|
STUNNED silence greeted the final whistle as CD Javea suffered a second successive defeat and fell further behind in the race for a play-off spot. Yet the performance was far more encouraging than the debacle down in Santa Pola and the rojiblancos were simply outclassed and outplayed in almost every position by an opposition that remains unbeaten and takes a strong command at the top of the table. With a limited budget affording limited options, coach Kenny Brown will need to find that magical touch to lift his players for next weekend’s local derby against Calpe CF, although the same amount of passion and commitment might just see the right result. But, for now, Javea have to contend with the uncomfortable feeling of a first defeat at home this season.
Alicante CF “B”, relegated from the Third Division at the end of last season, have made their intention to make an immediate return well known in recent weeks. Still unbeaten, they smashed six goals past local rivals Hercules CF “B” the previous weekend and arrived in Javea in buoyant mood. By contrast, the rojiblancos needed to lift themselves after the miserable capitulation down in Santa Pola and there was no reason that the strong team spirit would suggest otherwise. Yet as soon as the opening seconds ticked away, it was clear that Javea was up against an enormous task as Alicante took early control of the game.
However it was the home side who would have the first clear shot of the game when a period of pressure resulted in centre-half Jorge having the confidence to come forward and blast a loose ball goalward but straight at the keeper. As Alicante absorbed pressure, they drove forward, taking advantage of a clear weakness down the right flank where youngster Rubén Serrio was struggling to contain the tricky Baggio. Midway through the second-half, Alicante won a free-kick on the edge of the area but lumbering centre-half De La Vega blasted his effort high and wide, much to the delight of the home fans.
A minute later and Alicante took an inevitable lead. Once again, Baggio had the better of Rubén Serrio and cut inside from the right to charge into the box and fire a low shot across the diving Ortolá and into the bottom left-hand side of the net. Javea tried to lift their game and discipline started to suffer as the pint-sized official refused to let passion control the game, booking a succession of frustrated home players. The rojiblancos were on the back foot as Alicante swept forward and almost doubled their advantage when Pablo failed to clear on the left-hand side of the goal, allowing Forte to sweep in and fire from an acute angle but his effort shaved the bar and bounced back into the box where it was clear by a panicked defence.
Javea lost their cool and Javi, Rubén Pla and Rubén Serrio were all booked in close succession. As the game drew towards half-time, Alicante forced an error from Juanma and Forte chased the ball to fire past Ortolá from long-range and doubled the advantage for the visitors. Heads dropped, both on and off the pitch, as the players trudged off for the break. The rojiblancos were being outplayed by a far superior side and would need to work harder than they ever have this campaign to get back into the game.
The second-half brought little respite in both the pressure from Alicante and bookings from the referee, both gnawing away at the confidence of the players. Midway through the second-half Alicante bundled the ball into the net but the effort was disallowed, much to the relief of the home fans. Alicante’s Juan was becoming a bit of a handful down the centre and should have scored when he broke free of Jorge but blazed his effort well wide of the left post.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Javea had their first shot of the second period when Puncho pounced on a loose ball just outside the area and fired a powerful effort towards goal but the keeper was able to comfortable block the ball with his chest; that was more or less the final effort of the game from either side. Alicante gently eased off the throttle, knowing that the game was won, whilst the rojiblancos began to run out of steam. Carlo came on for Ribes, looking to find and exploit any gap in the right-flank but he was kept in check with ease and any threat was soon snuffed out and the game ended in silence as the rojiblancos crashed to their first home defeat of the season.
CD JAVEA: Ortolá; Iborra (Chili); Jorge; Juanma; Rubén Serrió; Puncho; Pablo; Rubén Pla; Ribes (Carlo); Javi (Álex Cuadrado); Juanito.
Report: Mike Smith
www.javeamigos.com VIEW FROM THE TOP
CD JÁVEA PRESIDENT MARK CATLIN GIVES HIS FRANK VIEWS ON THE WEEKS EVENTS AT THE CLUB
NEXT GAME: CD Jávea versus Calpe, Away, Sunday 11th November, 4pm (TBC). CD Jávea suffer a second successive defeat, are the alarm bells ringing? Not from me!
After this weeks game, unusually, I entered the dressing room and spoke to the players. No ranting and raving, and explained to them that I had belief in each and every one of them. It was not for show, I meant it. OK, we have lost 2 games in a row, and I HATE losing anything, but football is not about one or two games, it’s about how the team performs during the whole season that matters. You choose your ‘team’ and you stick with, and more importantly, work with, what you have got and if you work true then in my experience it comes good for you.
I am amazed to see that Newcastle supporters, for example, are calling for the head of Sam Allerdyce. For me he is one of the best managers currently working in football, and if Newcastle give him time then I am sure that the club will go on and break the 4 team ‘stranglehold’ we currently have in the English Premier league. The problem with the game today, especially in Spain, is the demands for instant success. I read at the weekend that in the ‘premier’ league in Brazil something like 36 managers have been sacked in the last 2 seasons. I find this amazing, and how can you build a team when every month or so you are taking away the foundations of the team? I have stated from the start of the season that this team will make a serious assault for promotion NEXT SEASON. If we are in a position for the play-off’s then of course we will give everything we have to go for it, but this seasons ‘project’ was about stability, and working with the core of players that we want at the club for the next 4 years.
Next week we take on Calpe in what should be a cracking game, I know how much the last 2 defeats have hurt everyone at the club, but I am convinced that we will ‘get back on the bike’ and start winning again! ¡¡¡¡VAMOS JÁVEA!!!!! If you have any issues or ideas regarding the club, Mark can be contacted on 901 888 666 (local rate) or
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
alternatively the official club website can be found at www.cdjavea.com |
