By Royal Wahingdoh Media

SHILLONG: On a high after making a fine start to the tournament, Royal Wahingdoh FC will take on city rivals Shillong Lajong FC in the Zonal Round of the U-18 I-League at the JN Stadium in Shillong on Thursday. The match will start at 10 am.

The Royals were flawless in their opener against Sports Authority of India, Guwahati whom they beat 3-0. What set the Royals apart on the day was their coordination on the pitch which hardly gave the rivals a chance to make a comeback. Breakthrough early in each half also worked in favour of the hosts.

On the eve of the tie, RWFC gaffer Bobby Nongbet said he was confident about his side’s prospects in the second home game.

Prior to the start of the tourney the coach had asserted that the boys have been training together for months and were raring to go. Surely, the lads did not let him down in the opener. However, it is not expected to be an easy run against city rivals Lajong, who also made a winning start to the tourney with a victory over another side from Assam, Guwahati FC.

The likes of captain, Ajay Chettri, Prikanta Singh, Jerrimon Shylla and Heibormi Talang will look to carry forward the good work from the last game. That Lajong did not have the best of outings despite a win in their opener also leaves little doubt that the Royals will certainly start as favorites in Thursday’s encounter which promises to be a high-voltage affair.

The Royals are expected to field an unchanged starting XI for the crucial tie.