India loses its second successive game in FIH Pro League

A brace of goals off drag flicks by skipper Harmanpreet Singh were not enough for India as it lost 2-4 to Great Britain for its second successive defeat in as many matches of the FIH Pro League on Saturday. Yesterday India lost to Belgium 1-2.

It was a game of chances as the hosts, Great Britain, capitalized on its chances to start with a lead in the seventh minute. Timothy Nurse was first to enter the score sheet with a field goal that left the Indian defence guessing.

India, however, quickly forced its way back into the game. In the 14^th minute, it was skipper Harmanpreet Singh who restored parity with a lethal drag flick following a penalty corner. It was good to see him back  flowing in his favourite drill.

As the first quarter ended, teams were level 1-1. The second quarter was fierce and witnessed close calls for both the teams. The defence of either side stood its ground well and when the teams broke for interval, they were tied 1-1.

It was the third quarter that proved to be the most productive. Three goals came in this quarter. The first two, in the 32^nd and 34^th minute, went to the credit of the home team. First, it was Thomas Sorsby who made full use of a penalty corner and two minutes later, Lee Morton, with a brilliant run, consolidated the position for Great Britain.

India had to wait till 43^rd minute to get its second and last goal of the game. It was once again skipper Harmanpreet Singh who found the target with an immaculate flick.

The last and fourth quarter drew the best out of the two teams. The honours, however, were snatched by the home team as Nicholas Bandurak scored a gem of a field goal in the 54^th minute to make the game safe for the home team. With two defeats in two games, India has lost the top spot on the table.