The Robins success in this years Vase meant that the original fixture against Kirkley & Pakefield had to be re-arranged to a midweek date and the long trip to the coast.

Brady Stone had Liam Griffin,Sam Reed,Ollie Drake,Craig Neal all unavailable along with Matty Simpson not arriving until 15 minutes before KO. Simspon was named on the bench along with Brady Stone and Assistant Martin Grey.

Spencer Saberton,Dominic Hunt and Daniel Jeffrey were recalled to the starting line-up

The first half saw The Robins having most of the play,but with the home side having the better chances and came close to taking the lead when a shot hit the post and the ball was scrambled away. With the game goalless at half time the second half produced goals, penalties and general entertainment for the watching supporters.

Kirkley were first to strike when the Robins defence did not deal with a cross field ball and the shot was hit home from six yards out. The away side responded when a Jamie Alsop free kick was met by defender Nathan Littlefair who drew the sides level.

A controversial moment happened 10 minutes later when the Kirkley winger was deemed onside by the assistant referee even though to everyone's amazement he looked 3 or 4 yards offside. The attack ended up with the ball in the net and this put the home side in the driving seat again.

Ely looked dangerous going forward and it was the energetic Daniel Jeffrey who was playing in a more advancement on the night who created a chance for Kelvin Enaro to head home. Just when you thought the Robins could go on a take all three points, a mistake by the normally dependable Harry Reynolds handed the home side a chance by failing to keep hold of a cross and then bundling the foward over in the box. The penalty kick was despatched by the home side.

Early on in the season this is a game that the Robins would have lost, but they have a great team spirit at present and never know when they are beaten and they deservedly got back on level terms when a persistent Alex Theobald forced an error by the Kirkley central defender and he handled the ball in the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Theobald like he did on Friday night at Haverhill dispatched the ball past the diving keeper.

A deserved point considering the lack of numbers and although some disappointing defending at times the side showed a great team spirit and ethos