Imphal, February 17: Table-toppers NEROCA FC look to sign things off on a winning note at home as they welcome Mohun Bagan to the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium in an I-League match scheduled for Sunday, February 18.

The Imphal-based unit, who were only promoted to the top tier this season, top the standings with 31 points in 16. Second-placed Minerva Punjab are two points behind and have two games in hand. But NEROCA will want nothing of that when they take on Mohun Bagan, who recently lost to Gokulam Kerala FC.

Having recovered well with a four-match unbeaten run after two defeats at home, the onus will be on the hosts to gain maximum points to keep the pressure on the teams below them on the table. "Pressure is already there for me as we have only two games remaining. It is not about Mohun Bagan or even Gokulam or Indian Arrows, the pressure is always there. But, Mohun Bagan is a good team and if you can win, it is good", NEROCA FC coach Gift Raikhan said during the pre-match press conference.

Pre-Match press conference ahead of tomorrow,s clash against Mohun Bagan #NFCvMB pic.twitter.com/z2FyKPtzCm

— Neroca FC (@NerocaFC) February 17, 2018

Gift Raikhan added more, "It's not about the championship, it's about the history, for me and the players too. Mohun Bagan won't play easily, they have no pressure but it is about prestige. They will come all out though they don't have any chance, we cannot predict, anything can happen in football. We respect them, they have good players."

He also mentioned that club captain Lalit Thapa is fit but will have a tough time choosing between Thapa and Bishorjit Singh for the game with the latter having kept four clean sheets on the trot. Australian recruit Nick Ward had his first training session with his new clubmates on Saturday and is likely to feature on the bench.

Last Practice session of @mohunbaganac ahead of tomorrow clash. The last battle at home against the Kolkata giant. #NFCvMB pic.twitter.com/Lsw0H0Btdu

— Neroca FC (@NerocaFC) February 17, 2018

"Our first target was top three but now that we have a good chance for the title, why not go for it. Opportunities like this may never come back again, we have to create history for younger generations," Raikhan said.

On the other hand, his counterpart Sankarlal Chakraborty also realised that they have to play for prestige and the battle just would not be limited to the field. "NEROCA FC is playing very well at home. It is a Sunday and their last home game, there will be lots of supporters. They are in the race as well. So we came prepared to fight them both on and off the field. With the vocal support, it will be a tough game," he said.

Chakraborty added, "We are not in the race for the championship. But, we are trying to finish in a good position. If the Super Cup does happen, then we have to finish in the top four. Mohun Bagan is not only a football club, it is an institution. We have self-respect and prestige. For these reasons, we have to play our best."

Nick Ward an Australian Attacking Midfielder has joined the sqaud ahead of its last two matches and the Super Cup.

He will make his debut in the upcoming match against Mohun Bagan on the 18th of Feb at khuman lampak main stadium !! #NICKWARD #22 #orangebrigade pic.twitter.com/MSFcmDOzLz

— Neroca FC (@NerocaFC) February 15, 2018

The 2014-15 I-League winners are 10 points and three places behind their opponents on Sunday and much has been down to their dismal home record this season. "We have had discussions regarding this. We played good but luck was not on our side. We missed penalties, hit posts, missed chances but there is no point to dwell on that as we have no home games left, We have to concentrate on the away games, play well and target maximum points," he expressed.

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NEROCA FC vs Mohun Bagan

I-League

Live at 2 pm (Sunday, February 18)

On Star Sports 2 and Hotstar

Source: AIFF Media