Phillips at the double as Pelicans bounce back at home

Pelicans bounced back from last week’s disappointing defeat away at Ipswich with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Letchworth back on home turf.In all honesty, it wasn’t their finest performance and they will play better and lose games but one of the traits of a good side is winning ugly and that’s exactly what they did.In a goalless first half the visitors who defied their lonely league position and travelling with a bare 11 looked dangerous going forward and kept the Pelicans’ backline busy all afternoon.However, they were solid, Jason Esser and Iain Page continued their excellent relationship at centre-back.Chris Page at left-back showed his experience breaking up many attacks and starting them down the left-hand side, whilst Sam Major made many important tackles to prevent goalscoring opportunities.It was also good to see Huw Mathers back on the pitch and after injury too.Chances up front in the first half fell to Sam Phillips and Jack Major but they couldn’t break the deadlock. Early in the second half Pelicans did strike and just like their last home game scored a goal from the penalty spot. George Van Aalst took down a high ball expertly inside the circle before he was cynically fouled whilst trying to round the Letchworth goalkeeper.The flick was converted expertly by Iain Page for his second goal of the season.The visitors weren’t behind for long though and levelled up soon afterwards. Veteran goalkeeper Matt Bower enjoyed a quiet afternoon thanks to those in front of him, so was disappointed not to keep a clean sheet.Eager to not drop points Pelicans surged forward and chances fell to the likes of Miles Doncaster, Toby Phillips and Major up top but they couldn’t find the net. Once again the midfield dynamic throughout Kirwin Christoffels, Ollie Booth, Sam Landles and the evergreen Ian Simons, who seems to get better with age and covers every inch of the turf, worked incredibly hard to frustrate their visitors and create opportunities for their forwards.Pelicans took charge and finished the game off with two goals from their captain, Phillips. Firstly he scored a drag flick from another penalty corner which was won by Jacob Craig before he scored again after good build-up play from Jack Major.Next week Pelicans travel to Bishop Stortford eager to rack up another three points.Pelicans MOM sponsored by 4Way: Sam Major.