Top Six a Must for Ely

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Latest Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League News

Thurlow Nunn Eastern Counties League

Achieving a top-six finish is a must according to Ely City boss Alan Alsop if the Thurlow Nunn League Premier.....

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Published 4th August 2012

Andrew Claydon

....Division club wants to carry on its forward progression.

Last season saw the Robins exceed all expectations on the pitch after finishing runners-up in the league along with lifting the Cambs Invitation Cup.

Although Alsop recognises that reaching similar heights will be a hard act to follow, the Robins boss feels his side are more than capable of still making their presence felt.

“Last season we played really good football and the whole season was outstanding,” said Alsop. “We have kept all of last year’s squad and I have made a few signings to help strengthen us up and to ensure there is competition for places.

“I think with the new players coming in we are technically better and I think if we finish in the top six again we will have had a good season.”

Over the course of the close season Alsop has drafted in five new faces to join up with his existing squad.

Among those arriving through the doors of the Unwin Ground are well-travelled striker Andrew Claydon, and highly-rated midfielder Lewis Thompson.

Former AFC Sudbury striker Claydon arrives from Norwich United, while 21-year-old Thompson joins from Wisbech Town.

“Andrew Claydon is what I feel we missed last year as he is someone who can hold the ball up front for us,” said Alsop.

“Lewis is a great player who just wants to get on and play his football and is a great signing.”

Pre-season has seen City enjoy mixed fortunes on the pitch after picking up a draw and a couple of defeats, one of which was a 1-0 reversal at the hands of Blue Square Bet North side Histon.

“We have had a decent pre-season,” said Alsop. “Although results might not have gone our way we have been playing some good sides.

“If I am honest I was a bit disappointed we didn’t get anything out of the Histon game as we were the better side in the second half of that match.”

City face a tricky start to the 2012/13 campaign today with a clash against Kirkley & Pakefield.

“Kirkley and Pakefield are never an easy team to play against. It will be a tough opener as I know they have brought in a few new players,” said Alsop.

“It would be nice to get up and running with a victory though.”

[Source: Newmarket Journal]