Magicians back to losing ways

A day after beating Uttar Pradesh Wizards to register their first win in the Hockey India League, Mumbai Magicians suffered another humiliating defeat, this time against Jaypee Punjab Warriors (1-3).

Dharamvir Singh (7th minute), Robbert Hammond (22nd) and Malak Singh (52nd) came up with a strike each for the winners, while Mumbai’s only consolation was Jonny Jasrotia’s solitary goal in the 47th minute.

It was Magicians eighth defeat from nine matches, while Punjab recorded their fourth win in nine games, with one draw and four losses. Punjab added five points to their tally of 20. This was the third time Mumbai lost to Punjab in as many encounters.

Punjab’s dominance started from the seventh minute when Dharamvir breached a poor Mumbai defence and flicked the ball over the right of custodian P Shreejesh to disturb the scoreboard.
The visitors upped the score in the second quarter when Robert Hammond deflected a superb cross from the right wing, making Mumbai defenders look like bystanders.

Mumbai had their chances, including three penalty corners, but never made them count. However, Jasrotia reduced the margin in the 47th  minute. He deflected a pass that hit the right side of the post making it 1-2 in favour of the hosts. In the 52nd minute, Punjab’s Malak Singh solo move made it 3-1.

Results: Jaypee Punjab Warriors 3 (Dharamvir Singh 7th, Robbert Hammond 22nd, Malak Singh 52nd) bt Mumbai Magicians 1 (Jonny Jasrotia 47th)