Ely exited the FA Cup after a 4-0 defeat in the replay against Holbeach. Ely made one change from the team that started Saturday with Ed Richardson coming in at centre back to replace the injured Spencer Saberton. Holbeach had made a couple of changes to their starting line up from Saturdays draw.

Much the same as Saturdays match Holbeach started the stronger and put pressure on the Ely defence from the start. Ely were unable to deal with this pressure and after 12 minutes Holbeach took the lead when a dangerous free kick into the box was headed in by a Holbeach forward. Ely were battling well but Holbeach were matching this and took a 2-0 lead when a shot from one player fell right to the feet of a Holbeach forward who, although looking offside, finished well. Ely finished the first half strong and in the last 10 minutes of the half created a couple of good chances. Sam Goodge and James Seymour were combining well down the right hand side and an Alex Theobold shot was deflected wide and Ash Walter shooting over from close range.

Second half and Ely knew they were still in the game but needed a goal early one. These plans were nearly ruined in the first minute of the half when Holbeach struck the post. Ely introduced Jack Saunders and Richard Gammon to the attack to try and create an opening but unfortunately one never came. Holbeach extended their lead with another header from a set piece and got a fourth goal late on what was slightly unjustified on the Ely side.

So a 4-0 home defeat but the team can hold their heads high in taking a team from a higher league with some very experienced and quality players to a replay. In reflection our chance of causing an upset was probably missed in the first game when 1-0 up against 10 men but that is football. We turn our attention back to the league when we host Downham Market on Friday night at the Unwin when we will be looking to get some points on the board.