Reddy’s boys play Chirag today
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Unbeaten at home so far, Shillong Lajong FC would look to end the year on a high when they take on Chirag United in a Round 12 I-League match at the JN Stadium in Guwahati on Thursday.
After big losses against Dempo and Churchill and a not so convincing draw against Prayag in their last outing, Lajong have a task at hand when they take the field on Thursday.
The match against Chirag becomes even more important after Mumbai FC’s victory against Prayag United put the former ahead of now 11th placed Lajong with 14 points from 12 games.
Talking to The Shillong Times, Lajong coach Pradyum Reddy said that it is a must win game for his team as a loss would result in Chirag moving up the ladder which could hurt Lajong’s chances towards the end of the season.
Though Lajong (13) and Chirag (8) are separated by five points, Reddy said there was no room for complacency.
“Chirag are a tough opponent. They have performed well in almost all the matches but were unfortunate on many occasions to end up on the losing side,” the Lajong coach said.
“Their chances have been hurt by an injury or two this season. But despite the fact that they are below us in the points table, one must remember that there are no easy opponents in the I-League,” he added.
Reddy, however, was confident of a win against their rivals from Kerela. “Our players are good enough to deliver what is expected from them,” he said.
Mean-while, apart from midfielder Boithang Hoakip , who is a doubtful starter for Thursday’s encounter, Lajong would field a more-or-less full strength squad against Chirag.
The team from Shillong, who beat Mumbai FC the last time they played in the JN Stadium, would also bank upon their home advantage.
On the other hand, fresh from a 0-2 loss against East Bengal, Chirag can draw inspiration from their win against Prayag as they look to change their fortune in the post-Christmas I-LeagueRound.
Chirag also fared well against tougher opponents like Salgaocar, Churchill and Dempo, drawing the first one and losing the remaining two by a goal difference.
A win on Thursday would take them to 11 points and provide a chance to make amends in the following rounds.
