Dynamos keep their spark intact

Both teams finished with honours even 2-2 at the end of 70-minute regulation period. Even in the first half of the extra time, the teams could not break the deadlock until young defender Sandeep Singh, with a superb display today, drag flicked the ball in the 84th minute.

Bangalore Lions took the lead twice only to see the Dynamos storm back, courtesy some spirited efforts from Tejbir Singh and Dutch import Balder Bomans, who showed amazing ball control under pressure. The latter was instrumental in lifting his team8217;s sagging spirits with his deft touch and splendid passes to the forwards.

But it was Sandeep Singh who stole the show by scoring two goals, including the match winner. The Shahbad lad was adjudged the 8216;Lion of the Match8217; for his stellar performance. Even Chandigarh goalkeeper Kamaldeep Singh shook off Monday8217;s disappointing show to make several good saves in the game.

As usual Lions managed to score goals by taking advantage of Dynamos8217; porous defence. Tushar Khandekar struck following a counter attack as early as in he ninth minute.

After a goalless second quarter, Sandeep brought Dynamos back into the game with a neat flick into the goals in the 45th minute. When it seemed that Dynamos were back in the game, another fine move from Lions left the former shell-shocked. Moving swiftly from right Hari Prasad sent the ball to Pakistan8217;s Rehan Butt, who was positioned perfectly to deflect the ball into net in the 59th minute.

Sensing that they were running out of time, Dynamos appeared were in a hurry to draw level. Tejbir moved swiftly into the Lions8217; 25-yard line in the 66th minute and passed the ball to Deepak Thakur. The IOC forward, who was off colour until then, dived to send the ball past Lions goalkeeper Bharat Chetri to bring the stadium alive.