India beat Canada 3-1 in the sixth of the seven match men’s hockey series at Tamanawis Park, Surrey today.

India played a controlled midfield game leading 1-0 at half time.

The goal scorers were Shivendra Singh (20 & 65 min) and Sarwanjit Singh (54 min), while Gabbar Singh converted a penalty stroke for Canada (47 min).

India earned six penalty corners but could not score as attempts from captain Sandeep Singh, Raghunath and Dhananjay Mahadik either went wide or were saved by Canada goalkeeper Matt Peck. Canada could not win any penalty corner as the Indian defence comprising Mahadik, Sandeep and Raghunath effected clean tackles.

India opened their account when Shivendra deflected a powerful slapshot from Sandeep in the 20th minute.

They missed a few opportunities to score when attempts from Gurwinder Singh Chandi, Sarwanjit Singh, Roshan Minz and Shivendra Singh were well anticipated by the Canadian goalkeeper.

Canada blew up a close chance when David Jameson failed to beat India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh from close range.

However they got the equaliser in the 47th minute when Raghunath was penalised for a stick foul which led to a penalty stroke converted by Gabbar Singh.

India showed good temperament in the second half and sparkled with swift flank run downs by Gurbaj Singh, Mohd. Amir Khan and Rajpal Singh. Midfielders Sardar Singh, Danish Mujtaba and Birendra Lakra created open space in the middle for the forwards to constantly put pressure on the Canadian defence.

India broke back into the lead in the 54th minute when Sardar Singh set up Sarwanjit atop the striking circle. The Jalandhar striker shot home a powerful forehand past the Canadian custodian.

The Canadians were given no chance to poach in the Indian circle as all efforts were thwarted by the defenders and hard working midfield.

Shivendra Singh rounded off the tally for India when he had the last touch from a Gurbaj Singh orchestration.

India who have won five of the six Tests, with one drawn fixture, will play their last match on Saturday.

Source: Hockey India Media Release