AIFF Media Team

KOLKATA: After being held to a goalless draw in their last match against Gokulam Kerala FC, Real Kashmir FC will face a stern test against All India Football Federation’s developmental side the Indian Arrows at the Mohun Bagan Ground in Kolkata, West Bengal tomorrow (January 04, 2021). The match is slated for a 2 PM kick-off and will be live-streamed on 1Sports’ Facebook page.

After being held to two back-to-back draws by Sudeva FC first and then by Gokulam Kerala FC, Real Kashmir FC find themselves fifth on the Hero I-League table. The title contenders are a long way adrift from the league leaders Churchill Brothers FC, but a win would help them close the distance if results go their way.

Speaking at the official pre-match press conference coach David Robertson said, “We have a very important game tomorrow and we have to aim for a win, however, it will not be a walk in the park for us.”

“Arrows are a very difficult team to face because they keep going throughout the match. We expect nothing less than a tough game tomorrow.”

“We have given few chances to the opponents to score in the season but we need to make the most of our chances in front of goal. We need to be more clinical and now we have to pick up points," he added.

Defender Dharmaraj Ravanan said, “This is our strongest team and we need to continue our momentum. I am really happy to be a part of this team and am enjoying each and every moment with it.”

Meanwhile, the Indian Arrows showed their fighting spirit in a narrow 1-0 loss to Chennai City FC. The developmental side has largely shown a tendency of not giving up their opponents an inch easily, over the course of the season. With Real Kashmir FC next, the Arrows will aim to give the title contenders a run for their money.

Coach Venkatesh Shanmugam said, “We are a developmental side and we focus on the development of the team. We have been consistently improving during the season and there are still some areas where we have to do better.”

“We are looking for a positive result tomorrow but we know that Real Kashmir are a tough side. They are very good physically and it will be a challenging game for us. However, our confidence is high and it will be a different story come tomorrow.”

“I want to see good football being played by my team with confidence," he further added.

Forward Parthib Gogoi lauded the Hero I-League platform and said, “The Hero I-League platform has given us much experience that will help us in our careers. We are learning in every game of the season. Against Real Kashmir tomorrow, we will fight to the very end and give our best on the pitch.”