A smallish posse of 6^th team players made the trip to play the Pelicans. Quite a way as the crow flies, but worth the trip. The good eggs of Kings Lynn kindly lent us a goalie (Sam)  and silky skilled forward (Matt) The game seemed evenly balanced, with South passing the ball around well, from Grove at the back to Grove on the left wing, or Betts, sweeping, to Matt on the right wing. However possession was lost on a few occasions, and Robin the ball, the Pelicans pounced like vultures and seemed to score 3 quick break away goals. Perhaps South was too gullible, and were committing too many men forward. But this was earning them several short corners. One of them found Matt with the ball on the right of the D. Eagle eyed, he found stand in skipper Marshman lurking at the far post, who controlled it on the reverse stick and lifted it over the Keeper’s out stretched leg, like the wise old owl that he is. This lifted the South Spirits and energy levels, useful as having no subs was beginning to tell as the half ended. So much so that the Pelicans managed to sneak a further goal before the break.

Half time score 4-1. Despite that, the half time talk was positive as we were playing well.

Suitable egged on, the second half was better from South. Andy T seemed to come into the game more in right midfield and him and Wilco on the left were making good passes into the opposition D, where James Yu and MOM Martin G who had morphed from sweeper to centre forward couldn’t quite make the break through. The short corner count was heavily in South’s favour, but we couldn’t find a way past the resolute defence, even when the Pelicans keeper was off the field for several minutes after pulling a hamstring making a double save. The Pelicans delivered the killer blow as the South midfield and defence tired, with their centre forward deflecting a shot into the D past the keeper. Somewhat gut-wrenching, against the run of play.

Final score line 5-1, but an enjoyable game played in the proper spirit of a friendly, where one side made more of the opportunities presented to them.

Thanks again to the Pelicans for the loan of some players, good umpiring and the usual satisfying teas.