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MATCH REPORT JORNADA 14
Sunday 2nd December 2007
CD JAVEA 0 TORRELLANO CF 0
Author: Mike Smith

But for some poor finishing in front of goal, CD Javea might have been entering the Christmas period in a commanding position at the top of the Preferente table. Yet it is Torrellano CF who claim top spot and they can think themselves lucky that they have been given the opportunity to do so for they were completely dominated by the Javea side decimated by injuries, suspension and illness. Many walked away from the Campo d’Esports happy to have claimed a point against the rojiblancos bogey-side after many key players reported to the club either carrying injuries or tissues for running noses. Yet there was a feeling deep inside that, despite pre-match doubts, it should have been maximum points for CD Javea.

The rojiblancos took to the pitch with a confident air and immediately took the game to their opponents, sweeping the ball across the surface with some grace. Canari made a welcome return in midfield after an enforced absence due to injury, covering for the suspended Pablo and combined well with skipper Jose Luis to command the centre of the park. On the flanks the ever-popular Puncho and tenacious Carlos Ribes worked hard to expose any weaknesses; the former was having a great battle with the Torrellano left-back, one of the few players to have impressed the JAVEAMIGOS over the past couple of years.

Javea had the first real chance when Aldo floated a free-kick high into the area and the keeper had to leap to clearly palm it over the bar; the referee somehow awarded a goal-kick, much to the amazement of the home crowd; it would not be the first bizarre decision of the match. As Javea grew in confidence, both Alex Cuadrado and Javi had decent chances to open the scoring but their efforts flew well wide of the goal.

With ten minutes remaining in the first half. Canari’s return was cut short as he was carried off the pitch on a stretcher after suffering a reoccurrence of his hamstring problem; he was replaced by young Ruben Serrio, himself nursing recent surgery and being used at the very last resort by Kenny Brown.

As the first period drew to a close Javea should have taken the lead. An innocuous backpass lacked the necessary pace to reach the keeper and Carlos Ribes chased forward to force the custodian into an error. In the ensuing goalmouth scramble, a Torrellano hand, devoid of glove, appeared to punch the ball away to safety, a clear handball and the majority of those inside the stadium let the officials know. Yet the referee waved away all appeals and the half drew to a close goalless.

Torrellano came out fighting in the second period and might have snatched the lead within minutes when their pacy No.8 pounced on a mistake in defence and charged forward on goal, chased by Ruben Serrio. Goalkeeper Ortola advanced to try and give the attacker limited options but a collective breath was held for the inevitable. However the shooting inaccuracy didn’t just affect the home side and the ball was sliced just wide of the left-hand post.

Minutes later at the other end, Javi collected a superb through-ball from the ever-improving Aldo and jinked his way through the defence with comparative ease before letting himself down with a comedic shot that bounced a full goal-width wide of the target. Moments later Carlos Ribes managed to snatch a shot under pressure but his effort was collected easily by the keeper. In the last real chance of the game, Alex Cuadrado couldn’t quite find the accuracy of his shot and blasted another effort well wise.

Javea played extremely well, demonstrating just why their team spirit and will to win has seen them defy all expectations and nestle amongst the front-runners. Maximum points might have seen them top the table but just two defeats from the opening 14 games is a decent record for a squad built with a very limited budget.

After next weekend’s break for fiesta, CD Javea travel south to take UD Altea in the last match before the Christmas recess on Sunday 16th December, kick-off 4.00pm (to be confirmed). Altea are in all sorts of disarray at the moment, having lost not only their last three matches but also their commanding position at the top of the table. The rojiblancos will also arrive at the Garganes Stadium with the Sky Sports team in tow to finish the documentary on lower league football in Spain and the club is sponsoring exclusive transport on the official CD JAVEA team coach for all fans who wish to travel down to support the rojiblancos. Please contact us as soon as possible to claim a seat for just €5,00 return.