By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In what could be its best chance to earn full three points, Shillong Lajong FC will take on HAL in a Round 18 I-League match in Bangalore on Wednesday.
Tenth-placed Lajong are eying their first win since five matches now and bottom placed HAL would be an ideal opponent which could provide the much needed boost to the Reds.
HAL have lost 13 of the 17 matches they have played so far. Their first and only win of the I-League came against Chirag United in the last match. Post that win, the Airmen would be a more relaxed and confident side when they take on their rivals from Shillong.
Lajong on the other hand have been eluded of that all important win as they had near misses in all three home matches played recently and coach Pradyum Reddy would settle for nothing less than a win.
The visitors might again miss out on the services of midfielder Rennedy Singh who has injury issues. However, India striker Sushil Singh, who had a good outing against Pune in his debut match for Lajong, can pep up the team’s chances.
Reddy, meanwhile, has warned his side against complacency. “We have to stay alert, they are a capable side and after registering their first win against Chirag would be raring to go for another (win),” the Lajong coach said. The last time Lajong played against HAL, the former beat the Airmen 1-0.
With closest rivals Air India and Sporting Clube de Goa sitting on 24 points and Mumbai FC catching up, the encounter against HAL becomes extremely crucial for Lajong’s chances of avoiding a relegation like situation towards the end of the season. Currently, Lajong are at 18 points from 17 matches while HAL languishes at the bottom of the table with six points.
