Time for Rays to avenge 6-goal loss

Ranchi: Glitz, glamour and goals. The night of January 22 was an experience to behold for the passionate supporters of Kalinga Lancers as their beloved team meted out a 6-3 thrashing to the Ashley Jackson-led Ranchi Rays in the tournament opener after a swanky opening ceremony in Bhubabneswar. But it was a forgettable night for the Rays. So Friday is the day of revenge and redemption for them as they take on the Lancers here at Astroturf Hockey Stadium.
The two teams have had contrasting fortunes since the opening match. While the Rays have notched up two victories and an equal number of draws in their five games so far, the Lancers seem to have gone completely off the boil, recording consecutive losses against Uttar Pradesh Wizards and Punjab Warriors, home and away, respectively.
While the tourists have struggled with their defence and midfield, the hosts would like to iron out their problems in this eastern derby as they look to make the semis for the third consecutive season. Having already conceded 11 goals, the Rays defence has done little to inspire confidence and with the likes of Amit Rohidas and Ajitesh Roy still struggling, defence is their Achilles heel.
The enterprising Mandeep and Manpreet Singh have had their moments, with the former scoring the much-needed equalizer against defending champions Delhi Waveriders. While Birendra Lakra, Stanli Minz and Parvinder Singh have done well at some critical moments, their inconsistency has often hurt the team.
The sweet taste of success has eluded tourists. Barring a fighting 3-3 draw in Mohali against Punjab Warriors, the Lancers have had hardly anything to show for their efforts. While the English duo of Jackson and Barry Middleton have been major players for Rays in the midfield, the same cannot be said about Gonzalo Peillat, Lucas Vila and Kiel Brown.
The penetration upfront has been missing for the Lancers and so have been the forms of key individuals like Lalit Upadhyay and Russell Ford. Coupled with a two-match ban on Gurjinder Singh for assaulting a Punjab Warriors player after their 1-2 loss at home, coach Jude Felix has a lot on his plate.