CD Montesinos on a St George's Day charge against Pinoso CF

THIS was not our normal day for playing football, particularly when there is a lot of it on television, and this was reflected in the attendance, with our lowest gate of the season at just 121.

However with a bright, lateafternoon kick-off at 17.34, in very blustery conditions Monte took advantage of winning the toss and decided to play with the wind, and the lowering sun behind them, and it appeared to pay-off, as they were on a charge from the very beginning, having a corner-kick within three minutes, and the away goalkeeper pushing the ball over the top. However, Monte was on a roll, and within two more minutes they had their first free-kick of the game, which came to no avail. Monte continued the attack and after 12 minutes had their second free-kick.

It was all attack by a CD Montesinos side that started the match in seventh position against a side that was fourth.

It was 15 minutes into the game before Pinoso managed to launch an attack, which was easily covered by Carlos in goal, who had his first touch of the ball.

Monte, who have been both Jekyll & Hyde all season, were certainly Dr Jekyll today, and continued to attack, and on 19 minutes Arturo got away, but hit his shot over the bar. This is closely followed on 21 minutes with Paco hitting the ball straight at the Pinoso goalkeeper. Almost immediately after Pato, our leading goal scorer, made the goalkeeper turn the ball round the post for a cornerkick.

It was very obvious that it wouldn't be too long before Montesinos scored, and on 23 minutes Girona beat everyone, 1-0 Monte!

On 29 minutes, Fernando got a kicked ball in the face and a short stoppage time occurred for him to recover. Almost immediately after, Pinoso made an attack but the referee was on the ball and gave an offside decision. However, they continued to attack and got their first corner on 31 minutes, which was to no avail.

CD Montesinos continued to attack, and Pato got away clear with just the keeper to beat. He kicked the ball over his head, but it was swept up by the wind and went out of play just as we were thinking it was 2-0. Not to worry though, as on 37 minutes Girona was on the attack again and finished nicely… now it really was 2-0.

Shortly after, the Pinoso number 5 got an injury to his shoulder which resulted, after a considerable amount of time, in him leaving the pitch after 49 minutes.

Upon the restart, Pato was away with the goalkeeper out of position, but missed with an empty net in front of him.

Half-time was called after 57 minutes with the score at 2-0 and Monte very much in control of the game.

The second half got underway at 18.47, and home team immediately exchanged Carlos in goal for Sergio.

Also, an ambulance was called for the Pinoso player who injured his shoulder earlier, but after treatment it left the ground empty. Thank goodness.

The second half was a little more open, and on 60 minutes Monte replaced Paco for Damian. The home team continued to push forward and again, on 61 minutes, Pato was clear with just the goalie to beat, but the keeper pushed the shot round for a corner.

Several changes began to take place with Fernando being replaced with a leg injury on 67 minutes by Son.

On 74 minutes Pato is fouled and took a free-kick that just missed the goal.

More changes took place, with Girona being replaced by Vicente, and Arturo off to be replaced by Maccan.

With Damian on, when there were free-kicks and corners he showed his skill with some great striking of the ball, but goals were not forthcoming, with him missing the goal in the 80th minute and 86th minute, when he kicked over the bar.

Monte continued to attack and just before the end Maccan was away clear, but brought down in the penalty area - but no penalty given! On the whole I thought the referee had had a pretty good game, having made some good decisions and some bad - this being one of the bad ones.

So, on 49 minutes the whistle was blown for full-time and CD Montesinos reversed the 2-0 loss they incurred way back on November 28.

It has to be said, today Monte was the ‘bees' knees’ and had Pato been more clinical the score could have been more.

The man of the match, selected by sponsors Bryan and Derek, was Girona.

On Sunday, May 1 at 17.30, CD Montesinos are away to local rivals CD Benijófar.

Travelling supporters to leave Bar Rives at about 16.30.

Don't forget to take out or renew your Full Monte membership with Mick, any committee member, or at thefullmonte2011@hotmail.com and ask about the merchandise on sale.

Also, check-out CD Montesinos on Facebook and JJ’s Predictor League.

The Monte Mentals Walking Football Club of Los Montesinos, and The Cauldron Petanca Club in association with Torregolf.Eu are proud supporters of The Full Monte and CD Montesinos.

Vamos Monte.