HIL 2016: M.No. 4. Glen Turner turns the fortune for Kalinga
The much awaited victory dawned for the hosts Kalinga Lancers today with the winner, a stunner of a shot emanating from hardworking and opportunistic Glenn Turner in the fourth quarter to give 4-2 win over another struggling outfit Dabang Mumbai.
After two teams tied at 2-2 after prolonged spells of attack, Glenn Turner gave the winning moment for Kalinga after latching on to a rebound off goalie David Harte, and then guided the slow balls into the far corner of the open goal (4-2).
This was the moment the Kalinga have been waiting, and the crowd which was silenced when Florian Fuchs struck the first goal of the day, came alive.
Mumbai, another team in remoulding, and which it did not do well in the last three editions, attacked with verve in the three quarters, but poor finish inside the circle and wasting of penalty corners undid it.
Harmanpreet, who was later declared Emerging Player of the Day, took two penalty corners but could not provide surprise, while another one was wasted on account of poor stopping of the pushed ball.
Much credit for keeping Kalinga forwards at bay should go to Dabang’s goalie Irishman David Carte, who came up with sterling performance today, covering all angles of entry, and thus frustrating the home side.
It was in the 35th minute Dabang Mumbai struck their only goal through star forward Florian Fuchs. Kalinga Lancers fought back and equalized in the 45th minute through Adam Dixon (2-2). Then came the feat of Glen Turner.
AWARDS: Man of the Match: Moritz Furste
Emerging Player of the Day: Harmanpreet Singh
Best goal striker of the Day: Glenn Turner