By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Shillong Lajong and Indian Arrows will face off against each other with little more than pride to play for in an I-League clash at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday at 2:00pm.
Bruised and beaten through the first half of the I-League, the Reds have nothing to lose now that the only way from here is the way forward.
It has been a very tough season thus far for the Lajong youngsters as they have managed to collect only four points from 11 matches played.
On a positive note though, they have been scoring in every home game against Aizawl, East Bengal, Minerva Punjab, and Neroca FC with only one win against Aizawl and a draw with Minerva Punjab.
Defensively, Lajong needs thereby ensuring that no silly goals are conceded on Sunday and in the matches to come.
Their last encounter was away in Imphal and despite showing great signs of improvement in their strategy they lost the game3-2.
The Reds have a total of 6 home games and three away games remaining and are hoping the New Year will bring them some luck.
In a pre-match conference on Saturday, Coach Alison Kharsyntiew said: “I always tell my boys that if we attack we also need to think of the defence. If the defence is good we can win games because we have been scoring goals. So, if we can defend well on Sunday’s game and in the remaining matches I think we can beat any team.”
“The boys are ready for the game and they need to give their 100%. As a coach handling youngsters, we need to encourage them and not criticize them. The players have been preparing very well for the game and the result will definitely come”, he concluded.
Indian Arrows are currently in 8th position with 10 points. They played their last game against East Bengal and lost to them at home by 1-2. The all Indian side have lost four away games and won one.