Unbeaten Torry faced not only winless, but pointless UD Ilicitana, in their 5th match back in the Preferente division. Manager Pedreño who had successfully navigated his side to 3 victories and a draw, was quietly confident of maintaining the status quo on Sunday evening at Vicente Garcia Stadium.
His squad’s ranks had been swelled last week by the arrival of Manu Vidal from Sant Julia, who play in the Andorran first division.
The 27 year old Argentinian will now battle it out with fellow goal keepers Mauro and Buyo, for a starting spot in this key position.
With Ilicitano strangling the life out of their toothless hosts in the opening 45, only Santi’s sole half-volley troubled Alex in the visitor’s goal midway through the half, with little else to note during the whole of the period.
Manu Amores was found wanting positionally from several crosses while Juanpe had none of the energy we have seen him display in `previous games.
So as expected Pedreño laid into Torrevieja’s flaky attack at half time after a very poor Vicente Garcia first half performance, accusing some of his players of disappearing against bottom of the table Ilicitano.
I would like to say that Torry returned with a change in mentality, piling on the pressure from the outset, but if anything, exactly the opposite was the case as the visitors took the game to their hosts.
Indeed but for a couple of Buyo saves Ilicitano could have taken the points despite being reduced to ten following two yellow cards for Chris.
The Torry performance wasn’t just disappointing, it was like waiting for a present from mum and dad when you were just a young child and you still believed in Father Christmas, only to find that there is no present after all… and you’re only getting Brussel sprouts for your Christmas dinner.
The only consolation being that it was not cold and wet
Next weekend Torry travel the 70km north to another team that already looks to be fighting relegation, Montforte CF, who have played both of their previous home games on a Saturday. Keep an eye on the club website for details.
