Times of India: Air India cruise to fourth straight win

MUMBAI: Two goals from captain Shivendra Singh saw Air India fly to the top of Pool B after their 3-1 win over Western Railway in the Mumbai Hockey Association Limited Super Division League at the Mahindra Stadium on Saturday. This was their fourth win in a row. Joga Singh was also on target for Air India, while the lone effort from Western Railway came through Amit Rohidaas.

It took a while for Air India to emerge into a threat with their lion’s share of possession, but that was taken care of when they finally broke the deadlock in the 15th minute through a penalty stroke.

Shivendra stepped up and made no mistake from the spot as coach Dhanraj Pillay finally had reason to smile. Even as the half-time hooter sounded, Prithvi Raj had done enough to earn Air India a timely penalty corner with a dribble into the circle before he was brought down to the turf. Birendra Lakra’s drag-flick was parried by Railway ‘keeper Gurwinder Singh, but only into the path of Joga who was quick to pounce.

Western Railway squandered a great opportunity to get on the scoreboard off a penalty corner 10 minutes into the second half with only a four member Air India defence to beat. They were finally provided an opening to get back in the game after earning a penalty stroke of their own in the 48th minute which was comfortably put away by Rohidaas.

It propelled a late charge by Sunil Kumar Yadav’s men who twice came within sight of drawing level through reverse hits from Vinod Singh. However, Air India sealed the affair on the hour mark as Arjun Halappa intercepted a WR pass to set up Shivendra for a powerful finish past Gurwinder.