Vedanta Kalinga Lancers extended their unbeaten run in the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 with a hard-fought 4–1 victory in a penalty shootout against Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons after the contest ended 1–1 in regulation time at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
The result marked the Lancers’ sixth successive win of the season and once again underlined the depth and resilience that has defined their campaign. Goalkeepers Krishan Pathak and Jed Snowden played decisive roles at different stages of the match, combining to guide the table-toppers through a tense encounter that saw momentum swing repeatedly before being settled under pressure in the shootout.
The Dragons began on the front foot, moving the ball crisply through midfield and committing numbers forward to test the Lancers early. Their intent was clear, and they forced the hosts into defensive action from the opening exchanges. Despite the early pressure, the first major opportunity fell to the Lancers. In the ninth minute, Alexander Hendrickx unleashed a drag-flick from the side’s opening penalty corner, only for the effort to be dramatically cleared off the line.
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At the other end, the Dragons continued to threaten, forcing Krishan Pathak into a couple of sharp saves in the first quarter. The Indian goalkeeper was alert and composed, setting the tone for what would become a standout performance in regulation time.
The breakthrough arrived in the second quarter. The Dragons earned a penalty stroke after sustained pressure inside the circle, and Blake Govers stepped up to convert confidently in the 19th minute, giving his side a deserved lead. The Lancers thought they had responded almost immediately when Dilpreet Singh finished from close range, but a video referral overturned the goal, much to the frustration of the home supporters.
The remainder of the second quarter saw the Dragons defend with discipline, closing down space effectively and denying the Lancers clean entries into the circle. As a result, they headed into the half-time break holding onto their one-goal advantage.
The third quarter saw the Dragons look to extend their lead, but they were repeatedly denied by an inspired Krishan Pathak. The Lancers goalkeeper produced a string of crucial saves, using sharp reflexes and strong positioning to keep his team within touching distance. His interventions proved vital as the Lancers slowly began to regain control of the contest.
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That persistence paid off late in the third quarter. The Lancers earned their fourth penalty corner of the match, and Hendrickx made no mistake this time. His drag-flick found the back of the net in the 44th minute, levelling the scores and swinging momentum firmly back in favour of the table-toppers.
With the match delicately poised at 1–1 heading into the final quarter, both sides pushed hard for a winner. The Dragons won a couple of penalty corners and looked dangerous on the counter, while the Lancers continued to probe with structured build-up and quick ball movement. However, despite the intensity and attacking intent on display, neither side could find the decisive breakthrough in regulation time.
The contest was therefore decided by a penalty shootout, where the Lancers once again showcased their strength in depth. Jed Snowden was introduced specifically for the shootout and immediately made his presence felt. The Dragons missed their first two attempts as Snowden read the attackers superbly, cutting down angles and applying pressure.
At the other end, the Lancers were clinical. When Arthur van Doren converted to seal a 4–1 shootout win, the result reflected not only execution under pressure but also preparation and composure.
For Vedanta Kalinga Lancers, the victory reinforced the pillars of their season so far. Hendrickx’s reliability from penalty corners, Pathak’s authority during regulation time, and Snowden’s calm under shootout pressure combined to deliver another important result. The ability to find different match-winners in different moments continues to set them apart in a tightly contested league.
For the Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons, the defeat was disappointing but not without positives. They matched the league leaders for long spells, defended resolutely, and executed their game plan with clarity. Their inability to convert chances in the shootout proved costly, but the overall performance suggested a side capable of challenging the strongest teams in the competition.
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As the Men’s Hero Hockey India League 2025–26 moves deeper into its league phase, the Vedanta Kalinga Lancers continue to set the benchmark. Unbeaten, confident, and composed in pressure situations, they remain firmly on course as serious contenders heading toward the business end of the season.
