Punjab Sports Club rallied to prevail over Police Athletic Club 2-1 in the inaugural preliminary round match in the Indian Oil Servo 109th Beighton Cup hockey tournament on Friday.
Pritam Mistry gave the police outfit the lead in the 14th minute, but the Punjab side restored parity through Jagroop Singh in the 26th minute before Gurdeep Singh scored the winner on the 63rd minute.
The Police side, which dominated the opening session, scored from the only penalty-corner they bagged.
Down by a goal, Punjab Sports upped the ante and forced a series of raids into rival territory, finally drawing level through Jagroop, who found the target off a Charanjeet Singh pass.
With the match heading for a draw, PSC made a last-ditch effort in the dying minutes. Jagroop, who put up a good display in midfield, set up Gurdeep Singh and the latter converted the chance with aplomb.
PSC could have registered a bigger victory but for the poor finishing of their forwards. Besides, they failed to convert any of the three penalty-corners they forced.
The winners take on West Bengal Police in their next match.
