Vedanta Kalinga Lancers rallied to beat Team Gonasika 2-1 in a keenly-contested affair and record its second consecutive victory in the Hockey India League (HIL) at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on Thursday.
The win over Gonasika, which played on consecutive days, enabled the Lancers to jump to the third spot.
Lancers used both its flanks and had more circle entries in the first quarter but Gonasika held tight to deny early advantage to the home side. Lancers’ lone penalty corner was in vain as Alexander Hendrickx shot wide.
However, it was Gonasika, who drew first blood close to the first-quarter. Lee Morton sent in a cross from the right and S.V. Sunil controlled the ball at goalmouth before tapping it in, to the disappointment of the local fans.
Lancers improved their performance in the second quarter.
AS IT HAPPENED: Lancers vs Gonasika, HIL 2024-25 highlights
Nicholas Bandurak scored for the host in the 23rd minute and video umpire Anand Dangi, following a referral, advised that the goal should stand. However, after seeing the replay on the big screen, on-field umpire Coen van Bunge overruled Dangi’s decision and disallowed the goal on the ground of dangerous play by the Lancers.
Lancer’s frontline had some frustrating moments due to a lack of coordination. But, when Gonasika was down to 10 men due to Manpreet Singh’s green card booking, Antoine Kina took advantage of a defensive lapse on the top of the circle to hit home the equaliser minutes prior to the half-time.
After swapping ends, Lancers continued to apply pressure and penetrated the Gonasika circle a few times. It got into the lead despite issues with its passing. Hendrickx’s accurate pass from outside the circle on the left was guided in by captain Aran Zalewski in a crowded ‘D.’ Incidentally, Gonasika was again down by a man because of Araijeet Singh Hundal’s suspension.
Lancers created chances but struggled with finishing in the final quarter. Dilpreet dived forward spectacularly to a cross from Angad Bir Singh from right but could not put it in, but his side held on to its lead till the end.
The result
Vedanta Kalinga Lancers 2 (Kina 28, Zalewski 33) bt Team Gonasika 1 (Sunil 14).