A pre season game against your nearest neighbours who play a level higher . Nothing at stake ? Maybe not, but on this showing the Robins have shown what they are capable of when they have a nearly full squad available.
Ely were at it from the start & looked to get on the front foot early on. Ash Walter was influencing the midfield while up front Ryan Harnwell looked to run the channels.
The Robins lost captain Jamie Alsop to a back injury, but a quick shuffle did not disturb the flow.
Alex Theobald had a shot out side of the box when he cut inside, but hit it straight at the keeper & although the home side were on top it was the visitors who had a great chance to take the lead when Matty Simpson clearly hand balled in the box . Thankful like Saturday Harry Reynolds dived to his right to make a good save.
Ash Walter put his side ahead with a sweetly struck shot from outside of the box & then a great move involving Dan Jeffrey, Alex Theobald & Ryan Harnwell found the willing run of Ash Walter who was forcefully bundled over in the box which resulted in a penalty being awarded. Ryan Harnwell coolly put the spot kick away. It was 3-0 shortly afterwards when Harnwell cutting in from the right slotted home
HT 3-0
The second half continued to go for the Robins when Harnwell got his hat trick & then Tom Williams made it five from close range
A double by Josh Lowe made it seven before Soham pulled one back . Sam Reed then completed the scoring
Manager Brady Stone was pleased with not just the result ,but the way his side looked bright & fresh & retained possession. 'We had a good shape about us and we took our chances very well. The pleasing thing is we looked solid and organised '
Starting Line-Up:
Harry Reynolds,Daniel Jeffrey,Jamie Alsop,Joe Brannan,Tom Williams,Matty Simpson,Ash Walter,Adam Capel,Alex Batten,Ryan Harnwell,Alex Theobald
Subs: All used
Michael Harvey, Nick Heap,Josh Lowe,Sam Reed,Steve Holder