Pelicans 4 Ipswich 2nds 3
Pelicans extended their unbeaten run and consolidated their position at the top of Division 1N but they were not at their best by any means in a seven-goal thriller against Ipswich.
Things started well enough as the home side took the lead with a goal-of-the-season candidate.
Excellent work from captain Sam Phillips at the top of the D saw him find some space and rifle in a reverse stick pass which Ian Simons expertly deflected into the top corner.
Further chances fell the way of Jack Major and Eddie Van Aalst but they were denied.
Ipswich began to grow into the game and put plenty of pressure on Pelicans who, in truth, were sloppy in possession at times.
The visitors equalised from a short corner which found its way into the bottom corner.
The second half started and Pelicans knew they needed to up their game.
Ipswich scored first but the home side weren’t behind for long.
Iain Page broke up an attack and found Kirwin Christoffels, who in turn found Phillips in space, who squared a pass to Matt Southby to score his second in two games.
Just when you thought that was the wake-up called needed, Pelicans found themselves 3-2 down with less than 15 minutes left to play as the visitors hit them on the break.
However, this Pelicans team knew they had extra to give as the game went into the final minutes.
They equalised through Phillips again with a well-placed short corner. With only minutes to go Pelicans found their winner.
It was set up by Miles Doncaster who was fantastic throughout the game and deserved to play a part in a match winner for his efforts.
His mazy run into the D found George Van Aalst who tucked away his chance to give his side the win.
There was still time for Sam Major, Page, brother Chris and Phoenix Sherry to stand firm one last time to prevent any more late drama.
Tomorrow, Pelicans travel to Cambridge to face newly-formed Cambridge HC looking to put on a better display.
4Way MoM: Miles Doncaster.
