The last friendly before the real start of the season for the M6s. Some of the team arrived in buoyant mood having participated in the triumph over the M4s earlier in the day. However, we had no goalie as he was making a mad dash for a deep dark corner of the fens from a previous game and the dash was probably held up by some unexpected road works.

Pip and Laurie were keen to help out despite the lack of the traditional post-match teas. The, ‘But there is a drive through KFC,’ incentive worked

South dominated proceedings for the first ten or fifteen minutes, with Ian and Pip running the midfield, and the score was only level thanks largely to the Ely goalkeeper. Almost on their first attack, Ely scored and quickly followed with another ‘soft’ goal. Then the cavalry then arrived in the form of a ‘proper goalkeeper’. Mixed metaphors there I am sure. At least it encouraged South to carry on attacking and before long a ball played down the left was swept over to the right, where Laurie passed it to James who duly made it two-one with a confident strike.

Ely grew more confident after their goals and our defence was kept busy

Pip made it two-two with a persistent run down the middle. He won a free-hit, took it instantly, drove inside the D and beat the goalkeeper with a decent strike.

Young Alec delivered a good tactical half time team talk and the second half involved both keepers making saves with Will and Tendayi began to make some telling tackles in defence.

Ely stole it with their young, skilful midfielder making a strong run and scoring a third.

Ely have shown they are no pushover as they have been in the previous two or three seasons, with some good youngsters coming through.