Kalinga Lancers Edge Past Dabang Mumbai in the Hero Hockey India League 2015

The crowd of the temple city Bhubaneswar, witnessed an exciting match between Kalinga Lancers and Dabang Mumbai. Kalinga Lancers pulled off an amazing win against Dabang Mumbai 2-1 in the ongoing Hero Hockey India League in Kalinga Stadium today. The Kalinga Lancers owe the win to Gurjinder Singh who scored two breath-taking goals for his team.
 

The game started on a positive note as since the beginning of the game, both the teams looked in dangerous form trying to capitalise on their chances of scoring. The first half of the game was majorly dominated by the Kalinga Lancers who showcased brilliant stickwork which helped them lead against Dabang Mumbai by 2-0. While, the second half of the game proved to be in favour of Dabang Mumbai, they failed to match up to the opponent’s less than a stellar performance and unfortunately lost to the home team by 2-1.
 

The first quarter of the game showcased a mature game play by Kalinga Lancers who had a motivation to perform and do well without letting the opponents take advantage of any loopholes. Kalinga Lancers sensed a chance to score when Vickram Kanth awarded a penalty corner to his team and it was Gurjinder Singh who successfully converted a penalty corner in the eleventh minute of the game opening the score card by 1-0. With this, Gurjinder Singh adds to his name, the 100th goal of the Hero Hockey India League 2015. Kalinga Lancers was one goal ahead against the Dabang Mumbai who stood nil in the first quarter.
 

With every passing minute, Kalinga Lancers produced a spirited fight back and displayed wonderful stick skills in order to keep the pressure going on Dabang Mumbai. Gurjinder Singh, high on confidence after scoring the first goal for his team, made no mistake and notched in another goal through a penalty corner in the 20th minute, doubling the lead to 2-0. By the end of the first half, it was Kalinga Lancers who was seen dominating the game with a 2-0 on score board.
 

With the change of both the ends, the two teams played more strategically and were persistent to strengthen their defence work. While Kalinga Lancers continued to do a lot of good for themselves, Dabang Mumbai kept on struggling between the sticks to find a way towards the net until Harmanpreet Singh stroked for Dabang Mumbai through a penalty corner conversion and brought his team back in the game in the 36th minute taking the score to 2-1.  Further searching for an equalizer, Dabang Mumbai was seen recovering quickly and kept the possession of the ball keeping alive their brilliant defence work.
 

Early in the fourth quarter of the game, Dabang Mumbai’s Glenn Turner took the control of the game and managed to earn a penalty corner for his side but failed to capitalize it into a goal. 
 

Putting a remarkable end to the game, Kalinga Lancers defeated Dabang Mumbai 2-1 in the game today

Anil Aldrin, Coach, Dabang Mumbai said post the match “We are very disappointed with the performance today. We were unable to overcome them irrespective of making changes during the game. We wil play for winning ouir next match” 

Speaking on the game today Head Coach, Kalinga Lancers Jude Felix “We made some mistakes and we will come back strong in our next match. Gonazalo Peillat is not performing as per his capabilities and which effects our game on the field”
 

Hero Goal of the Match – Gurjinder Singh, Kalinga Lancers

Man of the Match – Gurjinder Singh, Kalinga Lancers
 

Ranchi Rays will play against Delhi Waveriders on 14 February 2015 at 1900 HRS IST at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.

The match will be telecast LIVE on Star Sports.