Experienced duo return to Ely

Manager Brady Stone is delighted with the experience that new signings Adam Dalby and George Darling will add to his Ely City squad.

Both players have pulled on the red shirt before – Dalby during his formative years, while Darling left for fellow Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division side Histon 12 months ago.

Stone played alongside Dalby for the Robins, and has since gone on to feature for Newmarket Town and AFC Sudbury.

“Adam was 19 or 20 when I played with him but you could already see what a good player he was going to be,” said Stone.

“He has had a bit of a knee problem in recent years and has not really enjoyed his football of late.

“We told him to come here and enjoy himself again, which is what he is looking to do.

“There is no doubt that when fully fit and firing he is one of the best defenders in the league.”

As for the attack-minded Darling, he makes a swift return to the Ellgia Stadium, having been a part of the Ely squad that embarked on a club-record run to the last 16 of the FA Vase in 2016/17.

“George is a good lad. He moved closer to Histon last year but is now back in the area,” added Stone.

“He gives us options going forward because he plays centrally or out wide.

“He will need a couple of weeks in the reserves to build up his fitness, but it is great to have him back.

“Like Adam he offers us a lot of experience and with some young players coming through, it was something we were keen to bring in.”

On Friday Ely continued their preparations for the new season with a 2-0 victory over higher-league Wisbech Town.

Youngster Tom Thurlborn was on target, taking his goal tally for the summer friendlies to four, while Ely also benefited from an own goal.

On Saturday, Stone’s men travel to March Town United (3pm), followed by a trip to Lakenheath on Tuesday (7pm).