Daya Nueva 0 v. CF Popular Orihuela 2
This evening Daya entertained Popular Orihuela and the word Popular was certainly apt as they brought a huge contingent of supporters with them. They had banners, flags, slogans and drums and kept up a racket from start to finish.
They even had four private security guards which was very concerning. Daya faced into the full force of the wind and struggled with the long high balls being pumped upfield by Orihuela making it difficult for Daya to get a grip on the game.
On five minutes Daya carved out a great opportunity but the keeper made a fine save. Then three minutes later the visitors created a good chance themselves forcing Kepe into making a good double save. On twelve minutes Orihuela opened the scoring with a well worked move and a good finish but Daya’s defence could and should have dealt better with the initial build up to the goal. The visitors began to pile on the pressure assisted by the fierce wind.
Kepe made a good save on eighteen minutes to keep Daya from going further behind. Daya responded well and took the game to their opponents but it was tough against the horrendous wind. Orihuela did look the more likely to score but were guilty of poor finishing. On thirty five minutes Josue found himself with only the Orihuela keeper to beat but his tame shot was easy saved. The home side were ending the first half playing their best football of the game so far. So just 1-0 at the break which was very encouraging in these conditions.
The restart was just minutes old when Daya (now with the wind behind them) won a free kick just outside their opponents penalty area but the kick was easily saved. Another free kick for Daya followed moments later but did not trouble the keeper. Orihuela hit back immediately with a quick break that saw a shot flash just wide. Daya did have the ball in the net but it was rightly ruled out for offside.
Daya were playing well at this stage but their opponents carried the greater goal threat. On sixty one minutes a great strike by Orihuela from some distance out cannoned back off the post with Kepe in goal stranded. Daya had a wonderful chance to equalize on sixty eight minutes but Alex wasted this golden opportunity.
Just minutes later following slopping defending Daya went 2-0 down and it would now be quite difficult for them to get anything from this game.
On eighty three minutes the visitors keeper made a great save to deny Daya a certain goal and what would have been their fiftieth goal of the season. So final score 2-0 and Daya can have no complaints about the result.
I am pleased to report that given the very large crowd of supporters and their constant chanting the security guards did not have to be called upon.
