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I-League: Shillong Lajong FC want to bring points back from Mumbai FC!

Shillong Lajong FC are away from home for the last time in the I-League 2016-17 season and the boys are hoping to continue their unbeaten run in away matches when they take on relegation threatened Mumbai FC on Sunday, April 23, at the Cooperage Stadium in Mumbai at 7:05pm.

Thangboi Singto’s young army of Reds are currently on a five-match unbeaten streak in away games this season, having won three and drawn two matches on the road since February 15. The squad, comprising eight U-22 players from the academy with the inclusion of three foreigners, have had a decent run in the current season of the I-League, not just at home but away as well. The faith that the Club has placed in these youngsters over the years has truly paid off with Lajong sitting in fifth position in the standings.

Now into their seventh successive I-League year, the 2016-17 season is Lajong’s best so far and the boys have produced top notch performances against big teams. The Reds have played 16 matches in all thus far and have won seven, drawn three and lost six. This puts the team level on 24 points with Bengaluru FC, but the latter are ahead in fourth place due to the head-to-head factor.

In the first leg against Mumbai FC, Shillong Lajong FC came out as victors at home by three goals to one. Aser Dipanda Dicka scored a brace and Chinglensana Singh scored one while Karan Sawhney netted a consolation goal for Mumbai FC.

When asked to the Shillong Lajong FC head coach as to who will likely be playing more under pressure, he said, “The pressure is always there for all teams. The teams that show real character under pressure will do well in the end. Mumbai FC has the players with that character.”

“Mumbai FC will go all out for a win. So we need to be patient and stay strong defensively and hopefully score on the counters. We have to continue playing as we have played so far but with more spirit and enthusiasm”, said the Lajong gaffer.

Chinglensana Singh who scored the third goal for Lajong FC against Mumbai FC at home said, “We are looking forward to end the season on a high. We have six points to play for against two difficult teams, one is fighting for survival and the other is fighting for the title. So it’s going to be interesting and our focus will be to get maximum points from both outings.”

Mumbai FC have managed only two wins this season, while drawing six and losing eight times. To try and rescue their campaign, Mumbai FC hired Oscar Bruzon during the international break but the club are still having a hard time getting out of the drop zone. The Maharashtra team are level on 12 points with new club Minerva Punjab FC.

Interestingly, Mumbai FC have drawn their past five home matches with the same 0-0 scoreline. They have managed to win just one game at home this season, their opener against DSK Shivajians on January 8. It has been a disappointing campaign for the Mumbaikars, whose last victory was on January 15 in an away match against Churchill Brothers in Goa, but the Oscar Bruzon-led side will look to make full use of home advantage this coming Sunday when they host Shillong Lajong FC.

Meanwhile, Lajong FC have their own hopes and aspirations of ending the league on a high note and hence, a win is a must for Thangboi Singto’s side. Backed up by Lajong Faithfuls in Mumbai, the Reds will be aiming to deliver a high octane performance when the two sides meet on Sunday at the Cooperage Stadium at 7:05pm with live broadcast on TEN 2.

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