CD THADER – 2 CATRAL CF – 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD
Although having played their final league match some 3 weeks ago, Thader´s competitive involvement is far from over. This is because for the first time ever, they have entered the Copa San Pedro (77th) (Alicante region), which entails a minimum of 3 matches.
Initially, it will be played in a 4-team group, then the top 2 teams will progress further. In Thader´s group are Torrellano, Santa Pola and their first opponents, Catral, from the Preferente division.
As Moi Gomez Stadium was being used for a youth tournament, last Wednesday´s night match was played at Formentera.
Manager Raul Mora has been a busy man since the seasons end, having signed no less than 4 new players.
Defenders Cristian Botella, Hector Beltran and Pepe Illescas have been recruited alongside midfielder Sebas Gelardo. Only Pepe of these new signings was on display for the tournaments opening match. Also appearing as a guest player (presumably out of contract) was ex Thader fans favourite Rosquin.
The hosts started the match like bats out of hell, creating space for Precious to strike a beauty from just inside the box, which unfortunately for the skilful midfielder, slammed against the crossbar before bouncing to safety.
Some 10 mins later, Catral striker Gomez tried his luck from a similar distance, which luckily missed the upright by a fag paper.
Shortly afterwards, that man Precious was at it again, this time his goal bound shot was deflected behind for a corner. Livewire Precious should have done better on 28 mins, when from a pinpoint cross from the right, he headed agonisingly over the bar from 10 yards out.
Thader deservedly took the lead on the half hour mark, courtesy of a 25-yard free kick, superbly dispatched by captain Fran.
It could easily have been 2-0 on the stroke of half time, had Roquin’s curling drive, which hit the inside of the post, taken an inwards instead of an outwards trajectory.
It took only 7 second half minutes for Catral to level the scores. With Thader´s defence seemingly asleep, a pinpoint assist from the right, found an unmarked Enrique, who having rounded Thader´s goalkeeper Sergio, calmly side footed the ball into an empty net.
When Luke received a 2nd yellow card for a last-ditch foul on 72 mins, Catral’s task of finding a 2nd goal became that much harder. So, when on 82 mins, following a shot which was parried into the path of Thader sub, Amin, it was not surprising to witness the net bulging, followed by exuberant celebrations by the young striker.
Next up for Thader is a short trip to another Preferente league side, Santa Pola. This Copa San Pedro fixture will be on Wednesday 11 June, at their main stadium, with an 8.30 pm ko.
