Super Sam nets treble as Pelicans make it back-to-back 5-1 wins

Pelicans made it back-to-back 5-1 wins at Kettering to sit second in the league standings after their opening four matches.

The men emulated their victory against Cambridge University the previous week on a surface that resembled a beach more than a hockey pitch.

The visitors started the game confidently but had to soak up some pressure in the early exchanges.

The game changed midway through the first half when a driving run from Kirwin Christoffels led to a stunning reverse-stick strike smashing the post.

Their next chance led to the opener, a pass from Christoffels found Jack Major who scored with a delicate little chip over the on-rushing goalkeeper.

A second goal for Major arrived soon afterwards following a fine team move which involved captain Sam Phillips and Ian Simmons.

Kettering having the final chance of the half from a short corner but it was brilliantly charged down by Phoenix Sherry and any chance of a rebound was denied by Matt Bower in goal and centre back Iain Page.

The home side came flying out of the blocks at the start of the second half but any chance of a way back into the game was quickly prevented by Pelicans.

Sam Major, Page and Matt Southby remained solid and were able to start so attacks which Kettering just couldn’t live with.

A third goal arrived from Simons who showed his class finishing brilliantly after more excellent work from Christoffels who was on top form all afternoon.

A fourth arrived for captain Phillips after a quickly-taken sideline hit from Sam Major saw him turn a defender and smash in a fourth.

The home side did manage to grab a consolation from a short corner but yet again any hope of an incredible comeback was quickly extinguished when Pelicans rounded off the scoring.

Good build-up play from Ollie Booth and Toby Phillips found Miles Doncaster who showed great composure to steal the ball from a defender and round the goalkeeper.

He laid the ball off to Major to hammer the ball into an empty net and complete his first hat-trick of the season.

In truth, it could have been more for Pelicans with they cannot complain with three wins and a draw from their opening four outings.

On Saturday, they return to Alive Lynnsport when they host Norwich Dragons at 2pm!.All support is welcome.

4Way MoM: Jack Major.