USFC Challenge for East Bengal

Gangtok: East Bengal are looking forward to continue their unbeaten run when the Kolkata giants meet I-League greenhorns United Sikkim Football Club at the Paljor Stadium here on Thursday.

"We are unbeaten in the past 22 matches with 18 wins and four draws. We want to sustain the form by winning against USFC. The match is vital for us as we need to get three full points having drawn our first I-League match," East Bengal coach Trevor Morgan said. The East Bengal team arrived here yesterday only to be welcomed by rain and chilly weather conditions. Morgan ruled out that weather conditions would affect the performance of his players. "In fact, our players would love to play in such cool weather as compared to playing in hot and humid conditions," he said. The Kolkata outfit need to recover quickly from an exhaustive draw against Sporting Club de Goa in Goa and a tiring road journey of nearly five hours from Bagdogra Airport to Gangtok. Morgan remains unfamiliar with the Bhaichung Bhutia co-owned United Sikkim which is coached by former East Bengal coach Phillipe De Ridder. "I haven`t seen them playing. I realised they got promoted last season but we treat all our opponents with respect. They have the home advantage and their last win against Salgaocar has given them the momentum," he maintained. United Sikkim, who stunned Salgaocar 3-2 in their I-League debut, will look to extend their winning run. PTI