San Fulgencio sent packing
HIGH-flying San Fulgencio, resplendently garbed in their acid pink strip, were the visitors to The Cauldron on Sunday, presumably expecting an easy three points. But CD Montesinos' topsy-turvy form threw a spanner in their works as they more than matched their opponents, and earned a well-deserved win.
It was clear to the watching crowd that San Fulgencio are clearly a very athletic, quick and well organised team, that occupy the upper reaches of the table on merit.
At times, Monte struggled to contain their slick, quick movement, passing and high pressure, opting instead to try and contain, rather than engage. Having said all that, the match was a game of attrition, with opportunities to score at a premium. It looked increasingly likely that only a mistake would break the deadlock. So it was San Fulgencio’s opener had more than an element of comic capers about it.
On the half hour, a free kick from the left eluded everyone, attackers and defenders alike, and plopped into the corner of the net, past a statuesque Carlos in the home team goal.
A shame really, as Monte had contained the best of their opponents up to then. However, a way back from this setback seemed unlikely as the half petered out.
Half time: CD Montesinos 0–1 CF Sporting de San Fulgencio
In a strange twist, the visiting team changed their tactics for the second half, presumably because they thought that the best defensive record in the league was enough to ensure the win, and ceded the middle of the park to Monte, who greedily occupied the space in which to work.
A result of this was the home team’s attacks became more frequent and potent, and just after the hour mark a scramble following a corner saw Johnny-onthe-spot, Victor stab home the leveller.
The swirling conditions saw Monte trying pot shots from all angles, most of which sailed harmlessly awry. But San Fulgencio looked a different team from the one that had dominated the first 45 minutes, almost as though they lacked the nous to pick apart the Reds' stalwart central pairing of Gocu and Victor. Luis and Pipo were starting to make decent inroads in the centre and on 82 minutes, some sterling hold up play up front by the ever-grafting Pato, saw Girona slide the ball past the advancing keeper from the right of the box.
Cue paroxysms of delight, both on the pitch and on the terraces as the Reds, to a man, celebrated the just rewards of their efforts.
This shock stirred their opponents however, and the remainder of the regulation time was a heroic rear-guard action by the whole Monte team.
This herculean effort was compounded by the, until then, fairly decent, referee, working in his own time bubble and finding an alarming (estimated) 14 minutes of added time to play. Monte, on the other hand, left everything on the pitch and as time (eventually) ran out, celebrated a famous and, to some, entirely unexpected victory.
Full time: CD Montesinos 2 – 1 CF Sporting de San Fulgencio
After The Whistle. In a word, consistency. Nothing more needs to be said.
Man of the Match award went to Luis, which was presented by Colin Reddish on behalf of Hugh Stewart.
On Sunday, March 13, CD Montesinos are playing away against CF Sporting Albatera, kick-off is 17.00.
Travelling supporters to meet at Bar Rives, Los Montesinos at 15.45.
Monte on their current form should win this one to repay Albatera for the defeat at Monte's home ground.