Chennai, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Accord Tamil Nadu Dragons have ascended to the pinnacle of the Men's Hockey India League (HIL) standings following a closely contested 3–2 victory against Soorma Hockey Club at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium in Chennai on Tuesday. The Dragons showcased their dominance throughout the match, yet faced intense pressure in the final moments as Soorma launched a spirited comeback. Nevertheless, the home team managed to secure a crucial victory.

Selvaraj Kanagaraj (28’), Uttam Singh (30’), and Blake Govers (47’) netted goals for the Dragons, while Maninder Singh (45’) and captain Harmanpreet Singh (58’) fought valiantly to keep Soorma's hopes alive until the last seconds.

Soorma started the match by maintaining possession in their defensive half, but the Dragons applied high pressure, leading to an early save by goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch within the first minute. Both teams frequently entered the circle, yet struggled to generate clear scoring opportunities. In the 10th minute, Dragons' captain Amit Rohidas advanced the ball but received no support.

The Dragons earned the first penalty corner in the 12th minute, which was effectively defended by Soorma's Victor Wegnez. Harjeet received a green card as the opening phase concluded without a score, with both teams evenly matched.

Intensity escalated as the game progressed into the second quarter. The Dragons won another penalty corner through commendable efforts by Sander Kauffman, but Blake Govers’ flick was saved, and his follow-up attempt didn’t trouble Vincent. Karthik made a determined run down the flank and found Nathan in the circle, but the shot went wide.

The breakthrough arrived in the 28th minute when Selvaraj Kanagaraj scored following a well-timed pass from Chandan Yadav on the right. This goal invigorated the Dragons, leading to another just before halftime. Uttam Singh doubled the advantage in the 30th minute with an exquisite reverse hit to bring the score to 2–0, shortly after Soorma’s Gurjant Singh received a green card.

In the third quarter, Soorma responded with increased urgency after the break. Captain Harmanpreet Singh, celebrating his birthday, earned their first penalty corner in the 36th minute but was unable to convert. Akashdeep Singh came close from a tight angle, while the Dragons maintained their defensive discipline.

Soorma’s best opportunity came in the 42nd minute when Vivek Prasad found space in the circle, but Dragons' goalkeeper David Harte made a crucial save. In the closing seconds of the period, Nathan Ephramus' goal for the Dragons was disallowed due to a backstick. Following this, Harmanpreet sent a high ball into the circle, leading to a deflection by Maninder Singh, who scored with just one second remaining. After a referral, the goal was validated, narrowing the gap to 2–1.

Soorma carried this momentum into the final quarter, continuing to press forward. Harte was tested once more but stood resolute. Against the flow of play, the Dragons struck decisively when Tom Craig made a brilliant run and delivered a precise pass to Blake Govers, who finished calmly in the 47th minute, extending the lead to 3–1.

Soorma refused to relent, earning multiple late penalty corners. Rohidas blocked Harmanpreet’s effort in the 56th minute, and Harte saved another attempt shortly after. Harmanpreet finally found the net in the 58th minute with a powerful drag-flick, closing the score to 3–2.

The final minutes were fraught with tension as Soorma gained two more penalty corners, but the Dragons' defense proved steadfast. Under immense pressure, the home team exhibited remarkable composure to secure the victory and rise to the top of the Men's Hero Hockey India League standings with five points.