Bouncing back with hard-fought win

Pelicans Men’s 1st 5, Spalding Mens 1st 2

Pelicans bounced back from last week’s defeat with a hard-fought victory against Spalding.

It was a game which was played out in front of an excellent crowd of ex-players from down the years which made the win even more special. The home side were still without Kirwin Christoffels who is recovering from a hamstring injury but his presence was still felt on the sideline with coach Sean Kerry.

Hockey action between Pelicans Men's 1st v Spalding Men's 1st — Hockey action between Pelicans Men’s 1st v Spalding Men’s 1st

Pelicans took the lead early after good work from captain Sam Phillips who got to the back line before his pullback found brother Toby Phillips who tapped home. A second goal arrived for the home side and it was their captain whose short corner found the bottom corner.

A third goal arrived soon after this, again for Phillips whose powerful shot zipped past the helpless goalkeeper, this coming after good work from Ian Simmons and Harry Sampson in the final third.

The remainder of the first half saw Spalding get a foothold in the game and they started to put pressure on their hosts, but Pelicans dealt with it well. Dan Upton in goal was in good form and he was well protected by his back three of Sam Major, Iain Page and Matt Southby. The two defensive midfielders of Phoenix Sherry and Jack Major worked tirelessly as well.

However, just before half time they were powerless to prevent a goal back from a short corner for Spalding. The second half started like the first ended with Pelicans being pushed back and being put under a lot of pressure.

A second goal for Spalding arrived from another short corner which flew into the top corner and it seemed like there was only going to be one team who would score again. However, Pelicans continued to soak up the pressure and in the end showed their fitness levels and their determination to pull through and claim a huge three points.

Firstly, Phillips completed a fantastic hat-trick after being set up by Major and then the final nail in the Spalding coffin came courtesy of George Van Aalst who finished off nicely after good work from the hardworking Miles Doncaster.

Pelicans closed out the game from there on to claim the win and remain top of the league and open up a two point gap. Next week Pelicans find themselves at home again, against fourth place Cambridge South, another 2pm, and all support is welcome.