Will the real Monte please stand up?

MATCH 14 saw the Reds facing close rivals in the division CF Rafal, and Monte's ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ season saw them ultimately prevailing by three goals to one, in what was a feisty but eminently watchable encounter.

It's a regular source of both bemusement and frustration for most supporters that the CD Montesinos can, at times, look like a side to be reckoned with and at other times, look bereft of ideas and ‘get up and go’. Well, on this showing, it was certainly more of the former.

The first half was a dingdong battle, with neither goalie being called into serious action apart from the few regulation saves.

There was though, a more incisive look and feel about Monte, Victor towered in defence, Pipo looked assured in a more forward midfield role than usual and even old warhorse, Fernando showed a ‘no frills but plenty of skills’ approach to his left back berth.

Although lacking in goals, the half skipped along merrily and was more than enjoyable to watch as each side poked and probed, trying to break the deadlock.

Surely, only a matter of time before one side or the other cracked.

Half-time: CD Montesinos 0–0 CF Rafal

The well wrapped up ranks of Montesinos fans didn't have long to wait for the breakthrough they desired, when early in the half, a phase of neat interplay down the left saw the hard-grafting Pato ping the ball into the corner for the opener and his fifth of the season. A delightful goal, not only as a just reward for the striker's endeavours, but because the play up to the goal was so, well… like the Monte we all know they can be.

Barely had the celebrations subsided when, following a glaring offside error by the man with the whistle, Rafal drew level, much against the run of play, it has to be said.

Did Monte revert to type? Did they park the bus for a muchneeded point? Nope, they carried on playing their football and on the hour were justly rewarded. Following a viciously whipped corner headed on by the ever-present Pato, Gocu was on hand at the back stick to poke home.

Monte very much in the ascendancy now and only by a mixture of bad luck and lastditch Rafal defending did they not add to their tally. Rafal's attacks comprised mainly of long balls into the channels or over the top, but eventual man of the match, Victor using his speed and strength, easily coped.

A swathe of clock-eating substitutions saw time run down, but still left enough in the tank for another clever series of onetwos on the left of the Rafal box, which saw the impish Paco slam home the loose ball to make it more than safe.

Full-time CD Montesinos 3–1 CF Rafal

OK, I'll go out on a limb and say on this form and playing like this, it's hard to see too many sides in this division holding Monte, but therein lies the problem. Frustratingly, we don't get this type of performance, in terms of endeavour and drive, week in week out despite the fact that we know we have the players to more than do it.

Also, I don't share the pessimistic view of some supporters, that Monte will be relegated this season. There is lots of football still to be played, I know, but if we can lift the level of consistency just a tad, we can more than cement our place at the top table.

Vamos Monte!

CD Montesinos are again at home on Sunday, January 30 to play Algueña CF, kick-off is at 16.30. This game is sponsored by Marco Stewart.