Chandigarh, Dec 25: Former champions Bangalore Hi-Fliers made a strong comeback after trailing 0-2 to score a thrilling win over local favourites Chandigarh Dynamos 3-2 in the fourth edition of the Premier Hockey League at the Sector 42 Stadium on Christmas Day.
After surviving two strong raids by Bangalore, Chandigarh Dynamos struck twice in the space of three minutes with drag flicker Sandeep Singh netting two stunning goals from their two short corners in the 10th and 12th minutes.
In the 23rd minute, Bangalore pulled one back with speedy striker Sandeep Michael earning the team’s second short corner. Chandigarh goalkeeper Baljit Singh blocked Len Aiyappa’s low drag flick but Bangalore’s Korean import You Hyo-sik converted the rebound.
After the first two quarters, Bangalore opened up the game and despite an element of risk involved, they went all out in the attack and stretched the Chandigarh defence. Bimal Lakra was outstanding in the midfield and got good support from Vikramkanth and Vinay as they completely dominated the midfield feeding the forwards well. The Bangalore team also made the best use of the speed and skills of their Korean player, You Hyo-sik, who was the livewire of the team with his speedy runs.
Bangalore scored the equalizer in the 37th minute capitalizing on a quick move on the right flank. From the midfield, Vinay put Arjun in possession with a fast wall pass and former skipper gave it to Sandeep Michael. Sandeep darted into the middle, cut into the circle and gave a short pass to Tushar Khandekar on the right. With rival custodian Baljit Singh advancing at him, Tushar gave it to Hyo-sik and the latter made no mistake tapping the ball into the right corner of the boards.
Bangalore continued to exert the pressure on the Chandigarh goal and forced their fourth and last short corner in the 67th minute to seal the fate of the match. Tushar took the push and Vikramkanth set it up for drag flicker Len Aiyappa. But Len’s low flick was once again blocked by Chandigarh goalie Baljit Singh and this time Cheyanna, the junior Indian camper, slotted home to earn the match-winner for Bangalore Hi-Fliers.
Bangalore’s You Hyo-sik was declared man of the match. After three matches each, Bangalore have five points while Chandigarh Dynamos remain on six points.