I-League Round 10: Shillong Lajong vs Rangdajied United

The Reds will play host to cross town rivals and debutants Rangdajied United FC in the first ever I-League Derby in Shillong on November 22, 2013 at 6:00 PM at the J.N. Stadium, Shillong.

The match will see the two teams square off in what will be a “historical” day. Lajong coach Thangboi Singto said in a pre match press conference today that the game will be “a big day for North East football”. Thangboi added, “I-League is a tough league to play in and many players from the North East are playing in the league and it is a good thing for Indian Football to see North East teams represent the region.”

Commenting on the magnitude of the game Singto said that, “Football will be the winner tomorrow but we will look for a win.”

Shillong Lajong FC will be missing key players as Jibon Singh is facing a two match ban after receiving a red card in the last game against Mohun Bagan and defender Wailadmi Passah is out after collecting 4 yellow cards so far this season.

Lajong will be looking to ride on Cornell Glen and Uilliam’s good run of form where both have consistently delivered up front forming a formidable strike partnership. Glen has scored 6 goals in 7 games and Uilliams has been finding the net as well scoring 3 in the last two games. More positives could be taken from the previous game wherein an impressive all round performance from Subash Singh and resilient defending from Lajong captain, Minchol Son will add to their strengths tomorrow.

Rangdajied United FC on the other hand have not been on a good run with just 3 points and struggling at the bottom of the table. The I-Leauge newcomers recently made big changes to their squad following their poor form, signing 5 players from the IMG-Reliance league and defying the rules laid by the I-League Professional Football Clubs Association (IPFCA).

Speaking on the issue Rangdajied coach Santosh Kashyap said,” It was a management call”. Even with the signings the team will be without the services of Edmar and Sandesh Jhingan but Eugeneson Lyngdoh will be back in the team after missing matches to injury. Eugeneson will be facing his old club tomorrow after being a part of Lajong for 2 consecutive seasons.

Present at the press conference he said,” It will be emotional for me and I am very grateful to them(Shillong Lajong). I have full respect for Lajong but I will be playing for a win for my club.”

The Reds are looking to extend their unbeaten run to six games and a win tomorrow will assure them second place in the I-League table. Rangdajied United FC will look to get out of the relegation zone with a whole new look in their squad, looking for their first ever I-League win tomorrow. The match is expected to be a thrilling encounter with both teams fighting for bragging rights as the best team in Shillong.