Jalandhar: Mumbai Magicians’ woeful run in then inaugural Hockey India League continued as they suffered their fifth straight defeat in the tournament after losing 3-4 to Punjab Warriors here on Thursday.
Captain Sandeep Singh gave Mumbai the lead in 14th minute before a self goal by custodian PR Sreejesh (30th) levelled the scoreline.
Four minutes later, Malak Singh neatly deflected from a crowded circle to hand Punjab a 2-1 lead.
With their nose ahead, Punjab extended their lead in the 39th minute when SV Sunil scored from a rebound after his first hit was blocked by rival goalie Sreejesh.
Australian Russel Ford then scored for the Punjab side in the 45th minute.
Another Aussie, Glenn Turner, reduced the margin for Mumbai in the 54th minute and Punjab also conceded a self goal in the 66th minute but the hosts held their fort from there on.
Meanwhile, in Ranchi, late strikes from Nick Wilson (67th min) and Ashley Jackson (69) helped Ranchi Rhinos beat Uttar Pradesh Wizards 3-1.
Skipper Moritz Fuerste (27) opened the account for the Rhinos from a lucky break as he managed to get a faintest of touches from Birendra Lakra’s hopeful hit towards the Wizards goal from the 25-yard line.
Wizards’ Luke Doerner converted a penalty corner in the dying minutes of the third quarter to level the score before Wilson and Jackson scored their winning goals. (PTI)
