Lajong in must-win fight against Mahindra

Shillong: Shillong Lajong FC, battling to avoid relegation, will take on Mahindra United on Saturday in a must-win match of ONGC I-League here.

Lajong, despite remaining unbeaten in their last three matches at home, will face a tough challenge against the visitors who have only lost one match out of their total 20 in I-League tie so far. “It is a must win match for us. We know it will be difficult, but the boys are determined,” Lajong coach Stanley Rosario said. Languishing second from bottom, Lajong (21 points) after a series of away matches, will be hoping to make the most of home advantage and try to pick maximum points, which will help them in moving away from the shadows of relegation. Mahindra had missed out an opportunity to consolidate their position at the top of the league in their last match against Mumbai FC but will look to recover from that disappointment and bounce back strongly. Upbeat after their impressive 3-1 victory at home over their closest title rivals Dempo, Mahindra could not tighten their grip on the top spot following a goalless draw with city rivals Mumbai FC. “Every game is vital for teams at this moment, there is pressure on every team. Where our pressure is to try and overcome Dempo and stay at the top, the pressure on Lajong is tremendous in the fact that even a draw is not good enough for them,” Mahindra United coach David Booth said. Booth said though they would be missing two players due to suspension, the team is looking to make a strong comeback in this away match after splitting points in their last outing. Mahindra United have the best defensive record in the league but they need to be more clinical in the absence of their leading scorer Nigerian striker Muritala Ali and left-back Debabrata Roy for the 21st round clash due to double booking. Unbeaten on their travels, Mahindra United who are determined to maintain their impressive away record by completing a double over Shillong Lajong, having beaten them by a comprehensive five nil margin in the first leg, have 37 points with nine wins and ten draws. PTI