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Lajong gears up for Dempo test

Shillong Lajong coach Stanley Rozario will be looking to turn things around for another upset when they meet formidable Dempo Sports Club in third round I-League match.

Panaji: Shillong Lajong coach Stanley Rozario will be looking to turn things around for another
upset when they meet formidable Dempo Sports Club in third round I-League match at Nehru Stadium in Fatorda tomorrow. Lajong earlier came out with an excellent all-round performance to down Sporting Clube de Goa and registered its first win in the I-League. The win certainly helped the young side from north-east to shrug off the hangover of a humiliating opening round defeat against JCT. "The morale of the boys is high and they are full of confidence following the win against Sporting. They are now ready to face another tough opponent in Dempo, who are one of the title contenders," Rozario said. "Our is a young side without experience while opponents have seven national players and good foreigners. Our first aim is to protect our cidatel and we will be happy to get one point," he added. Meanwhile, Dempo who have four points from two games will field the same side that played the last match. Dempo coach Armando Colaco, however, expressed cautious optimism. "It (Lajong) is a new team and is full of confidence after their win against Sporting Clube de Goa. We are playing them for the first time and hence need to be extra careful and guard against complacency," he said. Lajong is likely to adopt a defensive strategy to frustrate their opponents, who have a strong midfield and good strikers. The hosts will be looking forward to their midfielder Brazilian Roberto D`silva, who is in sublime form and scored a goal each in both the matches, to lead from the front. Winger Anthony Fernandes has shown a lot of promise on the right flank to keep the rival defense on their toes. Sunil Chhetri has linked up well with medio Roberto D`silva but the only worry for Dempo is their star striker Ranty Martins, who is yet to strike his rhythm. Bureau Report