It was another thriller at the Birsa Munda Stadium as Match No 5 of the Hockey India League witnessed the third penalty shootout after a draw in regulation time. After making a dream start with two early goals via Amandeep Lakra (11′) and Gonzalo Peillat (13′), Hyderabad Toofans were dreaming of their first win, but they squandered the lead to allow Delhi SG Pipers to bounce back in the game. It was goals by Dilraj Singh (21′) and Gareth Furlong (50′) that helped SG Pipers equalise. It was a draw 2-2 in regulation time on the New Year’s Eve. However, Toofans held their nerves to clinch the bonus point with 5-4 win in the shootout that required sudden death.
In the 10th minute of the game, Toofans managed the first PC of the match, thanks to Tim Brand’s quick-thinking. Local lad Amandeep fired in a power drag flick. Only minutes later, Toofans returned to score yet another goal. This time it was their marquee signing, dragflicker Gonzalo Peillat sounding off the board with a fierce flick.
After getting off on the backfoot, Delhi were desperate to make amends in their attack. They were finally able to narrow the lead to 1-2 when Whetton set up a goal for SG Pipers in the 21st minute. He assisted Dilraj Singh, who has been in great nick with back-to-back podium finish for the Junior India team, broke no sweat in putting the ball past Toofans goalie Dahiya.
With the score reading 2-1 at half-time, both teams picked up some pace in the third quarter as they pushed for a goal. Sumit showcased fine 3D skills to win Delhi SG Pipers their first PC of the match in the 37th minute but they couldn’t make much of the opportunity. Meanwhile, Rajinder helped Toofans win a PC in the 42nd minute but Maico Casella’s shot was well-saved by Benjamin Rennie. Despite both team’s efforts, the third quarter remained goalless.
Toofans conceded a PC in the 50th minute and this time they were on-target. It was Gareth Furlong who opened his account in the Hockey India League with a perfect execution of the dragflick to equalise 2-2.
In the shootout, Toofans’ goalkeeper Dominic Dixon helped his side prevail in a sudden death as they picked up two points to get off the mark for the season. Toofans had lost their first match outright 2-3, but it was their fightback that stood out in that game from 0-3 down. This time however they couldn’t convert an early lead.
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