Hyderabad Toofans edges out Soorma Hockey Club

Young drag-flicker Amandeep Lakra scores crucial equaliser as Hyderabad Toofans edge out JSW Soorma Club in cliff-hanger.

Young drag-flicker Amandeep Lakra scored a crucial equaliser and goalkeeper Dominic Dixon made some vital saves in penalty shootout as Hyderabad Toofans edged out JSW Soorma Club via sudden death in a cliff-hanger in the Hockey India League at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium.

Following a 1-1 draw in the regulation period, Toofans held their nerve to win the shootouts 4-3 and claim an important bonus point from their third win.

Toofans made more circle entries but could not make the most of a couple of chances in the opening quarter.

Soorma’s attacks looked more effective. Nicolas della Torre earned the first penalty corner and converted it too in the eighth minute. His drag-flick got deflected off Toofans’ first rusher’s stick to beat goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya.

Against some gritty and clinical defence of Soorma, Toofans continued to grapple with their finishing woes and spoilt at least three more field goal opportunities in the second quarter.

Arshdeep Singh missed a sitter. Later, Darshan Gawkar and Talwinder Singh also wasted opportunities.

Toofans thwarted Soorma’s second short corner before converting their first, thanks to two local lads, to level the scores in the penultimate quarter. Shilanand Lakra injected perfectly and Amandeep made no mistake in putting it past seasoned custodian Vincent Vanasch’s right.