Army XI down Air India by 3-1

Mumbai, Apr 21 (UNI) Army XI today produced a clinical display to down local team Air India by 3-1 and book their berth in the quarterfinals of the 44th Bombay Gold Cup hockey tournament being played at the Mahindra stadium here today.

Also booking their quarterfinal berths were South Central Railway who overcame Punjab Police 8-7 via the sudden death, while Bombay Customs beat Uttar Pradesh XI 3-1 and Sikh Regiment Centre downed Karnataka XI by the odd goal in three.

Bharat Petroleum, Namdhari XI, Bhopal XI and Western Railway had yesterday already booked their semifinal berths.

The Army XI today meant business and soon they were all over the Air India defence as their mid-field and foward line easily found space and were able to pierce the defence time and again, but they fell short as their strikers failed to convert any of the chances.

Air India, taking advantage of this launched a counter attack and earned a penalty corner in the 30th minute. Following an infringement inside the box by the Army XI after the corner shot was taken the umpire awarded a penalty stroke which was easily converted by Ramesh Kumar to put Air India ahead in the 32nd minute against the run of play.

Army XI in the second half continued to pile on the pressure in an effort to break down the resistance of the Air India defence and in the 41st minute they missed a golden opportunity when Suresh Kumar cut in from the right and gave a superb pass to E Lakra who missed, hitting out.

Army XI finally were able to restore parity in the 51st minute following their third penalty corner. Xalxo took the shot which was deflected into the goal by S Kumar Ekka.

This goal spurred the Army team further and Suresh Kumar Ekka completed his brace in the 63rd minute when following an counter attack, Suresh Kumar took a shot from the left side of the box to beat the goalkeeper and put them up 2-1.

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