Date	Tuesday 20 March 2012
Match	Ely City v Royston Town
Competition	Cambs Invitation Cup: Semi-Final
Result	Lost 2-1
Royston Scorers	Martin Standen
Man of Match	John McGrandles
Attendance	117

A sucker-punch goal five minute into injury time condemned The Crows to defeat against the current leaders of the Ridgeons Premier Division. Whilst there was plenty of effort from both sides the general quality of play was poor with Royston in particular struggling to play anyway near their best football despite taking an early fourth minute lead when Martin Standen sent a bullet header into the top corner from Joe Clemo's corner.

Ely had the lion’s share of possession with a long ball approach to their game and constantly peppered the area with high balls from corners and throw-ins. The Crows defended generally well but conceded a soft equaliser on 25 minutes when Standen was adjudged to handle in the area with the resultant penalty sending Will Norris the wrong way.

The second half was littered with persistent misplaced passes and the constant drone of the referee's whistle and the game had no chance of any flow to it. Neither team created anything worthwhile until the first clear chance from open play in the entire game arrived deep into added time. Royston had chances to clear a free kick but didn't and the home forward tucked a free chance into the corner from ten yards.

There was no time to restart the game and Ely progress to the final where they will face Soham Town Rangers. The Crows can now firmly concentrate on their title aspirations.

Team: Norris, Bradshaw, Grinham (Collins), McGrandles, Beck, Martin Standen, Edwards (Malins), Clemo, Matt Standen ( Robins), Fehmi, Young