Maratha Warriors beat Bangalore Hi-Fliers 2-0 in PHL

Chandigarh, Dec 23 (UNI) Two-second half goals within a span of two minutes paved the way for Maratha Warriors to snatch three points from Bangalore Hi-Fliers with a convincing 2-0 victory in the Premier Hockey League (PHL) at the Sector 42 Hockey Stadium here today.

It was Warrior's second successive win from as many matches.

Maratha Warriors and Chandigarh Dynamos have six points apiece.

After an unproductive first half, Maratha Warriors shot into the lead in the 61st minute by converting the eighth of their nine penalty corners awarded to them. Dhananjay Mahadik 's drag flick foxed Bangalore Hi-Flier's goalkeeper Bharat Kumar Chetri.

Down by a goal, Bangalore Hi-Fliers launched a counter-attack in the same minute. Warriors survived a tremendous pressure. Arjun Halappa's first try was saved by goalkeeper Adrian and Sandeep Michael's second attempt off the deflection missed the target by a narrow margin.

In the next minute (62nd), Maratha Warriors made it safe for themselves. Maratha Warriors got possession of the ball in the midfield and with two quick passes Kweeom Moon of Korea dashed into the circle and beat an advancing Chetri with confidence..

Earlier, Bangalore Hi-Fliers started on an aggressive note which fetched them two penalty corners in the 10th minute. However, Marath Warriors 's first runner Viren Rasquinha dashed in to deflect Len Aiyappa's flick and in the process conceded another penalty corner. This time Maratha Warriors' custodian Adrian D'Souza anticipated well and palmed away Len Aiyappa's drag flick.

Both teams had an equal share of exchanges in the second quarter but a goal eluded them. However, on resumption, Maratha Warriors reorganised their game to take control of the midfield.

Skipper Viren Rasquinha and Vikram Pillay excelled in the midfield. They were sending regular supplies to their forwards besides containing the rival forays. Their sustained pressure yielded them four short corners in this quarter, but their Dutch import Looijem Melchior could not come good with his drag flicks.

The Warriors had their best chance following a counter attack in the 48th minute when Pakistan forward Rehan Butt got the ball in front of the circle. He darted into the circle and with the entire defence out of place he positioned himself for a strike, but Hi-Fliers' goalie Bharat Chetri charged out to the top. Rehan sidestepped him and was about to take a shot when Bimal Lakra cleared it before any damage could be done.

Then Maratha Warriors struck in the 61st and 62nd minute to notch up their second successive triumph. Warriors Vikram Pillay was UNI