Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro: Alexander Hendrickx scored the only goal of the game as Vedanta Kalinga Lancers maintained their unbeaten run in the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL), registering a 1-0 win against Hyderabad Toofans at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Hockey Stadium in Ranchi on Wednesday.
There was precious little to separate the two sides in the opening quarter, with both teams having four circle entries in the first fifteen minutes. While Hyderabad Toofans had more of the possession, it was the Lancers who registered the only attempt on target as they threatened to make inroads with swift counterattacks. Liam Henderson had the opportunity to give his side an early lead, but he was denied by Jean-Paul Danneberg, keeping the teams at level terms at the end of the first quarter.
There was more attacking impetus from both teams to begin the second quarter as they made inroads, earning a penalty corner each. Keeping the lion’s share of possession, the Toofans upped the ante significantly with 12 circle entries compared to Vedanta Kalinga Lancers’ seven circle entries. Despite Hyderabad dominating possession, it was the Lancers who came closest to opening the scoring with Liam Henderson’s powerful attempt that hit the post. However, neither side could break the deadlock in what was an engaging first half.
