CD SEGORBE – 0 CD TORREVIEJA – 3 ……… by STEVE HIBBERD
Much has been written of the imminent demise of CD Torrevieja, but on the evidence of their last 2 stunning performances, no one´s
told the players. Inside the very impressive El Sisterre Stadium, deep in the mountainous region of Castellon, Torry´s young guns once again showed just how much it means for them to play for the club, and the soon to be appointed manager Pedreno. Their unlimited supply of energy fuelled non stop running, even though some were carrying slight knocks, which at long last was rewarded by clinical finishing of the highest order.
Add to that the first clean sheet of the season, and you have a recipe for success, which up to now has been largely missing so far this season. The return of Vicente from suspension was instrumental in the victory, for his hunger to succeed is infectious. And hopefully this is just the start of the long road to survival, for new arrivals will be on show as soon as international clearance has been received, maybe in time for the next match?
Having said all that, the game could have had a very different outcome, had the hosts converted a 3rd min penalty, the 7th Torry have conceded this season! Juanmi quite clearly tripped his man inside the box, but thankfully the resultant spot kick was blasted high into the clear bright Valencian sky. On 10 mins, Juanmi pussy footed with the ball, got dispossessed, and only a superb block tackle by Carrasco prevented a certain goal.
Constant pressure by Segorbe was finally broken when Luis Carlos crossed to Lewis who hesitated, but the defenders strong back pass required an excellent save to prevent an own goal. Torry were now in the ascendancy, earning 4 corners in quick succession, before eventually taking the lead. Luis Carlos executed a tasty assist to Pastor on 42 mins, who from fully 25 yards out, curled an exquisite shot past the keepers outstretched fingers, just inside the angle of post and cross bar. What a goal to savour during the half time period.
It took until the hour mark before the 2nd half came alive, when a cross from the right beat keeper Buba, but thankfully none of the marauding home strikers could poke it home. Buba again came to his sides rescue on 65 mins, this time he acrobatically tipped a goal bound effort over the bar, then from the next attack, got down well to palm away a low drive.
Back came Torry, Hugo could only watch as his header was cleared off the line, then on 71 mins they doubled the advantage. Sub Damian found Pastor, who nonchalantly chipped a defender, before smashing home the ball on the half volley, giving him a thoroughly deserved brace. Twas all Torry now, for on 75 mins, a Lewis 20 yard free kick rattled the upright before bouncing to safety. Shortly afterwards he just missed the target from a similar distance, before Matheus latched onto a back pass then stroked the ball past Segorbe’s keeper. Credit has to be given to ref Lopez Merino, for although his linesman had flagged for offside, he correctly waved aside protests and awarded the goal.
On Sun 6 Nov, ko 5pm, Torry are at home to new boys Silla at the Nelson Mandela Stadium.
