Lajong Look Forward To Maintain Their Decent Run At Home

by FC Admin March 1, 2016

By I-League Media

SHILLONG: An ambitious Bengaluru FC would look to settle for nothing less than a win when they take on hosts Shillong Lajong FC in the reverse fixture at the JN Stadium tomorrow evening to ensure that they stay alive in the title hunt.

Placed second in the Hero I-League table, the Blues are breathing on the Mariners’ neck, and coach Ashley Westwood is well aware that any let up at the moment would seriously dent his side’s title chances, “If we can come up with the right result, we can go at the top of the league tomorrow evening (depending on how Mohun Bagan play today).” The Bengaluru FC gaffer, however, added that it is no easy task to come and sweep all three points from Shillong, “The pitch is really hard and bouncy one, it acts as a leveler between the two sides.”

Talking about his side’s performance till now Westwood said, “We’ve won 6 out of 9 games. Not too realistic to have expected any better than that. We’re on track even after a tough start to the season with 4 out of 5 away games.”

Shillong Lajong FC have done well to be on the fifth spot in the standings with a considerably young team and they are well aware of the huge challenge that awaits them tomorrow.

Bengaluru FC have beaten the Reds 3-0 in the first leg of the Hero I-League this season and coach Thangboi Singto admitted that it was always a tough ask to play a side like Bengaluru.

Singto, however, derived confidence from his side’s performance against the visitors in Shillong during the previous seasons. “We have done well against them at home and we are positive going into tomorrow’s encounter.”

It may be mentioned that Bengaluru FC are yet to beat the Reds at home. Lajong defender Yusuke Yamagata is still out even Fabio Pena and Uilliams are also doubtful tomorrow. The Reds coach, however, exuded confidence that the Indian players are well capable of filling up for their foreign counterparts.

The match is slated to kick off at 7 pm and the Hero I-League encounter will be telecast live and exclusively on Ten Action.