CD Montesinos
All square: Battling Monte share the spoils Team: Carlos, Dimitry, Fernando, Morante, Alex, Carlos Lorente, Maccan, Adrian, Macia, Daniel, Jesus.
Subs: Manuel, David, German, Manuel Nevarro.
Cross valley rivals Racing San Miguel, whose season has quickly gone from spectacular to distinctly average in the last few weeks, were the opponents at the neutral venue in Algorfa (standing in for Monte's still incomplete pitch) last Sunday. A virtually unchanged Monte side, save the return of the dogged Alex in the middle, were generously welcomed by a crowd well in excess of 300, mainly Monte faithful.
Well, another week, another “must win” game started in a lively fashion, with Monte doing their usual efficient closing down in the middle and San Miguel seemingly happy to knock the ball between the backs. In fact, it wasn't until the 15th minute that either side had a serious attempt on target when keeper Carlos had his palms warmed by a stinging drive.
Carlos Lorente, aided and abetted by the useful Jesus David, continued to make a nuisance of himself, despite the fact that he often cut a lonely figure up front on his own. Custodian Carlos was called to action on the half-hour, when slick passing left the San Miguel forward oneon-one, but he saved well with his feet. From this point on, it was easy to feel that San Miguel were slowly growing in confidence and starting to apply pressure, but Monte stuck stoically to their task, breaking up any play before it started whilst attempting to find openings themselves.
The half petered out, but with the scores level, Monte were pleased with their efforts, at least in keeping San Miguel at bay whilst only creating half chances themselves.
HT: CD Montesinos 0 – 0 Racing San Miguel
At half time, Maccan was replaced by David, presumably due to injury. Within 5 minutes of the restart, Carlos again had to be sharp, saving from a oneon-one, San Miguel were slowly turning the screw and it was surely only a matter of time before Monte's luck ran out. On 70 minutes, with the game still finely balanced, Coach Ruben elected to swap Jesus David with midfielder German and immediately this almost paid dividends with Monte applying constant pressure on the San Miguel goal. But as often happens in these scenarios, while Monte were crowded in the attacking third, a slip by wing-back Daniel let in a breaking San Miguel attacker who raced into the empty space, drew Carlos, and passed to a team-mate to slide the ball home. Both the team and the mainly Monte crowd were horrified. Surely, given the reputation of their opponents, there would be no way back for the boys in Red and White.
But, far from lying down, the goal spurred on Monte and they raised their game yet again, chasing and harrying and generally making their opposition uncomfortable in all areas of the pitch. On the 77th minute their efforts were justly rewarded when a bout of intense Monte pressure, resulted in David nonchalantly clipping the ball with the outside of his left boot into the net. Cue delirious scenes both on and off the pitch. Monte had clawed their way back into the match.
San Miguel had paid the price for seemingly taking their foot of the gas and not giving their opposition some due respect. Now, with their slender lead gone, they upped the tempo again and pressured Monte, who were dropping deeper and deeper as the half ran to its conclusion.
On 88 minutes, to wind the clock down further, goalscorer David was replaced by Manuel Siguenza. But the ref (who incidentally, had an excellent game) still managed to find a further 5 minutes of stoppage time during which San Miguel desperately tried to find a winner. But Monte held firm, riding their luck at times, but stolid in protecting their hard won point.
Man of the Match selection Carlos yet again showed how invaluable his form is to this team, making a series of outstanding saves and generally calming a sometimes chaotic penalty area as the game ran out. I would go so far to say, he may have been the difference between drawing and losing in this game.
With other results not doing Monte any favours, anything from this game should be considered a bonus, but in a sense, the fighting performance clearly showed that this team has enough in its locker to stay the distance. The remaining games will prove to be interesting to say the least.
MATCH 28
CD Montesinos travel away to play C.F. Rafal on Saturday, April 13, kick-off time is 5.30pm. The stadium is Campo Municipal de Rafal, Calle Cristobel Colon, 45, Rafal. Travelling supporters to meet at Bar Tambalache at 4pm.