The Punjab Hockey League (Under-21 Men) produced another gripping contest on Thursday morning as SDAT Hockey Academy (SDA) battled back from an early deficit to defeat Namdhari Hockey Academy (NHA) 2–1 in Match 37 of the group stage at Jalandhar.
It was a clash between two sides with a recent history in the competition. Earlier in Phase 1, SDA had thrashed NHA 4–0, displaying clear superiority in both attack and defense. But this time, Namdhari showed greater resilience, making the second encounter a much closer affair before falling short in the final quarter.
The match started at a brisk pace with Namdhari intent on erasing memories of their heavy defeat earlier in the tournament. Their pressing game paid off in the ninth minute when Gurpreet Singh (shirt no. 11) found the back of the net through a fine field goal, giving NHA a 1–0 lead. The early goal unsettled SDA, who were forced to reorganize defensively. The Namdhari forwards, particularly Gurman Singh and Paraspreet Singh, combined well in the opening exchanges, troubling the Tamil Nadu-based side with sharp runs. By the end of the first quarter, NHA had the advantage, but it was clear SDA were beginning to settle into their rhythm.
Second Quarter: SDA hit back
The equaliser came in the 27th minute through C. Shibi Yuvaraj (shirt no. 4). After sustained pressure, Yuvaraj capitalised on a loose clearance inside the circle and calmly slotted in the field goal to level the score at 1–1. This goal shifted momentum. SDA, coached by N. Muthu Kumar, began controlling possession and stretched Namdhari’s defense with wide play from wingers Vishal and Arun. Goalkeeper Himmat Singh of NHA was called into action multiple times, making key saves to prevent further damage before half-time.
At the interval, the score stood at 1–1, perfectly setting up an intense second half.
The third quarter was a cagey battle with neither side willing to commit recklessly. SDA relied on midfielders like Dhanush Pandiyan and Mathesh to orchestrate play, while Namdhari’s captain Yuvraj Singh marshalled his unit with authority. Chances were few, but the defensive lines stood firm. SDA’s goalkeeper S. Karthikeyan made a vital save in the 42nd minute when Sahil broke free for Namdhari, keeping the match level.
Fourth Quarter: The decisive blow
As the match entered the final phase, SDA raised their intensity. Their persistence bore fruit in the 54th minute when S. Vishal (shirt no. 9) produced a superb finish, firing past the Namdhari goalkeeper to make it 2–1.
The goal sparked celebrations on the SDA bench, but also forced Namdhari into desperate attempts to salvage the match. Despite late pressure, including a penalty corner in the dying minutes, SDA’s defensive organization ensured the scoreline remained intact.
When the final whistle blew, SDA had sealed their second consecutive victory over Namdhari in this edition of the league this time by a narrower margin of 2–1.
Key Performers
- S. Vishal (SDA): Match-winner with the decisive goal in the 54th minute. His tireless running in attack troubled Namdhari’s backline throughout.
- C. Shibi Yuvaraj (SDA): Scored the crucial equaliser and dictated play from midfield, ensuring SDA recovered from a poor start.
- Gurpreet Singh (NHA): Provided the early breakthrough for Namdhari and remained a threat in the attacking circle.
- S. Karthikeyan (SDA): The goalkeeper made timely interventions, including a key save in the third quarter, to preserve his side’s advantage.
SDA showcased their resilience after conceding early. Their ability to maintain structure and gradually grow into the game highlighted their maturity. The use of three midfield anchors allowed them to transition quickly from defense to attack, which proved decisive in creating goal-scoring opportunities. Namdhari, on the other hand, started brightly but struggled to maintain consistency. After taking the lead, their defensive errors under pressure cost them dearly. While goalkeeper Himmat Singh and captain Yuvraj Singh put in strong performances, the lack of clinical finishing in the second half meant they could not capitalise on their chances.
With this victory, SDAT Hockey Academy consolidate their position in the group stage, maintaining momentum as Phase 2 progresses. Having now defeated Namdhari twice 4–0 earlier this month and 2–1 today SDA have shown both dominance and composure in different match contexts.
Namdhari, meanwhile, will be left ruing missed opportunities. The early lead should have been the platform for them to push for a landmark win, but lapses in concentration proved costly. Their campaign now faces added pressure, with upcoming fixtures becoming must-win if they are to stay alive in the competition.
Final Score:
SDAT Hockey Academy 2–1 Namdhari Hockey Academy
(Goals: Gurpreet Singh 9’ – NHA; Shibi Yuvaraj 27’, S. Vishal 54’ – SDA)
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