England’s Barry Middleton scored twice in the third quarter, to pilot Ranchi Rays to a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Dabang Mumbai in the Hockey India league encounter at the Mahindra Stadium here on Saturday.
Mumbai took the lead through their Belgian forward Tom Boon in the 8th minute of the third quarter, after a goalless first half of play, which was neutralised two minutes later by Middleton with a short range effort. Middleton then scored the match-winner in the 45th minute of play before Ranchi kept the Mumbai attackers at bay in the last quarter to emerge victorious.
It was the visitors’ first win in two games after their 3-6 loss to Kalinga lancers two days ago while for Mumbai, who drew 3-3 with last year’s runners-up Jaypee Punjab Warriors on Friday, it was their first loss in two games. The home team, who drew with Punjab in a rousing match on Saturday, clearly showing signs of tiredness in playing for the second day running. Ranchi took control of the proceedings for the major part of the first two quarters and made several forays into the Mumbai half whose defense held firm.
Barring a few moves down the right flank, Mumbai were hardly in the picture in the first two quarters.
Ranchi, who combined better than their rivals with Manpreet Singh catching the eye in midfield with his incisive passes, got two short corner awards, but failed to make any impression with both of them and the score stood goalless at the halfway stage of the game.
As a result it was no surprise to see the deadlock broken and it was Mumbai which scored first when their Belgian star forward Tom Boon scored a fine goal with a powerful scoop from just inside the striking circle. Ranchi coach Harendra Singh lavished praise on Manpreet. “He is Virat Kohli of Indian hockey,” he said.