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Pune FC will be eager to build on their winning run when they face local-side DSK Shivajians FC in their Under-19 I-League Maharashtra Zone Round 2 encounter at the Pune FC Training Pitches in Mamurdi on Friday. The game will be a tough one for both sides who come into the match on the back of convincing opening day wins.
Moreover with Pune FC (3 pts) and Shivajians (3 pts) level on points at the top of the zonal round table after the first set of matches, the battle to take the sole leadership in the group will be intense on the morrow.
Pune FC will be confident going into the game after a comfortable 3-0 win over Mumbai FC last week. However, despite scoring thrice, Pune FC also hit the woodwork two times while squandering chances aplenty and Coach Naushad Moosa wants his team to be more purposeful in front of goal against Shivajians.
"Against Mumbai FC, we created a lot of scoring opportunities but fell short in finishing. However, we are working on it in the training and the players are ready for this match," said Coach Moosa after a training session at the Pune FC Training Pitches on the eve of the clash.
He further added, "It's really good for Pune football to have another team in the U-19 I-League. Shivajians is one of the strongest teams in the zonal round this year. The boys are prepared and it will be a good game of football."
The schedule has been generous with Pune FC playing all four home games at the start of the campaign. The game on the morrow will be Pune FC's second consecutive home game, and they will want to exploit the home advantage and gain maximum points.
Making their debut in the competition, Shivajians, will be confident going into the game having logged a massive 6-0 win over PIFA Colaba FC and their frontline will be a challenge for the Pune FC defence led by Myron Mendes. However, Myron is confident and expects his team to step up to the occasion.
"The preparations for the game against Shivajians are going good and we are prepared for the local derby. They will be a stronger and tougher opponent than Mumbai FC and we want to be at our best," said Myron on the sidelines of the training session.
The match kicks off at 3.15pm IST on Friday afternoon.
(Originally published at http://arunfoot.blogspot.com/)
