HERO I-LEAGUE: Shillong youngsters to play for pride against Arrows

by Vineet Varma January 13, 2019

Shillong, January 12, 2019: Shillong Lajong only have pride to play for against Indian Arrows in what is the ‘battle of the youngsters’ at the JLN stadium on Sunday.

Under Alison Kharsyntiew, Shillong, who opted for youth as against foreign recruits this season, find themselves at the bottom of the 11-team league. They have suffered nine losses and have conceded a whopping 33 goals so far – the highest in the league!

Their only win (against Aizawl in October 2018) seems like ages ago. Shillong have been on the receiving end of two 6-1 drubbings this season – a fact which highlights their predicament.

They also had lost their previous away game against Arrows. Arrows, on the other hand, have been impressive throughout with the team seemingly hungry for success. Of course credit must go to coach Floyd Pinto for shaping a resilient and competitive side.

Also the inclusion of U-16 youngsters Vikram Pratap Singh and Rohit Danu has given them the much needed attacking zest to blend in with their organised defence and midfield.

“Shillong Lajong play good attacking football. Any game between the two elite youth clubs is going to be tough. Both the teams will be giving their 100 per cent. We scored in our last game but it was pretty close. Our aim will be to get the three points. The game tomorrow will be totally different because both the teams are having young players. These kinds of matches give them a platform to play with good players and bigger football clubs,” said Pinto.

Arrows have beaten the likes of Aizawl, Gokulam and Shillong and have given the stronger teams (read: East Bengal and Minerva Punjab) a run for their money. Shillong too have had their positives. They have scored 13 goals to Arrows’ five — a fact which showcases their attacking prowess.

Midfielder Phrangki Buam —  one of the finds of the season — is among the highest scorers in the league with four goals. Shillong’s young brigade will be wanting to avenge their previous loss to Arrows on Sunday.

Kharsyntiew was optimistic about his team’s chances at the pregame press conference: “We have scored 13 goals and conceded 33. The most important thing for the boys is to attack in the defence. If our defence is good we can defeat any team. The boys are ready for tomorrow’s match they will go all out and give their 100 percent. The players have worked really hard in the training and our aim is to get the three points. Indian Arrows is a good team they have good players like Boris. Their game is very intense with immense speed, our defence and mid field have to cope up to their speed.”

Also Read: HERO I-LEAGUE: Bagan down Minerva to stay alive in title race

Also Read: Tricky but still very possible! A look at India’s Knockout round chances 

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