Looking to respond well after last week's close loss to Colchester, Brentwood hosted Pelicans; expecting expecting another tough match.

The game started at a high tempo, with the Pelicans centre back testing the defence with long aerials into the Brentwood half. Brentwood responded well with slick passing and solid possession. It was only a matter of time before this payed off, as a move that started well within the Brentwood half found its way into the Pelicans circle, with James Duggan cleaning up and giving the first score to Brentwood. Brentwood were unable to hold their lead and conceded on the break, however responded strongly and took the lead once more with a fine deflection from Jak Taylor finding the back of the net. Again Brentwood gave up their lead just before the end of the half, although they had clearly shown to have the upper hand and dominance in the field.

The second half had barely begun when Brentwood took the lead through James Duggan, linking well with Jak Taylor to flick the ball into the net from close-range. Brentwood needed to consolidate their lead, but a lack of composure on the ball and and an inability to deal with the aerial led to Pelicans quickly taking the lead with two quick-fire goals, one of which was a penalty-stroke. A goal down and Brentwood needed to come together, and they built play well, keeping possession distributing the ball looking for outlets. Their patience paid off, as James Duggan ran the byline, leaving the defence as flat footed as penguins, and pulled it back for Steve Naven who finished from close. But Brentwood, who like that kid who fell out of the tree, just weren't in it, as they conceded two more cheap goals, giving them just 10 minutes to reduce the deficit. Their task was made no easier as Stuart Piper was given his marching orders by the umpire for dissent. Brentwood threw everything at the Pelicans defence and for their efforts won a penalty corner. Steven Naven hit the crossbar with a rapid drag flick, with James Dugan cleaning up the rebound. Pushing for the equaliser was always going to leave Brentwood vulnerable at the back and Pelicans snuck in with a goal just before the final whistle, leaving the score 7-5 in their favour.