A.F.C Rushden & Diamonds Under 18s 1 Ely City Under 18s 3

The young Robins traveled to the 'Dog and Duck' home of Wellinborough Town but also A.F.C Rushden & Diamonds for a crucial F.A Youth Cup 2nd Qualifying Round match.

Ely were hoping to get back on track after a disappointing result from the previous Thursday in the league against Mildenhall Town.

The home side started brightly, but is was Luke Mansfield went close early on with a turn a shot just missing the target. The game settled down with Diamonds looking tricky and pacey on the break while the away side looked very well organised.

In the 22nd minute the home side had a great chance to score ast the lively Osei brought the ball forward from the half way line and played in Nginamau, but his shot was hit straight at Jake Alsop in goal

The Robins took the lead in the 30th minute when a header was directed a goal and George Rayner in the six yard box directed his header past the home keeper.The lead lasted for three minutes when a great team move found Osei clean through and he calmly finished off the move in style giving Alsop no chance

On balance of play if both sides had gone in at the break level then that would be about right, but George Raynerr had other ideas and in the 42nd minute he gave his side the lead with a cracking free kick

Ely came out in the second half with all guns blazing and increased their lead when Luke Mansfield chased down the last defender and pressured him into making a mistkae before slotting the ball home

The home side then increase the pressure, but a very solid central paring of Joe Brannan and Jacob Walters ensured the side showed great maturity in managing the game. Diamonds did go close on a couple of occasions, but Sean Francis-Calvey had a shot cleared off the line and a Luke Mansfield header late on rattled the cross bar.

The Robisn saw the game out and booked their place in the next round for only the second time in the clubs history. Bedworth United at home await in the next round and an opportunity to progress to the 1st Round proper for the first time ever