GANGTOK: Churchill Brothers and United Sikkim, separated by a gulf of 12 points in the I-League table, would be entering the Paljor Stadium ground here in Gangtok seeking for points for different reasons.

The away side wants to maintain pressure on East Bengal and Dempo SC in I-League peak while the Snow Lions aims to wriggle out from the relegation zone.

“Tomorrow’s match against United Sikkim is a very crucial match for us. We need points from the match to maintain our present position in the I-League standings”, said Churchill Brothers coach Mariano Dias to reporters here.

Churchill Brothers is in third position before the 9th round of I-League started today while the home side is precariously third from bottom.

Going by the form alone, Churchill Brothers has a winning momentum and United Sikkim have also improved remarkably in its three last away matches under interim coach Bhaichung Bhutia ever since a humiliating 10-1 drubbing from Prayag United.

Dias pointed out United Sikkim has a strong home advantage for tomorrow’s match adding his players are also finding difficult to cope with cold weather conditions of Gangtok. The minimum temperature here is presently averaging to 14 degree Celsius.

“United Sikkim has a home advantage tomorrow and cold weather conditions are a problem for us. We also have some players with minor injuries”, said the Churchill Brothers coach.
Regarding the absence of influential midfielder Beto for tomorrow’s match due to suspension, Dais said: “We have a substitute for him. We have players who can replace him”.

Interim coach Bhaichung said United Sikkim would be targeting to collect full 3 points from tomorrow’s match.

“We are playing against a very good team which is not only 3rd in I-League table but also in an excellent form. We are also getting back and players are becoming confident. We should have won the last two matches but for unfortunate decisions that went against us. We will go for the full 3 points tomorrow against Churchill Brothers as we are playing in our home ground”, said Bhaichung.

The match against Churchill Brothers on December 2 and Shillong Lajong on December 8 would be the last two assignments for Bhaichung as an interim coach. “It will also be my last two matches as the interim coach. A new coach from Australia would be taking over the club after the Shillong Lajong match. He is arriving on December 7. Whatever results come, I will not be coaching after December 8”, said Bhaichung.

Bhaichung, also the club co-owner and registered as a player, recorded his dissatisfaction on soft penalties being awarded to United Sikkim, particularly in the match against Pune FC and Air India.

“I am little upset with the way that 50-50 percent decisions have gone against us. Luck seems to have deserted us at the moment. We are working to address our problems of conceding fouls in the box or near the box but I still feel that referees have been bit harsh on us”, he said.