waved away appeals. Moments later, Mulbarton’s Lane cut inside dangerously and curled an effort narrowly wide from the edge of the box.

A looping delivery from Cook on 13 minutes found Jacob Partridge arriving at the back post, but his header was comfortably claimed by the visiting goalkeeper. The game continued in a tight pattern with Ely neat and progressive through the lines, Mulbarton disciplined and organised.

The breakthrough arrived controversially. In the 22nd minute a pull on a Mulbarton forward appeared to begin outside the penalty area, but the referee pointed to the spot. The visitors forward calmly converted to take the lead.
Just minutes later Ely felt aggrieved again as Leon Fulianty was pulled back in similar fashion inside the opposing box, only for the referee to dismiss the claims.

Ely nearly struck back when Tom Stoker latched onto a clever ball over the top, but a difficult bounce forced him to head tamely into the keeper’s hands. Mulbarton then applied a spell of pressure, their size and structure causing issues at set pieces.
Despite Ely competing well and matching the leaders in open play, the visitors landed a crucial second goal on 40 minutes. A break down the right saw an initial shot blocked, but Ryan Crisp reacted sharply to finish the rebound.

Mulbarton closed the half strongly, with Ben Newton required to intervene twice - first flicking away a dangerous cross, then smothering an effort from Lane deep into stoppage time.

HT: Ely City 0 - 2 Mulbarton Wanderers

The second half immediately began to unravel for the home side. Cook received an early booking on 47 minutes, and from the resulting free-kick Mulbarton bundled in a third goal to effectively take the game away from Ely.

It got worse two minutes later when a loose ball in the box was clawed out by Newton, only for the corner that followed to be powered home unchallenged. At 4-0, the league leaders’ physicality and ruthlessness from set pieces were proving decisive.

Ely turned to the bench, introducing Alex Kerr and then Charlie Sutcliffe to try to stabilise the contest. Sam Townshend produced a superb recovery challenge on a Mulbarton breakaway just after the hour mark, before another moment of frustration arrived when Stoker charged down a clearance and appeared to be through on goal - only for the referee to award handball, a harsh call by all accounts.

Ely pushed for a consolation. They came close twice in quick succession: Stoker’s deft header forced an excellent fingertip save, and Townshend’s driving run and shot drew another strong stop from the visiting goalkeeper.

Despite Ely’s improved attacking momentum, Mulbarton weathered the storm. As the game drifted into the final stages, the visitors regained control and looked comfortable.

Deep into stoppage time, another highly questionable penalty was awarded to the Wanderers. The decision baffled both players and supporters, but the spot kick was dispatched clinically to seal the victory.

FT: Ely City 0 - 5 Mulbarton Wanderers

Team; Newton, Cook, Townshend, Saunderson, Partridge, Brannan, Fulianty, Brown, Friend, Stoker, Biggs.
Subs; Sutcliffe, Kerr, Allan, Lawal