Journalism of Courage
Pune FC will be looking to open their final assault on a winning note when they host Shillong Lajong FC in an I-League 2012-13 encounter at the Balewadi Sports Complex.
The hosts go into the game after registering their biggest-ever win while beating United Sikkim FC 6-1 in their final IFA Shield group match. On the other hand,Pune FC will be confident after they beat Lajong for the first time in the Round 13 fixture earlier in the season.
Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira says,We are looking to win. The team has shaped up well after a drop in form during our campaign before the break.
Its always nice to begin on a good note. A win will help us with the momentum needed for the final assault. Both teams have met twice in Pune in the top-flight and played out a draw each time. Shillong Lajong is being coached by long-serving assistant coach Thangboi Singto after Des Bulpin was sacked due to a poor run of results by the north-east side.
With the team returning to a more fluid attractive attacking style in a bid to pull away from the relegation battle they are involved in,theyve picked up vital points in recent matches against fellow strugglers United Sikkim FC and Air India. The opponents will be fresh when they take the field on Sunday as they havent been involved in any competition in the 45-day league-break.
Pune FC on the other hand was involved in the IFA Shield where they fell short of making the semifinals. Pune FC winger Velington Rocha is probably the only injury-concern. All other players are fit and will be available for selection.
The hosts welcome back the India trio of Gurjinder Kumar,Arata Izumi and Jeje Lalpekhlua who were rested in the IFA Shield following their national team commitments.
Striker Boima Karpeh will be in-line to make his I-League debut for Pune FC. The forward has been among the goals in the Peninsula Pune Cup and the IFA Shield.
For Pune FC too,the games vital as the hosts need a positive result to keep the pressure on the three teams above them in the table (or even move into the top-three if other results of the round go their way).
