Manpreet Singh scored India's first goal of the night before Harmanpreet netted a hat-trick while England scored their goals through Liam Sanford, David Condon and Sam Ward.
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Drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh scored a Hat-trick as India defeated England 4-3 in the second match of the double-leg FIH Pro League fixture at Kalinga Stadium, in Odisha on Sunday. Olympic bronze medal winning captain Manpreet Singh equalised for India in the 15th minute before Harmanpreet sounded the board thrice to extend India’s lead at the top of the standings. England’s goals were scored by Liam Sanford (7th), David Condon (39th) and Sam Ward (44th).
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A spectacular game of ? concludes with our team defeating England and maintaining their position at the top of the table.
IND 4:3 ENG#IndiaKaGame #HockeyIndia #HockeyAtItsBest #FIHProLeague @Media_SAI @IndiaSports @sports_odisha @CMO_Odisha pic.twitter.com/ba4ySbkTuZ
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) April 3, 2022
Interestingly all the seven goals in the match were scored from penalty corners. England had the better ball possession but that was largely due to India’s game plan to sit back and hit the opposition on the counters and the Men in Blue executed that with good effect. Despite having inferior ball possession, India made 24 circle penetrations, compared to 17 from their opponents and attempted 10 shots on target, five more than England.
England started the match on the driving seat and took an early lead courtesy of a brilliant PC variation. Sam Ward found Liam Sanford at the far post to deflect in. After conceding the goal, India bounced back soon and equalised at the stroke of first quarter through Manpreet. Once again, it was a variation from PC as Harmanpreet found Abhishek, whose deflection was saved but Indian No.7 finished off the rebound.
The second quarter was all about India’s dominance and England were pushed to the back foot. Harmanpreet put the Men in Blue ahead with his 100th goal for the country. India quickly extended the lead as Harmanpreet netted his second of the night from yet another PC.
India continued to play their high intensity game after the change of ends but failed to make further inroads. Meanwhile England pulled one back in the 39th minute through a PC from Condon.
But India was quick to respond as they restored the two goal lead with Harmanpreet’s third of the night. The 26-year-old defender placed the ball low to the right of the goalkeeper. England weren’t willing to go down without a fight and quickly responded with their third of the night. This time it was Sam Ward who converted the PC.
It was becoming an end-to-end affair as both sides were playing an attacking brand of hockey. Four minutes from time, England pulled out their goalkeeper Mazarelo for an outfield player but the Indians held firm to pocket all three points
