Pelicans men in touching distance of league title

Pelicans moved to within touching distance of winning the title in Division 1N thanks to a convincing 6-2 win away at Ipswich on Saturday.The visitors expected a battle after edging the reverse fixture 4-3 earlier in the season and things didn’t start all that well for the league leaders after falling behind in the opening five minutes of the game.Stung into action, Pelicans very quickly levelled the score, an excellent pass from Sam Phillips found Harry Sampson in space, and his finish was exquisite firing across the goalkeeper into the top left corner.A second goal quickly followed, this time after good work from Phoenix Sherry who bobbed his way through the Ipswich backline before passing to Ian Simmons who finished brilliantly.Pelicans had further chances to add to their tally from Phillips, Jack Major and Miles Doncaster but they were all thwarted by the impressive young Ipswich goalkeeper.At the other end of the pitch, Upton Jillings in goal was called into action to make a couple of smart saves.Sam Major, Iain Page and Simmons had to be alert at times and all put in some excellent tackles to prevent chances while Kirwin Christoffels pulled the strings in front of the back three all afternoon.The second half saw Pelicans go 3-1 up with captain Phillips getting on the scoresheet after being set up by Sampson. who was brilliant all afternoon.Ipswich continued to battle hard and pulled a goal back which seemed to give them hope of a comeback.However, it had the opposite effect as Pelicans ran riot scoring three goals in quick succession to secure their victory.Phillips scored his second after being set up brilliantly by Christoffels. Jack Major completed the scoring with two goals, his first thanks to an unbelievable run by Miles Doncaster who beat at least four Ipswich defenders on the backline before squaring for his striker to score.Major’s second was set up by Phillips and it saw him produce a lovely lob over the keeper to complete the scoring.Late chances fell to the tricky Jacob Craig and youngsters Ollie Booth and Thomas Anderson but the job was already done.Pelicans head into Saturday’s home fixture against Cambridge – the only team to have beaten them all season – with a seven-point buffer at the top with four games to play.The game starts at 2pm and all support is welcome for what should be an absolute blockbuster.Pelicans 4Way MoM: Harry Sampson.