League

South Ockendon Park
Spectators: 5000 (Terracing: 4000, Seating: 1000, VIP seats: 0) The mood of the audience was pleasant when Kieran Rothery made the kick off which started today's match. In the 2nd minute, Max Gerrard hit a crossing free kick to the open man running down the field. After a defensive mix-up in Ely's zone, Thomas Lemerond stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Lawrence Howlett came out of the goal and Thomas Lemerond tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. A collision led to Ely getting a freekick after 5 minutes play. Max Gerrard hit a great ball. After a rather tough play, South Ockendon's Grant Woodhall got a free kick in the 9th minute. After 13 played minutes Ely got a freekick which was hit by Denny Kirkpatrick. 14 minutes into the match, Ely's goal looked a bit too open when Chip Ealham came free, but Lawrence Howlett reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Paddy Machin kicked well hit freekick during the 19th minute of the match. Thomas Lemerond hit a great freekick 21 minutes into the match. 24 minutes into the match, South Ockendon's goal looked a bit too open when Kieran Rothery came free, but John Manson reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Thomas Lemerond could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 26th minute of the match, but Lawrence Howlett made a huge save. South Ockendon's John Manson played magnificently when he managed to stop the ball from hitting the goal, after a sharp shot by Kris Renner in the 32nd minute of play. In the 32nd match minute, South Ockendon was awarded a freekick, the ball was picked up by Dominik Ainsworth to maneuver through the defense. Thomas Lemerond sent away a hard shot on goal in the 36th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. John Manson showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Kris Renner in the 38th minute of the match. 44 minutes into the game, Ely's Kieran Rothery nearly tore a hole in the net with a booming shot. John Manson made a valiant effort, but he could not reach the ball in time, 0-1. John Manson showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Kieran Rothery, who was totally free with the ball in the 49th minute. After the first half Ely were leading 0-1. They had played with great self confidence throughout the first half and fully deserved their lead.

The players of the away team seemed most concentrated when Chip Ealham stepped up to make the kick off in the second half. With his leg John Manson managed to avoid a goal in the 58thth minute, when Ely's Kris Renner fired away a shot with a lot of spin towards his right hand side. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Thomas Lemerond in the 59th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Lawrence Howlett prevented the ball from getting in the gole. John Manson showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Kieran Rothery, who was totally free with the ball in the 60th minute. Lawrence Howlett took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Chip Ealham, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Denny Kirkpatrick's late challenge caught a South Ockendon's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Denny Kirkpatrick helped the player get up and apologised. After 73 played minutes Ely got a freekick which was hit by Denny Kirkpatrick. In the 76th minute Thomas Lemerond shot on, it seemed, an open goal, but Lawrence Howlett saw the ball coming and threw himself on it before it passed the goal line. John Manson took care of the ball after a well-directed shot from Kieran Rothery, even though the ball almost passed him on his left side. Thomas Lemerond kicked well hit freekick during the 81st minute of the match. 85 minutes into the match, Ely's goal looked a bit too open when Thomas Lemerond came free, but Lawrence Howlett reached the ball before it rolled over the goal line. Lawrence Howlett showed brilliant goalkeeper skills when he caught the ball after a hard shot from Thomas Lemerond in the 86th minute of the match. The audience was convinced that Thomas Lemerond's extremely hard shot when he got free in front of the goal was going in, but Lawrence Howlett was relentless in the 88th minute of the game. Thomas Lemerond fired away a screaming shot towards the goal in the 91st minute, but the shot went just over the crossbar without Lawrence Howlett having to interfere. The Ely players were relieved to hear the final whistle blow to end the match. The away crowd was happy to see their team win after a very tight game.