I-League Media Team

SHILLONG: At the start of the Hero I-League season back in January, no one would have been able to predict the fortunes of Royal Wahingdoh FC and Shillong Lajong FC, who are scheduled to meet in the second Shillong Derby of the season here on Sunday.

The two clubs started their League campaign in January by facing off against each other, a match in which Wahingdoh came out the winners 2-1. Three months later and the Royals are third in the standings with 22 points after six wins, four draws and just three losses.

Teams promoted from the Second Division have usually had a tough time of it in their maiden season of top flight football, but not so Wahingdoh, who are toughing it out with second placed Bengaluru FC and current leaders Mohun Bagan.

Lajong, now veterans, have had a rather difficult time of it this season. That could be down to the fact that they have been on the road for the most part, having only played three games here at the JN Stadium.

They are sure to receive a warm welcome on Sunday, even if RWFC are technically the hosts for this encounter.

After occupying 10th place for a prolonged period, the Reds have moved up to eighth, in large part thanks to their 6-0 blitz over Mumbai FC on April 3, the same day that Wahingdoh were involved in an exciting 3-3 draw at Bengaluru.

Both teams then recorded goalless draws in their next fixtures – SLFC at Bagan and Wahingdoh at Sporting Clube de Goa.

The arch-rivals will now look to claim bragging rights over the other with a fine performance in front of the knowledgeable Shillong crowd. Lajong’s danger man is Cornell Glen, who has nine goals to his name this season, but Wahingdoh will hope to counter with their formidable line-up of players who have been performing exceptionally well throughout the season.

The hosts will be led by Densil Theobald, who has played with Glen in the Trinidad and Tobago national team and who should have a few tricks up his sleeve to frustrate his compatriot.

Both sides have strong motivation to go for the win, RWFC to continue their challenge for the title, while Lajong will hope to put more of a gap between them and the relegation zone. This means that the fans, whichever side they are backing, should have an excellent game of football at hand.