Lancers beats Hyderabad to move top of HIL

RANCHI: Vedanta Kalinga Lancers extended their unbeaten run in the Hero Hockey India League with a narrow 1-0 victory over Hyderabad Toofans at the Marang Jaipal Singh Astro Turf Stadium on Wednesday, with Alexander Hendrickx scoring the decisive goal.

The opening quarter was evenly poised, with both teams registering four circle entries in the first 15 minutes. Hyderabad Toofans enjoyed marginally more possession, but it was the Lancers who created the clearer chances on the counter. Liam Henderson came close to giving Vedanta Kalinga an early lead, only to be denied by a sharp save from Toofans goalkeeper Jean-Paul Danneberg, as the teams ended the first quarter goalless.

The second quarter saw an increase in attacking intent from both sides. Each team earned a penalty corner, but Hyderabad began to dominate possession and territory, recording 12 circle entries compared to the Lancers’ seven. Despite their control, clear-cut chances were limited. The closest opportunity of the half again fell to the Lancers, with Henderson’s powerful strike rattling the post. Hyderabad, despite sustained pressure, failed to find a breakthrough, and the teams headed into halftime locked at 0-0.

Hyderabad continued to dictate the tempo after the break, probing patiently against a disciplined Lancers defence. However, it was Vedanta Kalinga Lancers who struck against the run of play. In the 40th minute, Alexander Hendrickx converted a penalty corner with a precise drag-flick to register his fifth goal of the season and give his side the lead.

Following the goal, the Lancers adopted a more controlled approach, focusing on possession management and defensive solidity. They dropped deeper and denied Hyderabad space inside the circle, forcing their opponents into speculative attempts.

In the final quarter, Hyderabad Toofans continued to see more of the ball but struggled to penetrate a well-organised Lancers backline. Vedanta Kalinga, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter, earning more penalty corners and shots than their opponents. Hyderabad’s frustration was evident as they failed to register a single attempt on goal in the final 15 minutes. The Lancers closed out the match with composure, sealing a hard-earned win that highlighted their defensive discipline and efficiency, while maintaining their unbeaten streak in the league.