Delhi Waveriders' winless run in the fifth season of the Coal India Hockey India league (HIl) continued after Jaypee Punjab Warriors salvaged a late 3-2 victory in a hard-fought contest here on Tuesday.
After a slow start from the home team, which also saw the visitors take the lead through Robert van der Horst right at the end of the first quarter, Delhi drew parity through Tristan White in 39th minute. However, Punjab sealed the contest with seven minutes left through Mink van der Weerden from a penalty corner. The result leaves Delhi routed at the bottom of the table from four matches. Thus, Waveriders will be desperate to register their first win of the season when they face Uttar Pradesh Wizards here on Wednesday.
With HIl returning to Shivaji stadium for the first time this season, the fans had to be patient to witness any real action in the first quarter.
Delhi started positively by holding on to the possession well at the early stages, but it was Punjab who slowly started to knock on the door with good counter attacking movements.
The Warriors — enjoyed good support from the crowd despite being a visiting side — took the lead at the first proper chance of the match, thanks to Dutchman Robert van der Horst.
In 15th minute, Satbir Singh — a livewire throughout the match on the right-hand side — made an impressive run deep into the opposition's circle and passed it to Robert. The Dutchman fired a precise reverse shot into the back of the net to take the visitors into the first quarter break with a 2-0 advantage.
The home team finally came to life and started attacking in numbers. Simon Child produced the first meaningful save from Punjab's keeper Tristan Clemons in the 18th minute with a reverse hit shot. Mandeep Singh played a key role in many Waveriders attack and he was at the heart of Delhi getting two penalty corners in the last few minutes of the first half. But, Rupinder Pal Singh was unable to make the most of it.
Delhi could have equalised at the very first minute of the second half, but Mandeep, who got on the end of a misplaced back pass, shot wide from close range. But, the home team eventually levelled through White in 39th minute. White produced a neat finish from close range after pouncing on a loose ball inside the visitor's 'D'. The scores were levelled 2-2.
Mandeep could have put Delhi in front, but his powerful shot was brilliantly saved by Warriors goalkeeper Clemons in 43rd minute.
With both teams going for the maximum points in the fourth and final quarter, it was Punjab who scored the decisive winner with seven minutes from the hooter. Mink van der Weerden converted beautifully from Warriors' second penalty corner of the match to put them 3-2 up.
The hosts pressed hard for a late goal and also earned themselves a penalty corner right at the end of the match, but they were not able to make the most of the chance as Punjab secured only their second win of the season.