HIL: Delhi Waveriders beat Mumbai Magicians 2-1

New Delhi: Last year's runners-up Delhi Waveriders rode on Yuvraj Walmiki's late strike out a hard-fought 2-1 win over Dabur Mumbai Magicians and consolidate their first position in the points table of the Hero Hockey India League 2014 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi today.

After a relatively quiet start, the match gathered pace in the second half as both the teams displayed fine exhibition of hockey.

But the match witnessed a sedate start and was devoid of any real action on the turf in the first quarter as the two teams took time to settle down.

The match, however, suddenly livened up in the second quarter with Delhi Waveriders doing bulk of the attacking and from one such attack broke the deadlock in the 20th minute through young Akashdeep Singh.

An unmarked Akashdeep scored with a reverse shot past Dabur Mumbai Magicians goalie David Harte after he was set up by Lloyd Norris Jones brilliant run from his own half.

Dabur Mumbai Magicians came out completely a different side in the second half and outplayed Delhi Waveriders in terms of ball possession and attacks.

The visitors mounted constant raids with some impressive build ups to make life difficult for Delhi Waveriders defense. Dabur Mumbai Magicians persistent efforts bore fruit in the 49th minute when skipper Glenn Turner equalised on the rebound after Waveriders goalkeeper Nicolas Jacobi saved the first attempt.

Delhi Waveriders earned the only penalty corner of the match in the 58th minute but Rupinderpal Singh's try was saved by a diving Magicians goalie Harte.

Yuvraj Walmiki from Delhi Waveriders, scored the winner just four minutes from the final hooter, neatly deflecting home a cross from the sideline to send the home crowd into frenzy.

The win gave Delhi Waveriders five points and consolidated their position at the top of the standings with 24 points from seven games.

Dabur Mumbai Magicians, on the other hand, are still searching for their first win in the tournament after having already played five games.

Delhi Waveriders will next play Uttar Pradesh Wizards at Lucknow on Saturday, while the Dabur Mumbai Magicians will host Jaypee Punjab Warriors at Mumbai on the same day.