Pune FC set to start afresh against Dempo SC

Pune FC is ready and set to start afresh to win back confidence and points when they play table toppers Dempo SC in an away I-League Round 19 encounter at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Sunday.

Having suffered a black out last round against Sporting Clube de Goa - a result Coach Derrick Pereira reasoned out as “fatigue due of the long travel and two different conditions the match was played,” - the game against the Goans is make up time for all.

In fact, Pune FC in the past has always given Dempo SC a run for their money - the Federation Cup win this year at Kolkata and last year’s 3-2 win in the League at Pune over are ample reasons for the side to think beyond.

Pune FC (28 points) is currently 7^th place on the league table and go into this match after giving as much rest to the players to combat fatigue. Moreover, the 1-3 reverse in the first-leg will also be on the minds of Pune FC.

Coach Derrick says, “We are not out for revenge… just aiming to play a better match than the last one (referring to SCG).”

“The last time we met, Mandjou Keita was missing, and this time Jeje Lalpekhlua… but since then we’ve been playing better football and are better prepared this time.”

While the loss (2-4 to SCG) was huge, Pune FC will once again have to cope of going in with junior custodian Amrinder Singh with Shahinlal Meloly standing an outside chance of playing.

On the other hand, Pune FC will miss the services of central defender Chika Wali, who is serving a one-match suspension after receiving two cautions in two separate matches. Caitano Costa remains the first choice with Anas Edathodika for the position, but then Srikanth Ramu also fits in the scheme of things in the backline.

With Chika out, Pune FC has called in midfielder Jayashelan Prasad as replacement in the 18-man squad. Coach explained, “We did have problems in the midfield in the last match so Prasad was ideal to be brought on.

Hinting of other changes as well, the coach preferred to take a call later.

“We’ve utalised the period between the last match preparing as per the weather and training in the sun, which was coupled with light sessions as well,” added the coach. “The boys are keen to put back the past and so am I and it is this positive that we go into the game.”

On the eve of the match, Pune FC preferred to have a one-hour pool session indulging in a bonding exercise and remain relaxed.

At home Dempo SC have the second best record. But then, three losses is reason as well for Pune FC to stand tall as well. “They are a defiantly good side and in the form they are they will be looking to continue. I am sure the match will be a tough match and can be anyone’s eventually.”

Both teams have met seven times and Pune FC lead with three wins as compared to two by Dempo SC, while two have ended in draws. In Goa both have clashed twice before and with the Goans winning one and the other ending in a draw.