HIL: Punjab Warriors beat Dabang Mumbai 5-1, go atop table

The home fans were left disappointed as the away team Punjab Warriors came up with a scintillating performance to beat Dabang Mumbai 5-1 in a Hockey India League (HIL) encounter here on Friday.

The win ensured the Punjab Warriors top spot on the points table with one match left to play.

For the Warriors Varun Kumar (2nd minute), Mark Gleghorne (13), Christopher Ciriello (26) struck once in the first two quarters. Later Nithin Thimmaiah (40) made it 5-0 with a field goal. Jeremy Hayward got onto the scoresheet for the losing team.

The first quarter started with the Warriors looking to make up for their loss in the last match. The visitors pressed hard in order to get their first goal and in the second minute a penalty corner conversion by Varun gave the Punjab team the lead.

Mumbai tried to regroup but was soon taken back by a second penalty corner conversion by Gleghorne in the 13th minute.

A third penalty corner conversion by Ciriello in the 26th minute widened the gap between the two teams to 3-0. The first half ended with the score at 3-0 in favour of the away team.

The second half saw Dabang Mumbai changing their tactics and trying to play a more attacking game.

However, Punjab Warriors took advantage of the defensive gaps created and scored another goal which came from the stick of Nithin Thimmaiah to make the score 5-0 in favour of the away team in the 41st minute.

Mumbai team tried their level best to come back but missed penalty corners and chances that came their way.

Punjab kept a strong defensive line and good goalkeeping helped their cause in keeping the in form Mumbai strikers at bay.

The hosts created a lot of chances and got a consolation goal from Hayward via a penalty corner.