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| Salgaocar FC vs Pune FC Duler Stadium, Goa 22.11.2013 Kick Off: 3:30 PM IST |
Salgaocar Football Club get ready for a crucial top-table clash against Pune FC at the Duler Stadium, Goa, on Friday, in the Round 10 of the Airtel I-League.
Derrick Pereira’s men are presently at the top of the pool with 17 points from eight matches, while following them closely in second place is Derrick’s former side, Pune FC, now coached by Dutchman Mike Snoei.
Salgaocar lead Pune by a point, however, Pune have a game in hand.
“It’s an important match, no doubt about that,” Derrick said after a light training session.
“This is the first game after the international break and we have to start all over again. There is no point thinking we did so well in the first leg and we could afford to take it easy. No way, that’s not what is expected of a professional side,” he said.
The Salgaocar coach admitted Pune FC was a “strong side” and it was important to secure a win against the visitors, who are also gunning for the title.
“It’s our home match, and there is a need to be at the top of our game”.
Salgaocar FC have surprised many with their top standing in the first leg. Nobody gave them a chance when Derrick was rebuilding the team but the former I-League champions have been one big success story so far in the competition.
“The second leg will be lot tougher. Teams are strengthening themselves with the addition of players and those teams who did not really do well in the first eight games are slowly but surely getting better. It will not be easy for any of us,” the Salgaocar coach continued.
Nicolau Colaco is the only doubt for Pune FC after picking up a knock in the previous game against Rangdjaied United FC. He did train with the team on Thursday but Derrick said a final call on his availability will be made only on the morning of the match.
Salgaocar FC
Top of the table with 17 points
Scored 16 goals (Highest Scorer – Darryl Duffy – 6 goals)
Last Five matches in I League – WLWWD
Pune FC
2nd in the table with 16 points
Scored 8 goals (Highest Scorer - James Meyer – 3 goals
Last Five matches in I League – WWWLW
NB – W- Win,D-Draw,L-Loss
Head to Head in I League
Total Matches – 8
Salgaocar Won – 2
Pune Won – 5
Drawn – 1
Salgaocar Goals – 6
Pune Goals – 12
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