NEROCA up against Indian Arrows in must-win I-League game

Manipur-based side NEROCA FC will hope to snap their winless streak and stay in the top four race when they take on Indian Arrows in a return leg 12th Hero I-League fixture here Friday.

NEROCA, who had secured a second place in their debut season last year, have 22 points from 14 games so far, eight behind leaders Chennai City and cannot afford any more slip-ups in this business end of India's top-flight football league.

The Arrow, on the other hand, are lying eighth on the table with 13 points from 14 games and have already bested their debut 11th Hero I-League season's record of three wins.

They will fancy their chances at the Kalinga Stadium, given NEROCA have faltered in their last three outings, losing two and drawing one.

The Arrows are an ever-dangerous side and good enough to take advantage of any opponents and NEROCA's Spanish coach Manuel Fraile will have to inspire his players after failing to put it across Aizawl at home last week.

"The preparation is coming good. We are hoping to take the three points. It is a difficult team and the players are young," Fraile said.

"We are fighting to be on the top. We have a good team with experienced players. We lost with Mohun Bagan and Churchill in the past matches but we have a good fight which matters."
"Eduardo and Aryn Williams are suspended for this match but football is a team game and the rest of the team has players who are mature and professionals."
"The performance of the boys have been improving as the season has gone on but now we have reached that stage where we have to get points as well and I am sure we're going to have a good performance tomorrow. Either we keep a clean sheet or score one goal more than NEROCA."