After a heavy week of rain, a late pitch inspection was given the all clear for Ely to maintain their charge in the league.
And it was as early as the 7th minute when Tunnell grabbed his first, with an audacious delivery from 40 yards that deceived everyone in the box and nestled into the bottom corner.
City continued to dominate as Tobi Lawal weaved his way into the box, only for ex Robin Josh Sewell to use his experience and block away.
Minutes later, there was controversy and confusion as an Orwell cross into the box was caught by debutant Ely keeper Charlie Pocklington. He was adjudged by the linesman to have carried over the line and after much remonstration, the equaliser was given and Pocklington was sin binned for his protests.
Briefly down to 10, City remained focused and mounted an offensive, soon retaking the lead. A beautiful ball delivered into the box by Conor Loker saw Dan Heron peel away at the back post and volleyed in off a combination of the near post and keeper.

Seconds after the restart, it looked like Heron was going to grab his second, as a loose ball from the Orwell centre back was laid into the strikers path, but after a heavy touch- the Orwell keeper closed down and smothered. The collision with Heron saw the keeper come off worse and after a long delay, he was stretchered off.

The replacement keeper had barely time to take up his position, when Tunnell grabbed his second. A well worked ball inside by Lawal saw James McCabe lay off on the edge of the box and Tunnell whipped one across the goal and into the far corner.
And late into added time, Lawal grabbed one of his own. His weaving run down the left saw him one on one with his defender, he cut outside and rifled past the keeper with his left foot into the far corner for 4-1.

HT: Ely City Res 4-1 Orwell

The second half continued to be controlled by Ely, as they opened up the space wide. Loker and Lawal continued to ask questions as Heron was superb occupying the two centre backs of Orwell. He had a hopeful drive at goal pushed away low by the Orwell keeper, before firing over. Rhys Mazey was introduced and his energy stretched the away side more. First his teasing cross evaded everyone across the six yard box, before he laid off to Tunnell who fired over.

Ely then saw a great team goal chalked off, much to everyone’s surprise. A brilliant cross field ball to Mazey saw him beat his man inside and cross for Heron who dived in to head home. To everyone’s amazement the flag went up although unclear just where the offside was. It was Mazey and Heron again who combined for another chance, Mazey this time appearing on the right. His outside of the boot cross was perfect and Heron again headed at goal, but the Orwell keeper stood up and blocked with his legs.

There was enough time for another controversial decision, as Tunnell mistimed a challenge as he went to block the ball. Expecting a yellow at the very most, an apologetic Tunnell helped his man up and after deliberation between the linesman and referee, Tunnell was dismissed. Both sides questioning what the officials had seen.

The game locked down as a contest petered out, sub Oskarus Urbonas went close and the brilliant Heron was denied late on.

Three points for the Reserves and they maintain their slim quest of chasing down the leaders Great Shelford.

FT; Ely City Reserves 4-1 Orwell

Team; Pocklington, Jones, Turner, Baxter, Partridge, J. Townshend, Tunnell, Lawal, Heron, Loker.

Subs; Harnwell, Urbonas, Irvine-Wyman, Saunderson, Mazey.

POtM; Dan Heron