CD Montesinos
It's going down to the wire
Team: Carlos, Dimitry, Manu, Morante, Alex, Carlos Lorente, Adrian, Maccan, German, Diego, Daniel.
Subs: Diego, Fernando, Jesus, Febas, Manuel.
CD Montesinos along with a loyal band of 50 plus supporters made the short journey down the CV91 in search of the points that should, perhaps, guarantee their tenure in the division. Having turned Rafal over 2-0 earlier in the season, Monte were obviously looking for a similar result this time out. Again, a virtually unchanged side took the field, just a shuffle with the bench, with some players obviously rested. Vaz continues to be absent and one wonders if he has played his last game, for this season at least.
In a largely forgettable first half, it was Rafal who held the upper hand for most of the 45. Their defence coping comfortably with the high, hopeful, long balls pumped in their direction. The Monte midfield were largely bypassed and seemingly only there to break up Rafal play. The opposition were busy and energetic, with two giants up front keeping the centre back trio of Dimitry, Morante and Manuel on their toes. Keeper Carlos kept his usual high standards, saving yet another one to one situation early on. Surely a strong contender for player of the year?
Another possible challenger for that award would be the seemingly tireless Carlos Lorente, who, on 12 minutes, almost single handedly broke the deadlock with a determined run only for his shot to hit the side netting. Rafal did have the ball in the net on 26 minutes, but it was clearly offside. The half ended with Alex poking a half shot against the base of the post after some dogged determination to win the loose ball. Overall, a largely forgettable half of what can only be loosely described as football, with both teams looking not to lose rather than make an effort to win.
HT: CF Rafal 0 – 0 CD Montesinos
Sadly, the second period commenced with more of the same, the game stuttering to get started and no real flow to it from both sides. A half time substitution saw Daniel replaced by veteran Fernando, a clear attempt to shore up the back. Further changes saw a tired looking Diego swapped for David.
On 69 minutes, a breakthrough! Another hopeful punt up-field saw Alex win a header against a much taller opponent, flicking the ball onto Carlos Lorente, who advanced smartly and slid the ball beneath the advancing goalie. A fantastic goal and very much against the general flow of the game. Could Monte hold fast and secure the much needed win? Rafal, clearly stung by the goal, pressed forward yet again with, it has to be said, some very aggressive and occasionally, dangerous play. Monte changed Maccan for Jesus David to try and stem the one way flow, but he too was soon on the back foot along with the rest of the rapidly retreating midfield. On 81 minutes, Rafal were unlucky to see a swiped shot hit the outside of the post and go out. They were getting closer with each foray forward.
As legs tired on both sides, a hobbling German was replaced by Manuel Siguenza. Hopefully his “knock” won't be too serious, he'll be needed for the remaining battles to come. However, just when Monte thought they had weathered the worst of the storm, yet another piece of sloppy defending (seen all too often this season) allowed Rafal to equalise on 86 minutes. Multiple chances to clear the loose ball were squandered by limp defending and the quicker reactions of the Rafal player allowed him to poke the ball home from close range. The home crowd, clearly relieved, celebrated like they had just gone ahead.
Despite the referee finding a further 5 minutes of extra time, neither side had either the energy nor had wit to add further goals to what been, overall, a mostly unenjoyable game of football.
The final two games of the season, both against difficult opponents, will decide Monte's fate along with the results of other teams around them, but, this Jekyll & Hyde team will have to make sure that it's the more aggressive and purposeful of that pair who turn up, if they are to ultimately survive.
Due to the Easter celebrations, Monte have an almost two break before their next “home” game against promotion hopefuls, Murada. The game will be played at a time, date and place to be decided. Details will be forwarded when known.