Playing at their home turf did not help Pune Strykers as they went down 1-3 to Chandigarh Comets in their World Series Hockey match at Major Dhyanchand Stadium in Pimpri on Sunday.
The Pune team scored the first goal but the visitors bounced back handing the hosts their first defeat in the tournament. The Strykers opened their account through import Mario Almada in the 11th minute.
Local boy Vikas Pillay displayed speed as he took the ball towards Chandigarh’s goalpost, creating an opportunity for Almada. The Argentine made most of the early opportunity and shot in an impressive goal.
But the lead did not last more than a minute as Chandigarh’s Sukhwinder Singh levelled the scores in the 12th minute through a penalty corner. The visitors, who had faced defeats in their last two matches, looked aggressive in their approach. A loss here would have cost them dearly.
They got a chance to go one up in the 38th minute, again through a penalty corner. Gurjinder Singh, who took the strike, made sure to send the ball rolling straight in his opponent’s goal. The Pune boys made a few desperate attempts near Chandigarh’s goalpost but the visitors’defence and goalkeeper Harjot Singh were solid. Harjot was adjudged the man of the match.
Meanwhile, Chandigarh strikers kept attacking the Pune’s defence. They got their third success goal in the 50th minute through Lloyd Stephenson’s field goal. The home team made some desperate attempts but the efforts went in vain. “This win has given us a chance to be in the competition. A loss would have ended our chances,” said Chandigarh coach Harendra Singh.