WFA 60 National Cup - Round 1

Ely 2:2 Strollers (0-2 pens)

Strollers Over 60s were drawn away to Ely for the second year running, having lost 2-1 last season in the second round of the competition. Strollers fielded a strong squad in good form having lost only 2 of their last 12 competitive fixtures.

Ely took an early lead following a speculative shot which deflected into the corner of the net, giving Dave Moore in goal no chance. Undeterred Stamford quickly got into their stride, keeping possession well and forcing Ely into a series of fouls and running offences. Following a flowing move Taff Lovesey finished clinically past the Ely keeper who had already made a couple of good saves. Strollers continued to boss possession and it was no surprise when Tim Marsden pounced on a bad touch from an Ely player and finished confidently giving the keeper no chance and Stamford a 2 - 1 lead at half time.

Second half Strollers appeared to be cruising but with just less than 10 mins to go Ely found an equaliser out of the blue. Stamford pressed for a winner but Ely held firm to keep the scores level.

So the game went straight to pens. First up were Ely, their striker smashed it down the middle but Dave Moore confidently dealt with it. Jez Norris stepped up first for Strollers and powerfully dispatched his penalty giving the keeper no chance. Ely’s second penalty was blazed over the bar leaving Taff Lovesey with the opportunity to score the winner from the spot which he coolly did, sending the keeper the wrong way.

Squad:

• David Moore

• Iain Ross

• Paul Humphries

• Taff Lovesey

• Paul Archer

• Jez Norris

• Tim Marsden