SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong FC would look to continue from where they left against Bharat FC in the last tie when they take on Sporting Clube de Goa in a Hero I-League match in the city on Wednesday.
Lajong had drubbed Bharat FC 3-1 in the last game in what was a famous win for the home side. The Reds have remained unbeaten in the last three games which involve a 3-0 drubbing of Dempo and a 1-1 draw against defending champions Bengaluru.
Lajong have done themselves a lot of good with their recent performances riding on match-winning efforts from strikers Uilliams Souza Silva and Cornel Glen. Glen who has netted 13 goals this season was at his best against the I-League debutants from Pune, with a brilliant second half hat trick that gave his side the much needed breathing space as far as the relegation battle is concerned.
The former world cupper is currently the second highest goal scorer in the league with 13 goals from 16 match appearances, just three goals shy of top scorer Ranti Martins.
However, despite the good show the Reds are still not completely out of the relegation zone and this makes the tie against 10th-placed Sporting on Wednesday a crucial one.
The Goans, meanwhile, come to this tie on the back of a famous win over famed Mohun Bagan and a 2-0 victory over Bharat FC and as such will be no pushovers on Wednesday.
The visiting Goan side though have made improvements given their poor start to the season that saw them at the bottom of the table for most parts of the campaign. After the 3-1 defeat at Bengaluru FC in late march, Mateus Costa’s side have notched up a 6-game unbeaten streak with impressive wins against Bharat FC and title contenders Mohun Bagan.
Mateus Costa speaking at a pre match press conference here said, “Every match is important and tomorrow is much more important. What we have done in the past is history now. We are more focused on tomorrow’s game”.
Consistency though is Thangboi Singto’s main concern going into the match against Sporting.
“We have to look to be consistent tomorrow. Sporting is a good side and a tough contest is on the cards. However, if we perform to the best of our abilities, we should get the desired result,” Singto said.
The Reds will be missing on the services of captain Aibor Khongjee yet again while Seimenlen Doungel and Robin Gurung continue to be doubtful starters.
Lajong are sitting pretty in 6th position with 20 points from 17 games and Sporting Clube De Goa have 17 points from as many games. A win for The Reds would ensure safety and also better their position in the standings.
