Mens 1st's vs Broxbourne 1

Pelicans remain unbeaten and top of the East Premier Division with a record of five wins and a draw from their opening six games, their most recent win coming against Broxbourne who joined them in promotion last season. Despite not starting the season as strongly as their hosts it was Broxbourne who settled into the game the better as they forced several short corners, all of which proved to be missed through a combination of wayward finishing but also through some solid defending by Pelicans. 

As the half moved on, Pelicans started to get a grip on the game and took the lead on the break. Some excellent work from Ian Simons down the left hand side saw him deflect a pass perfectly into the path of Jack Major who did the rest. That was how the score remained at half time. Early on in the second half the home side doubled their lead, on the counter attack, yet again. Centre back Jason Esser picked up the ball just inside his own half which cut the visitors in half down the middle, it was picked up by Toby Phillips who exchanged slick passes with George Van Aalst before slotting home his first of the season. At this point, Broxbourne could have easily rolled over and accepted their fate but instead they fired back with two goals in quick succession to level up the scores. 

With the game on a knife edge it could have gone either way. Pelicans had to be wary at the back with Sam Major, Iain Page, Esser. Simons and Chris Page on full alert to keep Broxbourne at bay. The midfield of Kirwin Christoffels, Sam Landles, Jack Major & Sam Phillips was, yet again the driving force for Pelicans and in the end Pelicans simply outran their opposition and their fitness levels proved to be the match winner. Captain, Sam Phillips put his side back in front with a fierce reverse stick shot which left the keeper helpless, his brother Toby grabbed his second of the game and Pelicans’ fourth after another brilliant bit of link up play with Flying Dutchman, Van Aalst who was superb all afternoon. 

The scoring was rounded off from the penalty spot. Pelicans were awarded a penalty stroke which was converted in style by centre back Iain Page who found the top corner and his first of the season to go with it. 

In truth, not Pelicans finest performance but the three points is all that matters. Yet again, they showed their opposition and an excellent home crowd how good their hockey has been and continues to be over the last year. Next week they travel to Ipswich who sit in fourth place and will be sure to be another tough test. 

Pelicans MOM sponsored by 4Way George Van Aalst