AFC Ely battled the odds with an away point at Mepal on the 23rd September with 13 unavailable due to holiday and injury.
The game started very scrappy with neither side creating clear cut chances and some tough challenges going in.
Mepal took the lead when their player was allowed too much space on the edge of the box and was able to hit a shot into the corner past Billy Baker in the Ely goal.
Ely struggled to create chances and were unable to make changes with a depleted squad that included only one sub but should have had a penalty when Ross Gray was bundled over in the Mepal box with nothing given by the young referee.
Five minutes later a sense of relief as Ross Gray stepped up to fire a freekick into the bottom corner to bring the game level before almost giving Ely the lead a minute later when Adam Keeble crossed a ball in for Gray to head just over as they went in to regroup at halftime.
Unfortunately for Ely the second half was all Mepal as they created chance after chance with the Ely players tiring and carrying knocks.
Tino came on as an Ely substitute to add some much needed energy and strength into the Ely midfield but Mepal kept getting forward creating chances.
With Ely under constant pressure Billy Baker and Caleb Maclure combined with some outstanding blocks and saves to keep Ely in the game.
Having been patient Ely finally had a chance to win the game as Tom Goodjohn run through and cut inside the Mepal defender before having his shot saved.
The game finished 1-1 and Ely can look to having a full squad again next week with their unbeaten start still intact.
Man of the match was Billy Baker who had to make alot of good saves to get the point and a special mention to Caleb Mclure who also put his body on the line for the team.
AFC Ely’s next game is away vs Wilbrahams FC on 30th September.
Press release from AFC Ely
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