Real Kashmir FC would be playing its last away match of the I-League against Neroca FC at Khuman Lampak Main Stadium, Imphal, on Saturday.
Debutants Real Kashmir FC were knocked out oftitle race by East Bengal in previous match and would be playing this match tocement their place at third place on points table. The title race has now beenlimited to Chennai City FC and East Bengal FC. Only one point separates thetable toppers with just one match left to play.
That leaves this clash between hosts NerocaFC and Real Kashmir FC battle for pride in which each side will try to finishon high. Neroca was the first team in league to inflict defeat on Real Kashmirwhen they last played in Srinagar. Real Kashmir will like to return favors bydefeating them on home turf.
In a pre-match press conference Real Kashmir FC coach DavidRobertson said that it is going to be tough game with both teams havingsimilarities.
“It is going to be tough game as Neroca FC have got manysimilarities to Real Kashmir FC. It will be challenging game in toughconditions,” he said.
Speaking about being knocked out of titlerace, David said, “To be honest we are surprised to find ourselves at thisplace in our debut season in league. However, it was disappointing to lose toEast Bengal in previous match and everyone was disappointed with that. Our nextaim is to finish as high as we can. As I have been saying it repeatedly we takeit game by game and try to get full three points from all the matches that weplay”.
Neroca FC coach Manuel Retamero Fraile saidthat his side will try to end season with win in front of home fans.
“As our title hopes had long faded away thisis now our most important game. It is last match of the season for us and weare playing in front of home fans. We would like to win it and finish on highbefore going into super cup,” he said.
About Real Kashmir FC, he said, “They haveplayed well and are good side. When we played Real Kashmir FC in Srinagar Itold this that they are good team and it would not be easy to play againstthem. They have got good players with passionate supporters backing them. Theydid exactly that and were in title race for most part of the season”.
The Neroca FC coach suggested Real Kashmir FC to enjoy the gametomorrow as Neroca FC will settle for nothing less than a win.
While most of the teams would be playing there last game of leagueon Saturday, Real Kashmir still have to play one more game. The cancelled matchagainst Minerva Punjab is yet to be played and the date has not been announcedyet.