A game in which one side need three points to stave off relegation, whilst the other needed them to secure promotion, was never going to be a dull one. Cambridge South can consider themselves bitterly unlucky to have lost to a good Ely side despite controlling much of the game. In a closely fought contest it took a second half short corner to divide the two teams, who matched each other for the whole seventy minutes.

South took a little time to adjust to a slightly altered team which saw the replacement of Andy Kennedy (broken fingers) with Chris Clegg. During their period of adjustment South battled Ely through the midfield and matched them in all departments.

Chances were few and far between in the first fifteen minutes as neither team really made inroads into the others circle. It was fantastic to see South take control of the game as the half grew older and create some good chances. Both forward Nick Wong and Wilco Dijkstra had chances, although the best of which was a cross from the by-line that scooted across the face of goal but somehow evaded all the South sticks present.

Ely, who were obviously extremely worried by the quality of the South's play, stepped up a gear. In response the South defence of Ky Ho, Will Marston, Andrew Pounce and John Benedikz had to play some extremely good hockey to keep Ely out. Once again South's defence of short corners was outstanding and Ely were unable to shoot from any of their efforts. The visitors had a number of close range efforts which were goal-bound before being expertly saved by the keeper Will Benedikz.

David Bridge at left midfield played an excellent first half, proving to be a thorn in Ely's side, tackling tenaciously on the Ely twenty-five yard line and making strong attacking runs supported by his brother and Wilco. South continued to play solidly, making few mistakes, for the rest of the half.

Whilst still being a one of their best displays, South's second half performance was slightly inferior to their first half efforts. South's efforts were encapsulated by the hard work and commitment shown by the midfield of David Bridge, Chris Clegg, James Bridge, Ali Blake and Finn Johnson, who contested every ball despite carrying an injury. Most importantly the midfield kept going for the entire seventy minutes, providing extremely valuable cover for the defence as well as menacing the Ely back line.

South were finally broken down when a short corner was awarded midway through the half. Following Ely's only clean routine the first shot was stopped before the rebound was slipped past the prone keeper and pushed home from close range. Conceding the goal spurred South into greater efforts and Wilco Dijkstra and Nick Wong both came close, the former only prevented by a smart save from the Ely keeper.

The second half's comic moment was provided by keeper Will Benedikz who raced out of his D towards the corner flag to intercept a loose ball before carefully kicking the ball to a surprised sweeper John Benedikz. As both teams stopped the whistle failed to blow and John drove the ball away to safety. Despite further attacking play South failed to level the game and Ely were much relieved to have secured the points, against the general run of play.