Firdous Hassan
Srinagar, Mar 3: After climbing up the ladder to the fifth spot on the I-League points table, Real Kashmir FC is hoping to beat Neroca FC at Srinagar’s TRC grounds on Wednesday.
In 13 games, RKFC has earned 19 points, with five victories and four draws. The team is a point away from Churchill Brothers, which is at the third spot on the table.
Manipur based Neroca FC with eight points in 14 games is positioned at 10th spot on the I-league table.
Real Kashmir FC head coach David Robertson said the team is psychologically positive about the game against Neroca FC.
“Our players dominated Neroca FC earlier last month though they won the game. We have to show a good performance tomorrow. Hopefully, we are going to win the match,” he said.
Roberston, who was flanked by his son and RKFC striker Mason Robertson, said the previous draw against Aizawl FC has exerted pressure on his team to win the remaining matches.
“The league is very tight now and our club is in a tough situation. We are hungry for the win and mentally prepared for challenges ahead,” he said.
The RKFC coach said there will be one change in his squad against Neroca FC.
Gift Raikan Neroca FC coach said the RKFC had a “wonderful” attacking side which his team will have to deal with.
He said his team is prepared to show a “different” style of game on TRC Astroturf. “Luckily we won a game against RKFC earlier, but tomorrow it is going to be a difficult game. The playground is different so are the weather conditions. I expect boys to perform well and get three points for the club,” Raikan said.
The Neroca FC coach said the match will be challenging for his team considering Kashmir’s climatic conditions and high altitude factor.
“RKFC is well versed with such climatic conditions, particularly on Astroturf. It will be a challenging task for my boys to play against RKFC tomorrow,” he said.
Raikan, however, regretted that the social media blockade in Kashmir will affect the coverage of match to Neroca fans.
Meanwhile, the stadium is expected to be jam-packed as almost 70 percent of the ticket has been sold till noon. “We are expecting a good crowd tomorrow. Neroca is one of the finest I-League teams and people will love to watch the match,” a security official at TRC ground said.
