CD THADER – 2   CFI ALICANTE – 0

Deprived of 6 regulars, Thader exceeded all expectations against high flying CFI Alicante on a sun-soaked Sunday, as they completed a double over their illustrious opponents.  Club captain Lloyd was suspended, whilst stalwarts Dani Lucas and Quino were carrying injuries.  Fresh from last weekend’s wash out, a goodly crowd was boosted by a large contingent of Alicante followers.

Thader forced 2 corners within the opening 3 mins, and although they came to nothing, early signs were promising.  CFI had a glorious opportunity to open the scoring after 5 mins, but from a corner, Esau headed over when he should have done better.

Miguel became the first of many bookings that ref Marinez administered, but more of that later.  Rosquin tried his luck from distance on 15 mins, but his effort was comfortably saved.

Javi chased down a loose ball from the next attack, but under pressure, he could only steer his shot just wide of the post. In first half stoppage time, when faced with a 1 on 1 with CFI keeper Raul, Calderon disappointingly missed the target.

A CFI back pass on 47 almost resulted in an own goal, but from the resultant corner, acting captain Juan rose high to head home off the post.  Pedro thought he’d doubled his teams tally on the hour mark, but alas his effort was ruled out for offside.

Three mins later, a cross cum shot by Esau eluded everyone before harmlessly rolling out for throw in to Thader.

Thader’s Oscar in action

CFI were now in the ascendancy, and on 74 mins, sub Santi shot just too high from 15 yards.  On as sub, Jony was causing CFI defence all kinds of problems, so much so that a first booking for them arrived on 83 mins.  On 85 mins, CFI striker Perez missed an absolute sitter, much to the relief of a casual Thader defence.

All hell broke loose on 88 mins, following Thader doubling their advantage.  When Ruben squared for Pedro to open his account for Thader, he did look suspiciously offside, but the goal was allowed to stand.

At least 4, maybe 5, CFI players were cautioned for dissent, then inexplicably Garcia was shown a straight red on advice from a linesman.  Down to 10 men, CFI were exposed at the back, allowing Jony to hit the cross bar, then from the rebound Ruben bundled the ball into the net, only for it to be disallowed for hand ball.

The post-match supporters belated Xmas lunch tasted all the more better, as glasses were raised for what is turning into a rather successful season, as Thader maintain their push for a play-off slot.

There are no Preferente division fixtures next weekend, although the postponed Novelda match has still to be rearranged, therefore a check on CD Thader facebook page is recommended.