Despite taking a two goal lead, thanks to Sam Townshend (pictured) and an own goal, the Robins fell to defeat as Ipswich Wanderers turned it around to take all 3 points at The Demcom.

After opening the new league campaign with a disciplined and hard-earned 2-0 victory away at Wisbech Town in midweek, Ely City returned to The Demcom Stadium for their first home fixture of the season, welcoming one of the division's early title favourites in Ipswich Wanderers.

With significant investment and changes made over the summer, Wanderers have quickly become the bookmakers' favourites to challenge for the Thurlow Nunn Premier Division crown. On a warm afternoon in front of the home support, the Robins showed for long spells that they are more than capable of matching the league's fancied sides, only for four dramatic second-half minutes to completely alter the course of the contest.

The visitors threatened after just a minute, breaking down the left before firing across the face of goal and wide, but the Robins looked organised and content to stay compact.

The breakthrough arrived after just ten minutes and it was a goal worthy of opening the scoring. Ely won possession high up the pitch before quickly releasing Sam Townshend through on goal. He took a great touch out his feet and bore down on goal, showing composure Townshend ghosted past the advancing goalkeeper before calmly slotting home to send the home crowd into optimistic rejoice.

Ipswich responded by controlling the territory for much of the remainder of the half, but Ely defended resolutely. Charlie Root battling tirelessly in midfield, while Alf Rogers, Jamie Baxter and Joe Brannan marshalled the defence through sustained spells of pressure. Wanderers twice threatened from dangerous deliveries down the left, one including a deep cross in first-half stoppage time that flashed across the six-yard box without a finishing touch.

HT: Ely City 1 - 0 Ipswich Wanderers

If the first half belonged to Ely's organisation, the opening stages of the second showcased their attacking intent.
Ten minutes after the restart, relentless pressing from Luke Brown and Townshend forced another mistake. Brown delivered a dangerous ball into the penalty area and an Ipswich defender could only divert it into his own net, doubling Ely's lead and seemingly putting the Robins firmly in control at 2-0.

However, football can change in an instant.

Just five minutes later and Wanderers pulled one back, another attack down the left ending with a looping back-post header that dropped beyond Ben Newton and in at the far post. Before Ely had the chance to regain their footing, Ipswich struck again only four minutes after, another dangerous delivery from the same flank being turned home ahead of Newton to level proceedings at 2-2.

The momentum swung dramatically!

With confidence flowing, Wanderers began to play with the greater intensity forcing Ely deeper than they would have liked. The Robins attempted to freshen things up with Dom Hunt, Jack Friend, Alex Brown and Jordan Atkin all introduced from the bench, but Ipswich were still asking the questions as they pressed inside the Robins half.

The decisive moment of the game arrived with nine minutes remaining. A slick move through the middle allowed an Ipswich midfielder time to step inside before curling an outstanding effort beyond Newton and in off the far post, completing the turnaround with arguably the goal of the afternoon.

Ely continued to battle until the final whistle and could not be faulted for their commitment, but there would be no late equaliser as Wanderers saw out the closing stages to leave Cambridgeshire with all three points.

FT: Ely City 2 - 3 Ipswich Wanderers

Ely City: Ben Newton; Harrison Donnelly (Dom Hunt 67), Jevan Cook, Alfie Rogers, Jamie Baxter, Joe Brannan (Jordan Atkin 90), Finley Logan (Alex Brown 75), Charlie Root, Luke Brown, Sam Townshend, Charlie Sutcliffe (Jack Friend 71).

Goals: Sam Townshend 10, Own Goal 55.

POTM: Charlie Root