I-League: Confident hosts play Churchill Brothers today
SHILLONG: On a roll after winning three matches on the trot at home, Shillong Lajong FC will look to settle for nothing less than full three points when they take on Churchill Brothers in a seventh round Hero ILeague match at the JN Stadium here on Sunday afternoon. While Lajong, at 5th in the standings, are maintaining their proximity with the top teams this season, 8th placed Churchill have had an indifferent I-League so far and would look to draw succour from their win over defending champions Bengaluru FC a couple of weeks ago. The visitors come to the tie on the back of a goalless draw against bottom-ranked Minerva Punjab and surely have their task cut out against the in-form Lajong who are known to be mean warriors at their fortress, Shillong. However, in a pre-match conference here on Saturday SLFC gaffer Thangboi Singto said, “Though winning always renders that extra motivation, we’ve been telling the players that tomorrow will be another big match, another big challenge.” Despite his side’s recent successes, Singto has continued to maintain a very cautious approach to each tie and has yet again warned his players against complacency. “People might think that Churchill have had little time to prepare (and will be easy to beat), but looking at Churchill’s team sheet you see strong players experienced at the Indian level. We have to be on our toes and give it our best.” Lajong have seen an upwards performance since the start to the season, culminating in a 2-0 victory over Chennai City FC on Tuesday last. The club will be banking on the outstanding services of Cameroonian striker Aser Dipanda Dickam, who has scored five goals in three games, along with their youngsters like Rupert Nongrum, Isaac Vanmalsawma and Chinglensana Singh. “We are a much improved side and I have confidence in the team. One thing that we have to ensure is that we maintain our intensity throughout the 90 minutes,” Singto added. Replying to a query, Singto admitted that at times a bit of complacency may seep into his young side once the team is ahead. “I think this is something that would change once they gain some more game experience later in the league,” Singto said. Churchill Brothers manager Denzil Ferrao, meanwhile, said it will be a tough task for his quickly-knit unit to tackle the Reds at home but the boys will give it their all. Ferrao revealed that the season has been very challenging for his side which was put together barely five days before the start of the I-League. “Getting the combination right has been pretty difficult so far but I am sure we will do well as the season progresses,” he said. It may be mentioned that Lajong are yet to beat Churchill Brothers at home. The two sides have clashed four times in Shillong in the league’s previous years, with two draws and two victories for the Goan team. For Lajong, Zodingliana will continue to be on the bench, and Bipin Singh is a doubtful starter. Dan Ignet is fit to go and might get a game on Sunday. Churchill will miss the services of Fulganco Cardozo.