Gurjinder Singh scores Comets’ winner
Y. B. Sarangi
Gurjinder Singh’s 64th minute goal helped Chandigarh Comets beat Delhi Wizards 1-0 and record its third straight win in the World Series Hockey, at the National Stadium here on Wednesday.
With four wins from seven matches, Chandigarh gathered 12 points. Delhi, after its fourth defeat, remained on seven points.
Insipid action ruled the first two quarters. Both the teams struggled in terms of coordination and lacked purpose in their approach.
The opening period witnessed a few instances of half-hearted attempts involving Delhi captain Shakeel Abbasi and Philip Sunkel.
Their initiatives did not bear any fruit due to the lack of understanding between the two. Whatever little that materialised was thwarted by Chandigarh custodian Harjot Singh.
Delhi had the best chance to score in the fourth minute when it earned a penalty corner.
But Vikramjeet Singh’s shot was palmed away by Harjot.
Chandigarh’s Aussie import Robert Green challenged the Delhi defence a few times.
Sadly, he found himself alone in his efforts.
The visiting team was also left frustrated by Manjeet Kullu’s solid defence and clearance.
Chandigarh pressed hard after the first timeout and created a couple of opportunities. Once Sher Singh’s cross from the right was hit wide by Canadian Sukhvinder Singh, while Jiwa Mohan’s flick off the side’s first short corner in the 32nd minute was blocked by Delhi custodian Kamaldeep Singh.
The flanks were busier than usual in the penultimate quarter but no team could succeed in breaking the goalless deadlock.
Gurjinder provided the breakthrough when he launched a low flick off Chandigarh’s third penalty corner to beat the Delhi defence and bring cheers to the tourists’ camp.
The result:
Chandigarh Comets 1 (Gurjinder Singh) bt Delhi Wizards 0.