UD PETRELENSE – 2 CD TORREVIEJA – 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD
Although Torry had recruited 3 new signings since last weeks debacle when their match was abandoned, unfortunately more players have left through the exit door. New signings Maicol, Ulises and Cristobel (keeper, but required to play in a wide role up front), made their debuts at rock bottom club Petrelense.
There were 100 fans inside the tiny El Barxell Stadium, where the hosts had failed to score, let alone win, for many a week. Once again, Torry were forced to field only 10 players, leaving manager Pedreño as the sole occupant of the visitors bench. But unlike the previous match, Torry gave their all, but alas fatigue took its toll in the dying minutes, denying them a share of the spoils they so richly deserved.
As you would expect, the extra man advantage from the outset was a huge physiological advantage for the hosts. Torry keeper Chus had to make no less than 7 important saves during a first half, in which the hosts failed to end their bleak scoring record. The 2nd half started in the same fashion, Chus saving point blank before the deflection hit a post.
Then the tide turned. Ref Martinez awarded a pen for the visitors, having spotted a blatant push on Tomi inside the box. Although Tomi’s spot kick was saved, he was alert enough to squeeze home the rebound on 65 mins.
Seven mins later, Josu should have doubled the lead, but when through on goal, he slammed his shot against the post. It took an inspired substitution by the hosts to turn the game on its head. On 85 mins, Joshua (who had been on the park only 20 mins) headed into an open net, then 3 mins later, the same player tucked the ball away at the far post from a headed assist.
Following an altercation (punch up) with the assistant manager of Petrelense, Josu was shown a straight red card, leaving Torry to complete the match with only 9 men.
So the bleak run continues, but more to the point is the total lack of information coming out of the club, especially from directors who seem to completely disregard the power of media. Next Sunday, 15 April ko 5pm, Torry take on top of the table Jove Español, at Vicente Garcia Stadium, hoping to show the fans more of the same, achieved in the win at Jove Español earlier in the season.
