Indian Arrows seek maiden win of season against RoundGlass Punjab

The Arrows are languishing at the bottom of the I-League 2020-21 points table.

Third-placed RoundGlass Punjab FC will look to extend their lead over the mid-table chasing pack when they meet the Indian Arrows in the I-League at the Kalyani Municipal Stadium in Kalyani, West Bengal on February 4. The kick-off is slated for 04:05 PM, and the match will be broadcasted live on the 1Sports channel and streamed live on 1Sports Facebook page.

RoundGlass Punjab handed TRAU their first defeat in their last game and now sit in the third position on the points table with eight points. With the table poised very tightly, where ninth-placed Chennai City trail second-placed Real Kashmir by just three points, Curtis Fleming’s side will be looking to continue their momentum with a win in their next clash against the young Indian Arrows.

Speaking at the official pre-match press conference, coach Curtis Fleming said, “We needed the win against TRAU. We had been working so hard, dominating the possession but not creating many chances to score in the two previous games. It was a nice feeling to win, but as soon as the final whistle was blown, I had to forget about it and focus on the Indian Arrows game.”

“We’ll need to give our 110 per cent against the Indian Arrows. We have studied at the opposition and looked where we can affect them, and vice-versa. We have played against a few Indian Arrows players, and there is no doubt that there is quality in the Indian Arrows squad.”

“They are a young squad, and very competitive. They will be looking to bounce back after the defeat. We need to win every game we play and it is Indian Arrows in the Hero I-League. So, we are going to field the strongest team we have and go for the victory,” the gaffer added.

The Punjab side will be bolstered by the signing of Papa Babacar Diawara and speaking about his arrival, midfielder Souvik Das said, “His (Papa Babacar Diawara) arrival is a big boost for our team. He is a quality player, and once he starts going, it is going to be very helpful for our team.”

The Indian Arrows went down to Real Kashmir in their last game and the developmental side has shown an undeterred spirit in recent matches against Aizawl FC and Chennai City. Head coach Shanmugam Venkatesh will call upon this fighting spirit from his boys to give RoundGlass Punjab a hard-fought challenge on Tuesday.

Speaking at the virtual pre-match press conference, Venkatesh said, “Every game is equally important, and the preparation remains the same. We began well in the last game. There are a few patches where we need to improve our game. The players know how important tomorrow’s game is, and I am confident they will give their best.”

“The results are very important, and they increase motivation and confidence within the team. As the coach of Indian Arrows, I want to see my players’ progress in every game. I am seeing many positives in their performances, and definitely, they will improve.”

“I have seen many opponents in the Hero I-League so far. RoundGlass Punjab are the most organised team, and the whole team has impressed me this season. We are a developmental team, and playing a complete team like Punjab will help the boys develop,” he added.

Midfielder Harsh Patre said, “We are preparing well for the game. The team is focused, and confident for a positive result. We will give our best.”