I-League Media

SHILLONG: It will be a litmus test for Thangboi Singto and his men when they take on debutants Minerva Punjab in a Hero I-League match at the JN Stadium here on Saturday (January 21, 2017) afternoon.

Caught on the back foot after losing three matches in a row, Lajong have no choice but to turn this over in their favour to avoid dropping to a point of no return. It is the first home game of the season for the Reds and it’s high time they live up the home crowd’s expectations.

While Lajong languish at the bottom of the table after three games, debutants Minerva Punjab FC, despite an indifferent show, are two positions higher at 8th, thanks to their goalless draw against fellow debutants Chennai City in the opening encounter.

However, a 0-4 drubbing at the hands of Mohun Bagan in the last encounter makes them a vulnerable unit especially against Lajong who are nothing but a side to beat at their home.

In a pre-match conference here on Friday, Lajong coach Singto admitted that away matches have been a concern for his young side which will have its task cut out against the visitors on Saturday.

“It’s a new season, a lot of changes in the side, new foreigners and youngsters. It will be a tough match tomorrow as Minerva are no pushovers and we will have to bring the best out of ourselves to make the home opportunity count,” the Lajong gaffer said.

Singto minced no words in stating that the inexperience in the defence line did not help his side’s cause and the loopholes have to be sealed at the earliest.

Despite being fully supportive of Lajong’s focus on giving youths an opportunity in the I-League, Singto admitted that an additional number of experienced heads on the pitch would have come in handy for his side.

However, at the same breath, he reiterated that it was keeping this factor in mind that the side had roped in experienced foreigners in the form of Romanian Dan Ignet, Japanese Yuta Kinowaki and Cameroonian Aser Dipanda.

“Moreover, the youth should grab this golden opportunity with both hands. A 20-year-old should be ready for the big games,” he added.

Singto said he was also looking forward to a more coordinated effort from his forward line in the matches to come. Lajong have only scored once in the last three matches while they have conceded seven.

Meanwhile, Minerva head coach Surinder Singh asserted that despite going down 0-4 to Bagan in the last game his side are up for the Shillong challenge.

“The scoreline tells only half the story. Our boys did well in the second half (against Bagan) and created several chances. The performance gives me confidence that we will fare well here.”

Surinder also backed the idea of promoting youngsters in the side.

Romanian defender Dan Ignet will be a doubtful starter for Lajong while Minerva have an all-fit squad.