MERSEA Island skipper Jon Williams praised the spirit and character of his players for pushing title-chasing Ely.

The Islanders suffered a 38-15 defeat in Saturday’s Eastern Counties League division one contest at the Glebe.

However, they certainly stretched their visitors, who are second in the table and have won eight of their nine games so far.

Williams said: “I was delighted with the performance and the boys showed great character and spirit to fight back."