A much improved performance saw Ely leave Holbeach with a 1-1 draw and a replay on Tuesday 18th August in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round match.

Ely made a couple of changes to the team that started the first league game with Craig Galbraith returning in goal and Alex Knowles coming in for the unavailable Jack Saunders with 16 year old Lewis Hook taking his place on the bench. Holbeach who play in the UCL Premier League included a number of star players in their line up who have played at higher levels. The game started under a fast pace and Galbo was called into action within a minute saving low down. Holbeach were fast out the blocks and Ely were trying to weather the early storm but struggled to get out their own half. After 15 minutes Holbeach had the ball in the back of the net only to be dissallowed by the assistant officials flag. This let off seemed to give Ely a lift and they became more competitive in the game. In the 29th minute a corner from the left eluded most players in the box until it found Spencer Saberton who controlled and smashed the ball into the back of the net before the home defence could react to give Ely a 1-0 lead. The goal didnt not quiten the home supporters who were in good vocal support all afternoon.

The second half kicked off with Ely expecting an onslaught from the home team and after a rocky first 5 minutes in the second half Ely were matching their opponents and looking dangerous in posession. Things then got worse for the home side when they were reduced to 10 men when one of their players saw Red for kicking out at an Ely player. In the normal melay that followed with players pushing and shoving Galbo received a caution. This lifted the home side and shortly afterwards the y were level when a free kick was delivered into the box and header back across goal for a Holbeach player to head home.

The last 15 minutes was a bit like stick or twist for both sides. Ely had a number of good chances in the final 10 minutes with Gammon heading wide when well placed, Ash Walter hitting the bar with a header and Sam Goodge striking the wall with a free kick from close range. Galbo was also called into action in the last few minutes saving low down at his front post.

Full time and 1-1 sees a replay needed on Tuesday night at the Unwin Ground to see who will progress to face Wisbech Town away in the next round.