Antwerp, March 6: Simranjeet Singh’s late goal saw a resilient India men’s team earn a 1-1 draw with Britain in Antwerp on Saturday to extend its unbeaten record to three matches on the European Tour. Alan Forsyth’s goal in the second quarter put Britain ahead and, though India has the greater share of the exchanges, it had to wait till the 57th minute to draw level.
India dominated early in the match and defended strongly to blunt Britain’s attack. Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh made an excellent save off a 10th minute penalty corner. Though both teams created changes in the first quarter, neither could convert. Krishan B Pathak made an outstanding save off a penalty corner in the second quarter, but Alan Forsyth’s strike helped Britain break the deadlock.
The third quarter saw Britain make an aggressive start with back-to-back penalties, but India managed to nullify the threat. India penetrated Britain’s circle twice, but could not make the most of that. It continued in the same vein in the last quarter, raiding the circle three times and its patience and resilience were rewarded when Simranjeet scored.
The Indian team will play its fourth and final match of the tour when it meets Britain on Monday, March 8. The two sides are due to meet again when the FIH Hockey Pro League returns to Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on May 8 and 9.
