By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC take on HAL Bangalore as the Manipur capital Imphal readies itself to host its first ever I League match on Friday. Fresh from their goalless draw against Pune FC, the Meghalaya giants would look to secure full points in their maiden encounter with the Garden City boys who lost their last match 1-0 to Chirag United.
Lajong coach Pradyum Reddy said his team was excited about playing their first I League match of the season in North East. “Great to play in Imphal and we expect fans to come out in larger numbers in our support.
“Any match in the North East is a home match for us. Be it Meghalya , Mizoram or Manipur.” Reddy said.
There was also good news for Lajong with its injured players, striker Lalremmawia and defender Aibor Khongjee (who was out of action for sometime) declared fit for Friday’s match. Khongjee though would not be fielded for the full 90 minutes.
HAL on the other hand have not had a good run of late, losing four of their last five encounters.
Their latest loss came against Chirag United who won 1-0 despite a good show by the young Bangalore team. Regardless of their not too impressive show in recent times, HAL are known to create surprises given the fact that they had stunned seasoned campaigners like Mohun Bagan and Pune FC in the I League last year.
Lajong are also cautious of their lesser fancied rivals who according to coach Reddy, “Can produce excellent results when they play as a unit.”
“HAL lost a few experienced players to other clubs but they are a good young side with a decent pace and mobility in the playing arena.” the Lajong coach said.
Dempo thrash Mumbai FC 4-0
Margao: Dempo registered a resounding 4-0 win over Mumbai FC to script their second straight victory in the second round of the I-League at the Nehru Stadium here on Thursday.
Dempo, who led 1-0 at half time, scored through Clifford Miranda (38th minute), Ranty Martins(49th, 72th) and Anthony Pereira).
Much was expected from the Mumbai outfit, who beat Air India 4-1, but they failed to play a cohesive game.
Mumbai made one change today from their last match, bringing in Ebi Sukore but the move failed to yield much impact in the midfield, except for his long try which hit the bar in the first half. Mumbai’s Sampath Kuttymani, who was the hero in the last match with a double strike, came close to scoring once in each half but rival goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury was equal to the task, bringing off brilliant saves.
Dempo started off well and held on to the midfield throughout the game with Climax Lawerence leading the charge from behind.
Dempo made repeated forays and got handful of chances to take the lead initially but Joaquim Abranches, who missed a open sitter, turned out to the main culprit as he goofed up at least three close chances.
Mumbai custodian Ishan Debnath also came with couple of fine saves to deny Dempo the lead until the visitors’ citadel fell in the 38th minute.
Climax, who was instrumental in all the four goals, laid a pass to Clifford Miranda who scored from close range to give Dempo a 1-0 at the halfway stage.
Dempo continued to dictate terms after the change of ends and increased the lead in the 49th minute.
Climax Lawerence from the right relayed the ball to Clifford Miranda on the left who sent a perfect cross to Ranty Martins into the box who met the ball with a pin point header to find the back of the net.
Dempo continued to put the rivals under pressure and Ranty Martins again scored in the 72nd minutes.
A quick passing boot between Climax Lawerence and Anthony saw the latter send a cross to Ranty Martins who bulged the net with a low shot. (PTI)