Old Loughts M2s and Pelicans M1s played out an entertaining match this afternoon with some good hockey on display from both sides.

Loughts started well and were composed on the ball and looked dangerous up front. They deservedly took the lead after 25 minutes when Richard Harley-Shah completed a neat move to score from open play.

Loughts were aware of the threat posed by Pelicans from short corners and were careful to avoid conceding one. However, towards the end of the first half Pelicans were awarded one but Freddie Goddard in the Loughts goal saved well after the defenders ran out bravely to close down the Pelicans’ flicker. 1 -0 half time.

At the start of the second half it became clear that Pelicans had decided to change tactics. They started throwing in long aerials which were difficult to defend and Loughts found it hard to clear the ball from the high press. The direct approach worked and Fred Whatley equalised 5 minutes into the second half from a penalty corner and despite some fine saves from Goddard, Sam Phillips slammed home a second shortly afterwards.

Gabriel Inch rallied the troops and Loughts were able to resume the good shape and incisive passing shown in the first half. Some strong defensive work from Will Smith and Jacob Jayaraj and good work down the left wing was rewarded when Loughts earned a penalty corner from which Harry Moffat scored to make it 2 -2. Unfortunately, the score did not remain level for long as Jack Mayor bundled in a third for Pelicans.

Undaunted, Loughts kept their shape and continued to press. They were awarded another short corner which was illegally blocked and Scott Jones slotted home the resulting flick to make it 3-3 with two minutes left to play.

Well played both teams with a draw a fair result.