New Signing, Callum Fogg Scores Hat-Trick to Continue AFC Ely’s Impressive Start to Pre-season.

AFC Ely vs Papworth Reserves 
10/07/2021
Pre-season Friendly

On the back of an emphatic victory over Stretham last weekend, AFC Ely took to the field with bundles of self-belief – a self-belief expressed not only in their style of play, but in their results, too.

It was new recruit Callum Fogg who did the business for the home side as they put four past a Papworth team they had previously lost to just over a year ago. The nature of this victory showcased AFC Ely’s progression: in spite of the stop-start year for the club founded in August 2020, it’s victories like these that highlight the work of manager John James. 

In what was another positive step forward for the Ely-based side, Fogg’s three goal return – with another coming from the captain – made it a good afternoon’s work for AFC Ely. 

Fogg’s first, provided by Will Cooper, was one of real quality. With the ball at his feet and an on-rushing goalkeeper to contend with, Fogg intuitively dinked the ball over the hapless Papworth ‘keeper and opened the scoring for the hosts. At times, AFC Ely’s build-up play was irreproachable but, and one hopes with more games this improves, their finishing and decision making in the final third was off-kilter. Time and again, AFC Ely squandered good chances to double their lead: chances fell to multiple players and the deft touch seemed to elude them all. 

Going into the break at 1-0 flattered the away side, however, AFC Ely rectified their shortcomings and got off to a lightning quick start as Fogg doubled the home side’s lead. As Papworth started to tire AFC Ely had myriad chances to score; James Gillet could have made it three with his effort whispering past the post; and Conor Gibbs had an off day in front of goal. Despite misfiring, Gibbs did accrue two assists to his name; one for Fogg’s second and another for the third AFC Ely goal – scored by the captain. 

At 3-0, AFC Ely were dominant and could have quite easily trebled their lead: nevertheless, there was to be only one more goal. And that goal, scored by Fogg to complete his hat-trick, came from an outstanding ball by Ross Gray. Faced by the goalkeeper again, Fogg danced past his attempts to halt him to roll the ball into the net with nonchalance. 

Full-time result: AFC 4-0 Papworth Reserves

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