Like in their first-leg encounter, Delhi Waveriders hand Dabang Mumbai 3-1 drubbing
Same teams, same score, the only difference being the venue. Dabang Mumbai's search for their first win in the Hockey India League continued as they were handed a 1-3 defeat by the Delhi Waveriders at the MHAL Stadium in Churchgate on Thursday. For the record, Delhi had beaten Mumbai by the same scoreline in their first-leg encounter in Delhi on February 1.
It took only four minutes for Simon Child to open the account for the Waveriders, with the New Zealander's shot coming off a reverse hit and some uncertain defending from Mumbai. From then on, the Waveriders were content to soak up the pressure, build play from the back and attack on the counter. Captain Sardar Singh -- who came back after a one-match suspension -- and Rupinderpal Singh in the defence line did not allow the likes of Tom Boon & Co even a sniff at the goal. Mumbai's Glenn Turner did have a chance to equalise towards the end of the first quarter with a cross from the left flank, but Delhi's South African goalkeeper Rassie Pieterse was up to the task.
The next two quarters saw Delhi's gameplan of possession hockey being executed to the fullest. Making his presence felt was Gurbaj Singh, who was a constant livewire down the right flank. He produced a moment of magic in the 21st minute, dribbling his way past two defenders only to see his shot being deflected away by Mumbai goalkeeper Adrian D'Souza.
Mumbai dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh failed to make the most of two back-to-back penalty corners in the 30th minute. D'Souza saved another brilliant Gurbaj attempt down the right in the 41st minute.
With a quarter remaining, Mumbai were still in the game. But Child did what he did in the first quarter: score right at the start of the hooter, with Gurbaj being the creator of the goal down the right. With nine minutes to go, Mumbai did pull one back, Harmanpreet finally converting a penalty corner and giving the home crowd a sense of hope.
But the Waveriders had other ideas. The blow on Mumbai's hopes came a minute before the final hooter. Akashdeep Singh dribbled his way through the centre of Mumbai's defence and passed the ball to Child, who found an unmarked Jason Wilson. The Australian striker didn't disappoint, converting the simplest of tap-ins.
Delhi earned their second win of the tournament, while Mumbai are still without a win in five games (three losses and two draws). Not surprisingly, they are languishing at the bottom of the standings.
Stopwatch: Dabang Mumbai 1 (Harmanpreet Singh 51) lost to Delhi Waveriders 3 (Simon Child 4, 47, Jason Wilson 59)
Playing today: Ranchi Rays vs Kalinga Lancers (Live on Star Sports 2 at 7:00 pm)
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