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Winless in four games, NEROCA FC take on I-League leaders Sreenidi Deccan FC on Wednesday, December 21 at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm IST.
With just two wins and four goals in their eight matches so far, NEROCA are in 10th place, only above Mumbai Kenkre FC on goal difference. The Orange Brigade are desperate for a quick turnaround in their fortunes as another defeat on Wednesday might see them spend their winter break in the relegation zone.
Talking about NEROCA’s struggles in front of goal, head coach Wangkhem Khogen Singh said, “I think the problem lies in our finishing. We are able to create chances but can’t finish them. A lot of that depends on the players’ individual decision making in the final third.”
Khogen is aware that his side will have their work cut out against a Sreenidi Deccan FC side sitting on top of the table. “Sreenidi are a good team, who we respect. As we are playing at our home stadium, our fans will give us an advantage. We expect a good fight from them and we are prepared for it,” he said.
NEROCA defender and captain David Simbo expressed his disappointment with the poor run of results in away matches. “The players and the coaching staff are not happy with just one win in our six away matches. We have to give everything tomorrow to get the win. I think we need these three points more than the visitors,” said the Sierra Leonean.
Simbo feels his side can take inspiration from their positive outing against Gokulam Kerala FC last time out, where they held the defending champions to a goalless draw. “We did well away to Gokulam and we want to build on that tomorrow. The NEROCA fans demand a win and we hope to give them that,” he said.
Sreenidi Deccan FC rose to the top of the table thanks to a David Castañeda hattrick, which powered them to a thumping 3-0 win away to bottom side Sudeva Delhi FC. Head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto stated the importance of the victory in the capital. “Three points against any team are important. We don’t look at the opponents and where they are placed on the table, we just go for the win.”
With 17 goals so far, the Deccans are the highest scorers in the current I-League season. Pinto said, “We have very quality players who fit well to our team model. We always try to dominate the game and play positive football. Our players enjoy the way we play.” Regarding their opponents NEROCA, the Portuguese said, “NEROCA got a good result against Gokulam. At their home, it will be a tough one for us. We have to stay focused and committed to get the victory tomorrow.”
Midfielder Lalromawia, who is back in the matchday squad after nursing an injury he suffered in the first game of the season, said, “After spending a lot of time out injured, I’m fit and very happy to be back with the team. I have a great opportunity to play tomorrow and give my best for my club.”
