Guyhirn Res vs AFC Ely
2 - 1
11 September 2021 · Cambridgeshire County League<br>3B
Away league match played on 11 September 2021.
Kicked off at 3:00 PM
2-1
vs Guyhirn Res
Away league match
In what was a close match, Guyhirn took the points, but could have been a different story if the league had allocated an official for the match.
Every time AFC Ely broke into the opposition third, they were fouled numerous times. Despite this, Ely persisted with possession based attacking and after finally being awarded a free kick, Danny Flack stepped up to take it, whipping in a Beckhamesque curling kick into the top left corner of the goal, leaving the Guyhirn goalkeeper flapping at air.
Guyhirn pulled one back before half time with an unfortunate own goal when Conor Gibbs fine save attempt just failed to tip over the bar. Hilariously, he wasn't about to let Guyhirn's player celebrating it, claim it as a goal, so made sure they knew it was an own goal.
Guyhirn's game plan seemed to focus on fouling players, and badgering the referee for decisions. Made obvious by the number of times he reversed his decisions based on their shouting.
When AFC Ely appealed to the ref for reason, their captain was sinbinned leaving them down to 10 men for 5 minutes each side of half time.
Midway in the second half, Guyhirn were awarded a fortuitous penalty, when Oliver Jenning's attempted block was kicked into his armpit from point blank range. Clearly not deliberate, and with no chance to react it was a bitter blow to a game Ely dominated for the most part.
The referee stopped play while Ely were in possession to discuss matchtime remaining with Guyhirns manager, and then returned possession to them which left the away team scratching their heads, but by then nothing would surprise them given the officiating on display.
Another day, Guyhirn would have been lucky to finish with 9 men on the pitch - but thats the bitter lesson from another day in 4C.
AFC Ely have a week off after Doddington FC Reserves folded. Mepal FC who they beat the previous week, forfeited to West Row Gunners after failing to field a team, and the rumour is they are also close to folding. Such a shame less than 3 weeks into the league.