Dempo determined to collect full points against Mumbai FC

Margao: Dempo is determined to collect full points when they meet Mumbai FC tomorrow in the fifth round of the I-League, played at Nehru Stadium here on Wednesday.

Despite half of the side doing duty for the National team and Joaquim Abranches and Valeriano Rebello on injury list, Dempo has done a commandable job of keeping the team afloat so far with a win against JCT, two draw against fancy Churchill Brothers, Mohun Bagan and going down 0-1 to East Bengal to collect five points from four matches. Dempo will be looking to their playmaker Roberto Silva to lead the attack along with Nigerian Kalu Ogba Nannu, Nicolau Borges and Peter Carvalho. Joe Rodrigues` return from injury will strengthen the attack. The defence has put up a reasonable performance but the upfront will have to remain more focus and sharp. "My boys have played well so far creating lot of chances but we were not able to win matches due to lack of finishing. But the way they practise on Tuesday, they are determined to win on Wednesday," said Dempo`s coach Armando Colaco.On the other hand, Mumbai FC, who are relatively inexperienced side, had a dream start winning their first three matches until they got thrashing from East Bengal in their last match to dent their confidence. Mumbai FC, who are third with 9 points, will be looking to their experience Noel Wilson, Bungo Singh and Lalwampuia to counter the rival midfield. "Dempo are the Champion with good bench strength. They have the advantage of playing at home and it will be difficult thing to beat them but my boys have come prepared to face them. Our aim is to defend first and not to lose points," Mumbai FC coach Subrata Bhattacharya said. PTI