The Robins played their first home game of the season on July 30 in a local derby against Downham Town.

Ely needed a reaction after a disappointing opening day loss at Kirkley & Pakefield, going down 2-0 the previous Saturday.

Ely were without influential striker Jack Friend and also lost fellow striker Thomas Stoker in the warm-up.

Ely began the match at a high tempo and hit the crossbar early on, they were then awarded a penalty, but Alex brown put the ball wide of the goal.

Both teams had chances, but just before the break captain Louis Jenkins blasted a shot pass visiting keeper Macanally to put the Robins 1-0 up at the interval.

Into the second period, Ely kept up the high rate of play and from a corner, veteran striker Alex Theobald chested the ball in at point blank range to put the Robins 2-0 up.

Both sides kept plugging away, but it was to be Ely to net again. After some goalmouth ping-pong, new signing Tobi Lawal fired home for a 3-0 lead.

Downham pulled one back towards the end as Luke Reed smashed home a unstoppable volley into the top corner giving home keeper Gough no chance.

The match ended 3-1 to the Robins and it was a deserved victory and a much needed boost after Saturday's disappointment.

Ely are at home to Mulbarton Wanderers in the FA Cup Saturday. 3pm kick-off.