Blues take on Reds in second Shillong derby today
SHILLONG: In what can be termed as the most important encounter in this season’s I-League for Rangdajied United FC, the Blues will take on Shillong Lajong FC in the second derby of the season at the JN Stadium here on Monday.
Hosts Rangdajied can’t afford to settle for anything less than a draw for their hopes of featuring in the next edition of the tournament depends vastly on the outcome of the match. A point from the match will ensure that Rangdajied are no longer in the relegation zone. In case of a loss, Rangdajied will have to await the result of the tie between Mohammedan Sporting and Mumbai FC.
RUFC (24 points), Churchill Brothers (22) and Mohammedan Sporting (21) are the only teams left in the relegation battle. All three have just one more match to play, with Mohammedan looking in the worst shape.
For the Reds who have already secured a top seven finish, the last derby of the season assumes significance in terms of cementing their top five ambitions.
The Reds come to the match on a high on the back of a crucial 5-4 win against Mohammedan in Kolkata while Rangdajied have gone down 1-2 to the same side in their last encounter.
It has been a tremendous season for Lajong, the best they have had in four seasons in the top tier. They have 32 points from 22 outings and are in fifth position. The best they can aim for is fourth, overtaking Sporting Clube de Goa (34 points, 23 games), but even holding on to fifth will be a massive achievement.
When the two home sides met in the first ever Shillong derby in November last they shared points following a 1-1 draw.
Meanwhile, following a dismal start to the season, Rangdajied on the other hand had almost miraculously pulled things back in their favour. But three losses in their last four fixtures meant that Rangdajied were back to the relegation battle. The Blues now desperately need a final flourish to close out the season in front of their home fans.
Ranti Martins will once again be the key player for the Blues as they embark on their battle against the confident Reds on Monday. The inclusion of Martins on loan in the winter window was a masterstroke for the struggling side and the Nigerian will certainly look for one last hurrah in Monday’s outing.
Commenting on Monday’s encounter SLFC coach Thangboi Singto said, “We need to prepare our best for a top five finish.”
“Rangdajied has done better than us at home. They have top players in each position. Coach Herring is a very good and experienced. It will be a difficult game for us but all the players will give their 100 per cent,” he said. The pressure though would still be on Rangdajied, but that should make them even more dangerous. It is a do-or-die battle for the second city team, making the Shillong derby all the more exciting.