CD THADER – 3 NOVELDA UD – 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD
Talk about sunshine after the storm, for that aptly describes Thader Rojales all important victory, inside a red hot Moi Gomez stadium. The previous day had been a day from hell weather wise, but come Sunday, the gods were certainly looking down on Raul Mora and his men.
Throughout the season, they had been a Jekyll and Hyde side, recently dropping into the relegation zone, having appeared safe for the majority of the season. But, all of that is now history, for 2 great victories on the trot have meant a final 10th place finish, some 3 points off the drop – a suitable reward for all their endeavours.
Visitors Novelda were guaranteed a 5th place finish, having previously beaten Thader just before Xmas in the league, but Thader gained revenge in the cup only 2 weeks later.
Long serving stalwart Javi, donned the captains armband, for what is to be his last game for Thader. A fast and furious start to the match, saw Pablo shoot agonisingly wide of Novelda’s post after 10 mins. Ref Alberto Quiles controlled the game admirably, but on 13 mins, he was very lenient when giving Chaco only a yellow card for a nasty foul on Thader’s Berni. On 25 mins, a defensive mistake allowed Thader striker Guille a free run at goal.
With just the keeper to beat, he calmly slotted the ball past him with supreme confidence, giving the hosts a much needed early opening goal. Serhiy almost doubled the lead shortly afterwards, but his goal bound shot was brilliantly saved by the visiting keeper.
Not to be outdone, the hard working Ukrainian, found space inside the box, beat 3 players, before blasting the ball into the back of the net. Up until the 40th min, it had been one way traffic, but a lapse of concentration allowed Gato to score with Novelda’s first shot on target.
Serhiy almost secured a brace on 55 mins, but his free kick missed the target by a whisker. Back came Novelda, when an audacious punt from inside their own half by Gato, who noticed Jesus way off his line, fractionally went the wrong side of the far post. Novelda were by now piling on the pressure.
Strong appeals for a penalty for handball weren’t upheld, then Gato struck a 30-yard free kick inches over the bar. Thankfully, on 78 mins, sub Robin made sure of a well deserved victory, when having beat 2 players, he proceeded to tuck the ball home from close range, for goal number 3.
