I-League: Gokulam look for first win at home against Lajong

Kozhikode  :  Gokulam Kerala FC will be searching for the first win of their current I-League campaign when they take on Shillong Lajong at the EMS Corporation Stadium here on Sunday.

Both teams have played three times so far with Gokulam on two and Shillong on three points respectively.

While Shillong won their opening game at home in an impressive display against Aizawl, they were humbled by East Bengal and the Indian Arrows thereafter. 

What will worry coach Alison Kharsyntiew more, is the way his side travelled to hot and humid Cuttack to go down to the Arrows, with similar weather expected in India's southernmost state.

Bino George, the Gokulam coach, on the other hand, will be more positive given their display in the last game against Chennai City FC. 

Although Gokulam went down at home to Chennai, it was a thrilling five-goal affair, where both teams competed on an even keel and at a high tempo.

Gokulam have scored in every game they have played so far and coach Bino has used his forward line pretty smartly with the likes of Baoringdao Bodo, V.P. Suhair and Grenadian Antonio German all finding themselves on the scoresheet. 

S. Rajesh has been a revelation, mostly coming on as a substitute and catalysing the attack and the talented Arjun Jayaraj has also turned in good performances and also has a goal to his credit.

Shibinraj in goal has been solid and so has the defence. However, Bino revealed in the pre-match chat that Ugandan midfielder Mudde Musa, who has been far less effective this year, will not be available on Sunday and will be replaced by Rasheed, who according to him "is an experienced player and has scored goals last season."

"Shillong is a young side and we respect them. We will work hard on our mistakes and try to rectify them. We will check their game plan and accordingly work on ours," Bino added.

Shillong has gone in with a home grown all Indian side of youngsters this year led by captain and midfield general Samuel Lalmuanpuia.

However, the likes of winger Naorem Mahesh Singh and midfielder Samuel Lyngdoh have not been able to produce the kind of performance they did in the opener against Aizawl and will have to pull their socks up if Shillong is to take anything away from Sunday's game.

"We are ready to face Gokulam, but we need to work harder on our weaknesses. In our last two games against East Bengal and Arrows, we lacked in finishing. Our main motto for tomorrow will be to be more focused, perform well and score more goals," Alison said.

"The weather won't be an issue if we concentrate on our game."

Rakesh Pradhan, Shillong's left wing-back has been their most consistent performer so far, with telling overlaps and crosses from the left flank is a regular feature, but he will need more support. Chalieu, in goal, will also have to tighten up a bit more, as do young defenders Aibanbha and Novin Gurung who have been patchy.