Sher-e-Jalandhar resurrected their fortunes with a hard-fought 1-0 win over defending champions Hyderabad Sultans in a Tier I Premier Hockey League match in Chandigarh on Thursday night.
With a vibrant midfield and effective ball possession, Sher-e-Jalandhar took control of the match early in the first quarter and their forwards regained the sting, which was missing in the earlier two encounters.
Triple Olympian Baljit Singh Dhillon played a high quality game upfront and with the Shers moving the ball from flank to flank, their attack found rhythm and gave them an upper hand.
Shers had a first look at the rival goal in the fourth minute and Sultans suffered some anxious moments. But skipper Gagan Ajit Singh's shot missed the post by inches.
However, the Shers made amendments and earned their first penalty-corner in the 10th minute following a foul by Vikram Pillay in the circle. They successfully converted it after Daljit Singh Dhillon sent in a swift push and Prabhdeep Singh set it up perfectly for Kanwalpreet.
Singh measured direct hit beat a prostrate Sultans' custodian Devesh Chouhan and dipped in to hit the boards.
Shers reduced the pace of the game and enjoyed more possession. Unlike in the first two matches, they used more short passes and created a good midfield play with Baljit Singh Saini and Prabhdeep controlling the moves. Gagan Ajit got some dangerous passes and there was good interaction between Baljit and Saqlain.
