Aggression was the key for Bangalore Hi-Fliers. That one moment of aggression and clever thinking in the 46th minute did the trick. Tushar Khandekar scored the winning goal as the Bangaloreans defeated Hyderabad Sultans 2-1 in the Premier Hockey League here at the Sector Stadium on Thursday.
The Hi-Fliers were a little tentative in the beginning. However, all that changed as soon as they had warmed up a little and were in the groove. That the team had five from the Indian team in the ranks was evident. Midfielders Bimal Lakra and Vikram Kanth were instrumental in not letting Sultans begin their attacks.
Khandekar too was no less tenacious. From the second quarter onwards, Hi-Fliers built their attacks well, with Khandekar making several good moves from the left flank. In fact, on a couple of occasions, he got very close to the goal but could not find a properly positioned player to pass to. In the same way, SV Sunil, You Hyo-sik and Cheeyanna were at it all the time.
The effort was certainly there from the Bangalore team. But sadly, they were not able to force any penalty corners. They had a good chance during one of Khandekar's runs from the left flank. A clear penalty corner with Sultans' Jasbir Singh being an obstruction. However, umpire John Paul apparently did not get a clear view of the action. Pretty frustrating that must have been for Hi-Fliers drag-flicker Len Aiyappa.
A good game
Sultans did not play a bad game. The live-wire of their team was Sardara Singh. He played his heart out and Didar Singh played well too. They were probably the ones who stood between Hi-Fliers and more goals.
The Hyderabad team had a couple of good scoring chances themselves. One goal-threatening shot from their Pakistan player Kamran Ahmed in the 14 th minute was well saved by goalkeeper Bharat Chetri.
Hi-Fliers moved ahead in the 23rd minute, thanks to their Korean player You's deflection. The move was initiated by Cheeyanna from just outside the circle. He relayed the ball to Arjun Halappa, who was on the left flank and close to the goal. Halappa let loose a cracking shot and the Korean was positioned close to the goal-line and it was child's play for the latter to deflect the ball in to put Hi-Fliers ahead.
Sunil very nearly scored the second for Hi-Fliers. His stinging hit from the right flank hit the post in the 33rd minute.
Meanwhile, Sultans were also doing all they could to equalise. They succeeded in the 46th through Didar Singh. Hi-Fliers' midfielder VS Vinaya was attempting to chop a rising ball away in his own circle. Didar moved in and tapped the ball in from a reversed stick.
This being a crucial match, the urgency was seen among the Sultans’ players in their quest for goals. Instead, it was Hi-Fliers who got ahead with 10 minutes to go for the final hooter. Vinay sent a well-aimed hit inside the circle and slightly to the left flank. Khandekar found the gap and walloped the ball inside. Khandekar was named man of the match.
Hi-Fliers have eight points from four matches, while Sultans are on five from the same number of matches.
Friday's match: Chandigarh Dynamos vs Sher-e-Jallandhar (6.00 pm).