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Lajong aiming to finish Fed Cup campaign on a winning note

Shillong Lajong FC

Shillong Lajong FC

Shillong Lajong FC is all set to end their last Group B fixture of the 36th Federation Cup 2015 on a good note, when they take on Mohun Bagan AC at the Tilak Maidan, Goa on Tuesday at 16.00 IST.

Shillong Lajong are having a bitter campaign in this year’s Federation Cup; nevertheless gaffer Thangboi Singto intends to end their last match on a high, before the team returns home to prepare for the first Shillong Derby of the new I-League season, scheduled to kick-off on the January 18.

In Lajong’s previous fixture against Bengaluru FC, coach Singto fielded as many as six Lajong junior players in the starting eleven. The Blues however, edged past the Reds by a solitary goal courtesy to a strike by Robin Singh which helped his side earn the three crucial points.

Singto will be determined to continue with a flair of the experienced players in the form of Aiborlang Khongjee, Robin Gurung, Milan Singh, Seminlen Doungel, Durga Boro alongside the “young guns” like Rupert Nongrum, Lalrammuana, Pritam Kumar, Sandeep Singh and Nim Dorjee.

The Lajong strikers need to find their scoring touch and build on their reputation by netting goals as none have been able to register their names on the score sheet which is one of the main reason for Lajong’s poor run in the Federation Cup.

The defence has stood strong although there were some glitches on a few occasions but will have to be more careful tomorrow as Mohun Bagan is bolstered with the likes of Balwant Singh, Katsumi Yusas and Jeje Lalpekhlua among the other capable lot, who have the metal to net a few goals for their team.

The Lajong midfield will need to produce some attacking display and act more decisively and more importantly try to make the most of the opportunities that comes their way on the pitch.

Head coach Thangboi Singto expressed his expectation for tomorrow’s match, while saying, “I hope the boys give their best again as the team will like to end the Federation Cup on a good note.”

Speaking on the junior boys he commented, “The junior players like Vishal, Dorjee, Jacob, Muana, Pritam, Joseph, Rupert and Bipin have shown that they can compete at this level and more games will help them grow as a player. I hope they continue to exhibit consistency to get play matches in coming I League.”

Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan are coming into the match after a 1-4 defeat to Salgaocar FC with Cameroonian striker Pierre Boya scoring the only goal for the green-and-maroon brigade.

Mohun Bagan managed to have a decent campaign at this edition of the Federation Cup collecting two points; a goalless draw against I-League champions Bengaluru FC and another draw against Pune FC.

Sanjoy Sen’s side is likely to pursue with their top guns that is Balwant Singh, Jeje Lalpekhlua and Pierre Boya upfront who will look to nab some goals and live up to the expectations of their fans back home.

Sony Norde and Yusa Katsumi will most likely be attacking from the wings while Denson and Lalkamal Bhowmick will be at the center of the park. At the heart of the defense line will be the strong duo of Anwar Ali and Bello Rasaq who will look to thwart all of Lajong’s attempts on goal.

The two teams will come out onto the pitch tomorrow with the sole intention – “To Play for Pride”, and walk away with three points in their last Federation Cup sojourn till both sides meet again in the upcoming I-League season.