Kolkata: East Bengal will try to avenge their IFA Shield loss when they take on Prayag United in their I-League fixture at the Kalyani Stadium here on Friday.
EB coach Trevor Morgan tried to play down his team’s loss at the hands of Prayag, even as the two teams gear up to lock horns once again in a space of nine days.
“The two matches are different for they were played in different tournaments, so the two cannot be compared. But tomorrow’s match is crucial as it is important for us to win and remain in the run for the title,” Morgan said.
“Prayag are a strong side with good players like Carlos Hernandes and Ranty Martins. We have plans in place for our opponents and hope we will come good this time.”
Referring to the successive draws by the current league leaders – Churchill Brothers – which has helped his team close in on the formers, Morgan said, “We do not like to look at what the others are doing. The draws (by Churchill) have got us back real close to them but we have to win to make full use.”
East Bengal are currently placed second with 41 points from 21 matches.
Meanwhile, Prayag coach Eelco Schattorie said “just because we won the Shield final does not mean we have the advantage”.
“We played better on that day and won. We have to repeat the good showing once again to repeat the success,” the Dutchman said. (PTI)
