Ely finished the season with a narrow victory against Halstead Town and in doing so recorded the 14th straight victory, making it 48 points from a possible 51 in 2016. A record the club can be extremely proud of.

The game was one of high importance for the visitors as they could still claim the final promotion spot by defeating the Robins and hoping Great Yarmouth slipped up at home Team Bury. Ely had a reshuffle at the back with both Daniel Jeffrey and Joe Brannan injured so Josh Sewell filled in at right back. The visitors had a much changed side to the one we defeated away from home 5-1 back in November.

Ely took to the field receiving a guard of honour from the visitors what was a very nice touch.

On a dry and bobbly pitch the game started off at a frantic pace and Halstead had a great opportunity to take an early lead but their unmarked centre half miscued his volley. Ely had their own chances after 13 and 14 minutes but were unable to make them count. Halstead had a header go just wide of the post before the visiting keeper pulled off a great save to deny Matty Simpson from opening the scoring. It was a fairly even game with both teams looking to get on the attack. Harry Reynolds was alert after 39 minutes to make a good save with his legs and then on 42 minutes he had the woodwork to thank as Halstead hit the bar from a free kick.

The second half was similar to the first but with Halstead pushing more for that vital goal as news from Yarmouth was that the scoreline was still 0-0. Harry Reynolds had to be alert again to deny a Halstead attacker. Alex Theobald then headed over when well place. The visitors had claims for a penalty waived away by the referee. Luke Mansfield was introduced for the last 15 minutes and immediately went close with a shot from the left. The Ely defence were holding firm and as the game looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw Ely won a corner in the last minute that was delivered by Jamie Alsop and headed in by Luke Mansfield much to the joy of the home fans.

A game that could of gone either way was nicked in the end by the Robins who have shown a great winning habit over the second half of the season.