By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Determined to further improve its standings, Shillong Lajong FC go into the first of the last six matches of the I-League when it takes on Chirag United Kerela in Round 21 match in Cochin on Saturday.
Tenth-placed Lajong have fared satisfactorily in the I-League so far, clearing themselves of the relegation zone and the focus now would be to pip the likes of Sporting Clube de Goa (placed eighth) and Prayag United (placed seventh).
Games against Chirag SC Goa and Mumbai FC would be crucial for the team’s chances to further consolidate its posiiton. The Reds are also capable of pulling up a win against Mohun Bagan or Salgaocar, the other two teams they play going into the last six rounds.
Coming out of a long break, Lajong would like to hit momentum when they take the field on Saturday.
“A long break, but it allowed us to regroup and assess our strengths and weaknesses while trying out new combinations,” Lajong coach Pradhyum Reddy told The Shillong Times.
Lajong had used tournaments like IFA Shield and Nayanar Cup along with a host of other friendly matches to try out new combinations and test its bench strength going into I-League’s last Rounds.
Sushil Kumar Singh and Seikhohao Tuboi would feature in the playing XI on Saturday whereas Australian Mathew Mayora would miss out due a minor injury.
12th-placed Chirag, who presently occupy one of the two relegation spots should not create many flutters for Lajong given their current form. But coach Reddy is cautious and reiterated that, “all teams are competitive at this level”.
This would be Lajong’s first I-League match post their tie-up with Dubai based MNC Anglican Holdings and Danish club FCV Vikings and Reddy asked his players to lift their games when they take the field on Saturday.
“The club has a bigger responsibility to fare better, especially after the merger and players should live up to the higher expectations from the fans now,” he said.
A win against Chirag would take Lajong and past Air India (placed 9th).