Last year's runners-up Delhi Waveriders would be keen to put behind their narrow defeat in the last game and look to subdue debutants Kalinga Lancers in their opening home game of the Hero Hockey India League 2014 at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, here tomorrow.
Delhi conceded a late goal against defending champions Ranchi Rhinos on Monday after a perfect start to their campaign in the second edition of HHIL. The Sardar Singh-led side defeated Jaypee Punjab Warriors 3-1 in their tournament opener.
Delhi displayed some stout defending against the Rhinos but the forward line disappointed the side as they failed to convert some really good opportunities.
After being completely outplayed in the first half, the Delhi outfit came back strongly and put up a better show in the second period. But a 63rd minute penalty-corner strike from Ashley Jackson downed the Waveriders in a keenly-contested match.
The Waveriders would be hoping for a better outing from the likes of Jason Wilson, Yuvraj Valmiki, Simon Child, Rupinderpal Singh and others against the Lancers, who looked completely out of sorts in their 3-7 defeat against Jaypee Punjab Warriors in their opening match of the event.
And come tomorrow, the Delhi side would be hoping to score goals early against a the newcomers, who are trying to find footing in the six-team franchise league.
The services of ever-reliable Nicolas Jacobi of Germany under the bar gives Delhi's defense an added cushion.
