The timing of Real Kashmir FC’s clash against hosts Aizawl FC is perfect the hosts are struggling and Real Kashmir FC in need of a much needed momentum to get back into the form for which they were known last season.
The coach David Robertson’s side will be taking on hosts Aizawl FC in the match of the I-League at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, Aizawl, on Saturday. Real Kashmir arrived in the city on the back of notching up 2-0 win against Indian Arrows and would be aiming to continue their winning run.
It is third away clash for the Kashmir side out of consecutive six away tie’s. They have so far registered win in one and lost one. Hosts Aizawl FC is struggling at the moment and have not tasted victory in their last five matches.
Their is not much separating the two on the points table with Real Kashmir standing at seventh place while as Aizawl FC on eighth.
Real Kashmir which last season was creating waves in Indian football arena on the back of their solid defense, this year are struggling. Out f seven matches played they have so far registered two wins, two defeats and three draws. Most worrying part for Real this season is the unsettled starting eleven. In almost all the matches they have went with different team and combinations.
Last season they were known as top defensive side in entire league but this time they are leaking goals at will. In seven games this season they have scored eight goals and conceded same number as well. The Aizawl FC game is a chance for Real Kashmir FC to sort out its problems and gain the much needed momentum at this time of the league in order to keep itself in the title contention.
Team needs to push back Mason Robertson and bring him forward only when the last push would be required. In his absence defense has struggled which is visible in the scoring chart.
The other major issue for the team is to find support for the Kallum Michael Higginbotham. He has been the one player who has stood apart so far in the season for Real Kashmir. He has adjusted well in I-League and has been the major attraction in this Real Kashmir side. While he has adjusted well, he is not finding the support that he needs. So far he is working as a player who is sacrificing his striking instincts for the team. But then the rest of the forward lineup is failing to convert the chances that he has been creating. Coach needs to work on it as well and Aizawl FC game may be the last chance for David Robertson to sort out those issues before the tough matches come knocking.