AFC Ely Cruise to Victory in League Opener, Putting Nine Past Mepal

AFC Ely enjoyed the perfect start to their league campaign with a domineering victory over a reformed Mepal outfit returning to competitive action after a spell away from the Cambridge County League. Whilst there will be greater tests for AFC Ely, a team entering their second season as a club, this win was a real statement of intent as the Ely-based side soared to the top of the table after Matchweek 1. 

For much of the game AFC Ely were in cruise control and any threat posed by Mepal was duly thwarted by a steadfast home backline. Both halves in the game proved fruitful from an attacking perspective for AFC Ely, too. With a half-time lead of four goals to nil, manager John James had the luxury of making changes. In yesteryear this could have jeopardised AFC Ely’s control over proceedings, however, the squad’s depth was laid bare when five more goals and another half without conceding came and went. 

There were goal scorers across the pitch for the home side, with the usual names Gibbs and Fogg appearing on the score sheet; but also from less likely sources such as Faulkner and Jolly. In Faulkner’s case – a header coming directly from a corner – his goal was undoubtedly the pick of the bunch. The vice-captain for the 21/22 campaign arrowed his effort with the glance of a head into the top left-hand corner – revelling in the rarity of his successful headed attempt. Similarly, Gillet poked in at the back post at the close of the first-half, converting from a pin-point corner kick from Gibbs. Ross Gray was to chip in, too, with a tap-in courtesy of clever wing-play from Jolly. 

Overall, AFC Ely’s league-opener proved to be a warm-up act to what follows this weekend when a much sterner test awaits them. Guyhirn, who were Matchweek 1’s other big scorers, welcome AFC Ely in an early top of the table clash. 

Full-time result: AFC Ely 9-0 Mepal Sports

AFC Ely vs Mepal Sports
04/09/2021
Kershaw 4C Matchweek 1

Press release from AFC Ely
Written by Oliver Jennings oliverjennings98@outlook.com