I-LEAGUE Media Team

GOA: Salgaocar FC coach Derrick Pereira is wary of the challenge that Shillong Lajong FC will pose to his team as they prepare for the ninth round Hero I-League battle at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Tuesday.

Salgaocar FC are placed seventh at the moment with eight points in their kitty and Shillong Lajong are fighting to save the drop with seven points from as many matches. Salgaocar, though, are not taking anything for granted and know the visitors can pose plenty of problems.

Salgaocar will do well to remember that the last time Shillong Lajong were at the Nehru Stadium here in Goa, they returned with full points, and that against strong contenders Dempo Sports Club. That performance gave an inkling of what Shillong Lajong can do to any team who do not show they respect.

“They are a balanced side. I look at their foreign players and there is a World Cupper (Glen Cornell) who is in fine form and another Brazilian (Uilliams) who continues to carry his last year’s form into this season. Add to that a very sprightly group of youngsters and they can be deadly opponents,” said Pereira.

Pereira’s own side has done reasonably well since the start of the competition. They may not be as strong — at least on paper — as the likes of East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Dempo and Bengaluru FC but Salgaocar have shown they can grind out necessary results.

“We are doing quite well I think,” said Pereira, before adding, “There are teams which are stronger than us while we are in the process of building this side. The injuries to Dawson (Fernandes) and (Darryl) Duffy at the start of the season hampered our progress but we are not beginning to do well.”

Salgaocar have confirmed the signing of Sanju Pradhan and he will be among the 18 for the match on Tuesday.

Shillong Lajong’s primary aim this season should be to save the drop and the visitors are doing a fine job at the moment. Their win over Dempo here not too long ago should give them confidence, and although they lost 3-4 in the last game against Mohun Bagan, coach Thangboi Singto knows it’s the early soft goals they conceded that hampered their progress.

The fightback, though, should please Shillong Lajong supporters and it is this confidence that they will hold them in good stead for the battle against Salgaocar FC.

“Salgaocar are a good side and have one of the most experienced coaches in the country. This is a a very competitive league and there is not much of a difference in terms of points. A couple of wins can see a team quickly climb the ladder,” said Singto.

Match KO: March 3 @ 4:30 PM IST
 

Hashtag: #SFCvSLFC