East Bengal face stern Sikkim challenge
11 Oct 2012 8:32 AM IST
East Bengal are looking forward to continue their unbeaten run when the Kolkata giants meet I-League greenhorns United Sikkim Football Club at Paljor Stadium, Gangtok 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 in Gangtok on Tuesday only to be welcomed by rain and chilly weather conditions. The State Capital is located at an altitude of 5800 ft.
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.
‘We have to adapt if we want to be I-League Champions and we cannot look for excuses. We are here to win and if we don’t win, it won’t be due to weather and other conditions,’ he added.
United Sikkim, who stunned Salgaocar 3-2 in their I-League debut, stays keen to extend their winning run. ‘A victory in the first match made a huge difference for us and freed us from home pressure.
We have a home advantage and I believe we can beat any I-League club on our home ground. Our main aim is to survive I-League this season’ former India skipper, Bhaichung Bhutia commented.
Meanwhile, Pailan Arrows, will look to carry on the winning momentum when they take on Durand Cup champion Air India in the second round of the I-League at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday.
Churchill Brothers Coach Subhash Bhowmick is keeping fingers crossed and hoping Churchill Brothers Sports Club will come good against ONGC in a second round I-League clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Thursday.
‘I am confident against ONGC but have to keep my fingers crossed. They are a very good side,’ said Bhowmick.
‘We must play our best football to get full points against them. Believe me, it will not be easy to play them. They are high on fitness and pose severe threat.’
‘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 in Gangtok on Tuesday only to be welcomed by rain and chilly weather conditions. The State Capital is located at an altitude of 5800 ft.
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.
‘We have to adapt if we want to be I-League Champions and we cannot look for excuses. We are here to win and if we don’t win, it won’t be due to weather and other conditions,’ he added.
United Sikkim, who stunned Salgaocar 3-2 in their I-League debut, stays keen to extend their winning run. ‘A victory in the first match made a huge difference for us and freed us from home pressure.
We have a home advantage and I believe we can beat any I-League club on our home ground. Our main aim is to survive I-League this season’ former India skipper, Bhaichung Bhutia commented.
Meanwhile, Pailan Arrows, will look to carry on the winning momentum when they take on Durand Cup champion Air India in the second round of the I-League at Kolkata’s Salt Lake Stadium on Thursday.
Churchill Brothers Coach Subhash Bhowmick is keeping fingers crossed and hoping Churchill Brothers Sports Club will come good against ONGC in a second round I-League clash at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Thursday.
‘I am confident against ONGC but have to keep my fingers crossed. They are a very good side,’ said Bhowmick.
‘We must play our best football to get full points against them. Believe me, it will not be easy to play them. They are high on fitness and pose severe threat.’
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