By Pune FC Media

PUNE: Pune FC will have their task cut out when they face local side DSK Shivajians FC in a crucial top of the table clash in the Maharashtra Zone of the Under-18 I-League 2015-16 at the Pune FC Training Pitches in Mamurdi on Monday.

With both sides logging big wins in their opening two games and sharing the top position in the zonal round with six points each, this third round clash promises to be a thrilling one. Moreover, with sole leadership on offer as an added incentive apart from derby bragging rights, both sides will be keen to get that all important win.

“It’s a local derby and a very important game for both sides. The clashes between us have always been closely fought and tomorrow it will be a similar one,” said Pune FC Coach Naushad Moosa on the eve of the clash.

Pune FC will also be seeking a first-ever win at home over Shivajians given the fact that they lost the same encounter 1-3 last season. However, they will be confident of their chances having beaten Shivajians twice away from home thereafter, once in the zonal and once in the final round, and will be keen to maintain that run.

The task at hand won’t be an easy one though as the visitors come into the game having scored two big wins at home over Mumbai FC (12-0) and PIFA Colaba (4-0). “Shivajians have continued with majority of their squad from last year. It gives them an advantage over other teams and makes them a difficult opposition to face,” said Coach Moosa while assessing the opponents.

He further added, “The boys are aware of the results last year but it is a new season. We have been preparing hard during the past week. Our team is a mixture the Under-17s and Under-18s and they have started gelling well but we will still be missing many of our key players. However, we are positive going into the game and want to get all three points.”

Till now, both sides have faced off thrice in the competition with Pune FC having the upper hand winning twice compared to Shivajians’ one win. Interestingly, the clash between the two teams has always seen the away side winning, a stat Pune FC will be eager to change.