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MATCH REPORT JORNADA 16
Sunday 6th January 2008
CD JAVEA 3 MONOVAR CD 1
Author: Mike Smith
Photograph by Fay Hughes

CD JAVEA rang in the New Year with a spirited second-half comeback to keep their play-off hopes very much alive. Two goals in quick succession from Javi cancelled out a first-half opener from the visitors and the young striker was very much involved in the third as his tricky work down the left-hand side of the box caused plenty of confusion in the visiting defence and ultimately led to a haplass defender directing the ball into his own net to put the rojiblancos very much in command of the game. But for more woeful finishing in front of goal, this might have been a rout in front of an increasingly boisterous crowd boosted by those inquisitive enough to make their first visit after the club's special appearance on Sky Sports earlier in the week. The first half would be best forgotten but the second 45 minutes demonstrated just why CD Javea can be considered one of the more exciting teams on the Costa Blanca this season.

After the miserable defeat at UD Altea just before Christmas, CD Javea needed to lift themselves and play to their potential to keep the season alive. The two-week break helped the squad recover enough to allow coach Kenny Brown to pick from a greater number but there was no Carlos Ribes or centre-half Jorge and with popular local lad Julio Ivorra sitting with the fans in the stand, the defence had a decidely make-shift look about it. Tenacious midfielder Ruben Pla was handed the task of temporary right-back with Chili still not fully recovered from his bout of sickness but it was refreshing to see tricky winger Carlo returning to the starting line-up after his enforced absence through injury.

Monovar CD arrived with a bounce in the step and, roared on by the travelling army of one, they took the game straight to the home side, something which the rojiblancos would normally absorb with some ease with a full-strength side but struggled to contain without it. However Javea would have their moments in the first 45 minutes and skipper Jose Luis should have done much better with a long-range strike from 25 yards that might have put the home side into the lead but instead caused more concern to the supporters standing some ten yards wide of the goal who scattered in dramatic fashion as the ball was blasted in their direction.

Midway through the opening half, with Monovar continuing to apply pressure, they took the inevitable lead when Ońi fired past custodian Ortolá to spark passionate celebrations from their lone supporter in the stand, who turned in all directions to locate someone to hug without success and had to be content with more individual hand-waving.

The rojiblancos needed to lift their game quickly as Monovar took confidence from the strike and played with more passion. A succession of tackles gave the game an annoying 'stop-start' appearance with another decidedly awkward referee struggling to make the right decision to keep the game flowing. Ten minutes from time, a flurry of activity in front of the Monovar goal resulted in a strong call for a penalty. As the ball was cleared in panic by the goalkeeper, all hell broke loose as at least a dozen players from both sides chased the official around the pitch whilst the linesman flagged like someone hailing a taxi on the far side. One of Monovar's players rushed to the bench, blood apparently pouring from a head wound, whilst the game de-generated into farce as the players shoved and pushed each other whilst awaiting the result of the debate between referee and his assistant. The home crowd, as partisan as ever, screamed for a penalty; the referee made his decision - and confusingly awarded a goal-kick.

Just before half-time Javea started to apply the pressure and Javi produced some great skill on the edge of the box, flicking the ball over his head and that of his marker, before spinning a half-turn and meeting the dropping ball perfectly to force the keeper into a save a full-stretch; has the ball nestled in the back of the net, it might just have been a contender for goal of the season.

The second-half opened with more determination from both the players and the fans in the stand. Within three minutes Javi had brought the rojiblancos level with a great strike from 12 yards and then put the home side into the lead two minutes later. It was CD Javea's turn to look bouyant and the visitors to chase the game. The addition of Stormin' Norman gave the side a sharper look and the rojiblancos edged further into the lead when Sergio diverted the ball into his own net as the visitor's defence crumbled under the pressure. Javea were starting to look like the side that has been so entertaining this season and the modest crowd anticipated a rout.

Both Puncho and Juanito had two great chances to open up a wider gap in the scoreline whilst, at the end of the pitch, Juanma was leading the defensive live well enough to leave goalkeeper Ortolá with little to do during the latter stages of the game. It was an exciting end to the game but disappointingly devoid of more goals that would have done wonders for the goal difference column. It was an encouraging performance and put everyone into a confident mood for two successive away games at Albatera and Pinoso.