Norde made a difference to the squad, feels the Scottish striker
Kolkata: Mohun Bagan fans can hope for something big this season as Sony Norde and Darryl Duffy showed glimpses of what a deadly combination they can form up front. It was the Haiti marksman’s accurate cross that gave Duffy his first goal of the match. But more importantly the manner in which they combined with each other, playing in only their first match augurs well for Sanjay Sen and his team.
“I was looking forward to him arriving. As soon as he came he made a big difference to our squad. The cross that he sent was a great one. Hopefully I will get more of such passes from him. I am looking forward to playing with him in the rest of the season,” said Duffy about Norde at the end of the match.
Norde also heaped high praises on Duffy. According to Sony, “Duffy is a good striker and I like playing with him. The more we play with each other, the better we will combine.”
The Mariners could not have asked for a better start to their I League campaign, winning all their first three home matches. Sanjay Sen and his team will leave a day after to play their first away match.
“It’s a good start and we wanted to get the maximum points from our first three home matches. We have done that. Three games and three clean sheets and I’m very happy,” said Duffy while speaking to the reporters.
Goals are very important for any strikers and Bagan coach Sanjay Sen will be relieved to see all his three strikers scoring goals in the first three matches.
Duffy himself has already scored 4 goals from three matches, making him the top scorer in the I League so far. According to the Scottish striker, “Goals are very important for any striker. It gives confidence when you start scoring goals and I am no different. The more games I play, the more goals I score and hence I will gain much more confidence.”
Like a true team-man Duffy admitted, “More important is to win the league rather than becoming the top scorer. It would be great if we win the league and I become the top goal scorer.”
The Scot was the target of criticism from the fans as he had failed to impress in the Calcutta League. The same fans are now chanting slogans in favour of him. Duffy, himself is not too bothered with such behaviour from his fans.
“Two games before they (supporters) were cursing and now they are cheering for me. I don’t take the praise; neither do I take the criticism. If I am scoring goals and the team is winning games, it’s perfect for me. “
Sony Norde, playing in his first match in I League this season made an immediate impact. On being asked about the great start by Mariners, Norde feel, “It’s a very good start for us in the I League. I think winning the first three matches will give us the confidence. Let’s hope we can keep the same form because we have two important away games coming.”
Man of the match Jeje also scored a brace to help the Mariners return with a comprehensive win over the opponents. The AIFF Player of the Year commented, “We have done well as a team in the first three matches. It has been a great team effort so far.”
The Mizo striker, coming back from a long injury lay off scored a couple of goals in his team’s 4-0 thrashing against Minerva Punjab FC.
“I am happy to have scored in my first match after coming back from an injury which kept me out for almost 2 months. I am very happy.”
“Mohun Bagan is a very good side and especially this year we have a very good attack. We need to keep the momentum going for the next match.”