I-League: Confident Royal Wahingdoh FC to take EB

Buoyed by their success against Pune FC, a confident Royal Wahingdoh FC will look to give East Bengal a run for their money in the Hero I-League match at the J N Stadium here tomorrow.

East Bengal are coming into this match after a defeat against arch rivals Mohun Bagan and tomorrow's tie will be crucial for both sides looking to further brighten their prospects this season.

Currently, the Royals are sitting at the third spot in the standings with 17 points, while East Bengal are at sixth with 13 points.

While a win will put the hosts at a comfortable position at the top half of the table, a positive result can catapult EB upwards.

RWFC coach Santosh Kashyap is well aware of the challenge ahead and asserted his boys will ensure that concentration levels do not drop during tomorrow's home encounter.

"East Bengal always aims for the title and tomorrow we are going to face one of the most well organised sides in India. However, I feel we are capable of putting up a good show against them," he said, adding his boys need to be on their toes against the dangerous opponents.

"The proximity of teams in the points table also leaves no room for complacency," he added.

Kashyap exuded confidence that the Royals will use familiar conditions to their advantage.

Meanwhile, despite a loss against Bagan in their last encounter, East Bengal coach Eelco Schattorie said his boys have left the derby behind and are "confident and want to win" in Shillong.

He said despite the hectic schedule, the players were ready for the "difficult game" against the Royals.

"It's a long league and any team desiring to be a champion has to win as many games as possible, so it's always important to put the emotions aside and start preparing for the next game," Schattorie said, when asked if his players will be under pressure after the defeat against Bagan.

"It's a new day, new chance and hope we get three points tomorrow," he said.

He was also all praise for Kashyap terming him as a rare Indian coach who believes in playing attacking football.

Kashyap, meanwhile, acknowledged he had acquired most of his coaching skills from the likes of Rob Bahn and Wim Koevermans whom he addressed as his mentors.