Loni: Pune FC will be eager to maintain their top spot in the standings when they face local rivals DSK Shivajians FC in their penultimate Maharashtra Zone clash of the Under-15 Youth League 2015-16 at the DSK Football Fields in Loni on Sunday.

Going into the game on the back of three consecutive wins, leaders Pune FC (22 points) will look to build on their impressive away run when they take on fifth-placed Shivajians (6 pts). For the record, Pune FC have logged three wins and a draw in four away games so far.

Speaking on the eve of the big clash, Pune FC Coach Mohan Dass said, “It’s an important match for us and given the fact that it is a local derby, we’ll have to be at our best. We have been working hard after the previous game and hope to put on a good show on Sunday.”

Hosts Shivajians come into the game after a hard fought 3-5 away loss to Mumbai FC at the Cooperage Ground a week ago. Having fallen 0-3 behind, they fought back to level scores before going down in an eight-goal thriller. Considering their rival’s recent performances, Coach Mohan Dass wants his team to stay focussed on the task at hand and avoid any complacency.

“Shivajians will be a tricky opponent, but we will approach the game with a positive mindset. Our team is in good shape and we have been boosted by the availability of few players who were missing from the last few games,” added Coach Mohan Dass.

When both sides faced off in the league opener back in November, Pune FC ran out 7-0 winners with five different players getting on the score sheet and this time too they will hope to put on a similar show.

The game at Loni will be played under floodlights and kicks off at 5.30 PM IST on Sunday.