The Robins went into the first game of the season on the back of a successful pre-season against a Kings Lynn Reserve side that had won 6-0 at the weekend in their first league game. Ely named the same starting 11 that had started away at Thetford in our last pre-season friendly. Galbo was unavaialble so new keeper Will Beech started in goal. A new look front 3 of new signings Jack Saunders, Alex Theobald and Craig Neal also started, as did another new signing of Spencer Saberton starting in centre half.

The first 20 minutes of the game was played at a frantic pace. neither team could get the ball down and play and everything was at 100mph, much to be expected in an early season game. Reffereeing decisions were beginning to frustrate both sides. Kings Lynn started to get on top of the game winning second balls and generally looking sharper than the Robins all over the pitch. KLFC took the lead just before the 30 minute mark when Ely lost posession and got caught out of position as KLFC broke and the left winger produced a fine finish into the top corner. Things started to get even worse for the Robins when they found themselves 2-0 down shortly after. Again a mistake from Ely gave away posession and a free kick was won about 25 yards out. An unorganised Ely defence allowed the free kick to beat the wall and keeper finsding the net in nearly the middle of the goal. Before half time there was further controversy as Ely keeper Beech slipped on the edge of his area and handled the ball. Arguements for and against whether it was inside or outside the box took place with the ref and assistant deciding it was outside. A free kick to KLFC and a yellow card for Beech! Much to the bemusement of all watching as if the infringement took place outside the box with a player through on goal it would be a red. this was therefore a let off for Ely. HT 0-2.

Second half and KLFC nearly extended their lead with a shot that struck the bar. Ely started to get into the game better with some neat passing and attacking play between Goodge and Saunders that led to the KLFC keeper making a good save. from the resulting corner Seymour rose to head Ely back into the game. Subs Wilson and Knowles were introduced with Ely beliefing they could find an equliser with 20 minutes still to play and on top. Howver KLFC had other ideas and with an attacker allowed to much from to turn and shot from the edge of the box Beech could only parry to an unmark KLFC forward who made it 3-1. This is how the game would finish.

A wake up call for the Robins as this league is not going to give us an easy ride. Next we travel to Holbeach in the FA Cup on Saturday 15th August.

Ely Line up:

1) Will Beech
2) James Seymour
3) Daniel Jeffrey
4) Liam Griffen
5) Josh Sewell
6) Spencer Saberton
7) Jack Saunders
8) Ash Walter
9) Alex Theobald
10) Sam Goodge
11) Craig Neal

Subs
12) David Wilson on for Liam Griffen 65 min
14) Alex Knowles on for Sam Goodge 65 min
15) Paul Summerskill on for James Seymour 75 min
Unused
16) Richard gammon
17) Ed Richardson