Papworth Reserves vs AFC Ely
3 - 0
17 February 2024 · Cambridgeshire County League<br>3B
Away league match played on 17 February 2024.
Kicked off at 2:00 PM
3-0
vs Papworth Reserves
Away league match
After a player's car broke down enroute to the match, Ely were forced to start with only ten players after Papworth were unwilling to allow any kick off delay. As a result Will Cooper took the captain duties for this match.
Central midfielder Danny Flack, bravely donned the keeper gloves while the original forwards had to drop into midfield until the late arrivals with the manager forced to make a first start in the Cambridgeshire County League start since retiring from Sunday league in 2018.
Ely still started well and fashioned several chances in the first 20-25 minutes, winning several corners and applying pressure.
Unfortunately, Papworth broke the deadlock after a corner and resulting goal mouth scramble with multiple failed clearances.
Half time 1 - 0 to Papworth.
The second half started with a bit more purpose and Ely continued to press, but after a misplaced pass, Papworth's striker managed to beat his man and have a one on one against Ely's keeper.
Ely continued to push for something from the game, and Tino Mbavarira forced an incredible save from the Papworth keeper. While the Papworth linesman flagged James Gillett offside on several occasions when Ely were attacking.
With the bare squad running out of legs and gaps appearing while Ely were overcommitting forward, Papworth sealed the last goal from a tap in after a counter with 4 attackers on 2 defenders.
FT 3 - 0 to Papworth.
Bailey Payne overwhelmingly voted as the Ely player's man of the match with his efforts in midfield applauded by his squad mates.
Next week sees Ely away to Swavesy Reserves