Mumbai : Punjab National Bank (PNB), Delhi rallied well from a first half deficit by striking two quick goals in the second period to put it across CAG (Comptroller Auditors General), Delhi 2-1 in a tense and crucial Pool ‘B’ league of the 12th PMC Bank-Guru Tegh Bahadur All India Gold Cup Hockey Championship, organized by MHAL (Mumbai Hockey Association Limited) and played at the MHAL-Mahindra Stadium, Churchgate, on Tuesday.
Punjab National Bank forward Naveen Antil receives the ‘Man of the match’ award from Kulwinder Singh (2nd L), Executive Committee member, MHAL. Also seen in the photo is Ram Singh Rathor (R), Hon. Secreatary and Mangha Singh Bakshi, President. |
This was the third win for PNB and it ensured that they finish at the top of Pool B with 9 points and qualify for the semi-finals.
PNB, who required a win at all cost to progress to the next round, conceded a goal just before the half-time with S.S. Bundela converting a penalty corner to put CAG in front in the 33rd minute. However, after switching ends CAG adopted a defensive approach and went into a shell. PNB took advantage of the situation and managed to fight back by launching a series of raids towards the rival citadel. Their hard work reaped rewards as first Naveen Antil unchallenged on the left side of the striking circle kept his cool before firing in past the pads of goalkeeper Harjeet Singh and the near post in the 51st minute. Four minutes later, PNB doubled the lead when Gagadeep Singh in a flash slapped home from the top of ‘D’ after receiving Hardeep Singh’s cross from the right.
Meanwhile, Western Railway, Mumbai despite going down fighting 5-6 to Hockey Bhopal in another Pool B encounter, managed to make it to the last four round. Western finished in second position in Pool B.
