Ridgeons League Division One Godmanchester Rovers 1 Ely City 3 Tiptree United 1 Godmanchester Rovs 0 ROVERS put in two good performances in their Christmas fixtures — but came away with nothing against the division s high-fliers. The biggest crowd of the

Ridgeons League Division One

Godmanchester Rovers 1 Ely City 3

Tiptree United 1 Godmanchester Rovs 0

ROVERS put in two good performances in their Christmas fixtures - but came away with nothing against the division's high-fliers.

The biggest crowd of the season at Bearscroft Lane on Boxing Day saw Godmanchester take the lead against county rivals Ely City.

The home side dominated much of the first half and took a deserved lead six minutes before the break when Nick Hurst produced a towering header from a Stephen Hurst corner to send Rovers in ahead at half-time.

However, comeback kings Ely emerged a different side after the interval and Simon Warren drew the visitors level on 66 minutes.

Rovers battled hard but further goals from Tom Pell and substitute Dave Smith wrapped up the victory for City.

Another good performance from Godmanchester on Saturday brought no rewards when they slipped to a narrow defeat at league leaders Tiptree.

Tiptree boast the division's leading scorer in Tom English and it was he who made the difference, claiming the winning goal for the home side on 22 minutes - his eighth consecutive scoring game.

Jon Brierley had an opportunity for Rovers on 15 minutes when he advanced from the halfway line to shoot but his effort was saved.

English gave his side the lead shortly afterwards when team-mate Luke Webster nodded down into his path from a cross.

Rovers debutant goalkeeper Mark White was called into action on a couple of occasions before the break as the visitors looked to stay in the game.

After the interval Rovers could have twice drawn level when Nick Hurst and Chris Hyem both blazed chances over the bar.

Tiptree substitute Gary Hill then struck the crossbar with a drive, while Brierley was off-target for Godmanchester.

The final chance of a point for the visitors went away when Chris Hughill was denied by home goalkeeper Darren Smith.

Rovers manager Karly Hurst said: "We produced a good performance - competing with the best side in the division and showing real confidence at times.

"Our back four was outstanding and we had several chances to earn ourselves a draw.