Dempo face MD sporting in crucial round at YBK

Kolkata, Nov 19 (UNI) With the curtain drawing closer for first leg of Indian League, champions Dempo are finding it tough to chase the leaders even as they have an edge when they face Mohammedan Sporting in a crucial 9th round encounter here tomorrow.

New comers Md Sporting, placed ninth with nine points, are desperately looking for points in their next three games to halt their slide.

Their main ball players Mike Okoro and Theodore Sunday could be seen in action together as Sunday was rested in the previous game due to a foot injury. Md Sporting just edged past by a goal from Vimal Parihar in the final minute.

Coach Shabbir Ali, who denied suggestions of home advantage because the Yuba Brarati Krirangan is a neutral venue, said Dempo are a big club and has huge talents to upstage any opponent. He said Md Sporting would play their natural game at the frontline and have markers in defence to thwart the rival offensive.

With an unhappy start with a 1-2 loss to JCT, Dempo's showing so far was erratic and inconsistent and not like the champion side of 2007.

Their last eight games fetched them only 11 points and seventh position in the league table. Dempo are expected to make full advantage of 4-0 home victory against United SC. Their 13 goals prove the scoring ability of the frontliners and conceding nine also revealed how weak their defence is.

Dempo's three goals against Churchill Brotehrs (3-3) and four goal thrashing of United SC in the last game helped the visitors in reshaping the side before the away match. Dempo will have to field first eleven without Iyomi, who scored hattrick against Churchill, but the side has prolific scorer with Ranty Martin, who scored six goals in IL.

Armando Colaco said his boys are baying for blood and want to return home with full points.

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