Hockey
Khalsa beaten in national opener

Sheffield Hallam 4 Khalsa 2

NEWLY-promoted Khalsa suffered defeat in their first ever English Hockey National Conference North League game at Sheffield on Saturday.

Khalsa, making their first appearance in the national league in the club’s 40 year history, acquitted themselves well in what proved a tricky opener at an experienced Hallam outfit who have finished runners-up for the past three years,

The Leamington side, who included several new additions, started well by soaking up early pressure before taking the lead.

A slick move between last season’s top scorer Gurminder Ghattaura and newcomer Alex Idoine ended with the latter beating the home keeper with a reverse strike.

Hallam responded but visiting keeper Nick Mills produced some smart saves although he was helpless to prevent the hosts from equalising five minutes before the interval via a well executed short corner.

Khalsa frustrated the hosts with some solid defensive play but all their good work was undone when they gifted Hallam a goal five minutes into the second half.

Khalsa remained calm and created a great opportunity through Amritpal Atwal who went agonisingly close to grabbing an equaliser.

Hallam capitalised on the missed opportunity by winning a short corner and successfully converting a slick routine into the roof of the net.

Ghattaura and Jas Singh linked up well but squandered a great opportunity, while Mickey Hayer was thwarted by a mesmorising double save from the Hallam keeper.

Hallam took full advantage to seal the points with a fourth goal on the break but Khalsa had the final word through Hayer who scored a late consolation following a well worked short corner.

Khalsa entertain Durham University this Saturday.

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