SC TORREVIEJA 2-1 NOVELDA CF
Torry welcomed Novelda to the Esteban Rosado knowing they needed nothing less than a victory, after league leaders Murada had put Villajoyosa to the sword on the previous day, but with Ramiro and Jose Toro back from injury, and new signing Toni Antón on the bench, Gil was able to start with a full strength squad.
Any hopes they had of an easy ride, however, were soon put to bed as a 30-yard strike from the visitors shaved the top of the woodwork in the opening seconds of the game.
A scrappy opening period followed Novelda’s early chance with Torry shading possession, but with nothing to show. Indeed, it took a full half hour before the home side had even a glimpse on goal when left back Gombo was pushed just a little too wide as he rounded Amann in the visitors goal.
Unfortunately, that was the full backs last contribution as an injury saw his replacement by Kevin just moments later.
Novelda thought that they’d taken the lead 5 minutes prior to the break as Jorge Carmona was caught out for pace. As the Novelda striker ran in on goal, Maxi came off his line as the ball was dinked past the Torrevieja stopper, but Jose Toro never gave up and was able to clear the ball off the goal-line with a desperate sliding clearance.
Then, with the interval beckoning, great work from Manu Amores to earn the home side a penalty, as he knocked the ball into the box with the centre back using his hand to block the cross. From the resultant spot kick Lewis sent Amann the wrong way to give Torry a rather fortunate half time lead.
The second period got under way, again with a glorious opportunity for Novelda after Carmona was dispossessed in the corner. The ball was squared to the striker only 8-yards out, but the shot is rushed and sliced well over the bar.
Replacing Fran Diez, newcomer Toni Anton was introduced for his Torry debut just prior to the hour mark but Novelda continued to be the team on the front foot. Two good opportunities in quick succession had Torry saved by the crossbar once again, before a great save by a fully stretched Maxi saw the keeper push a well hit shot over the bar.
As the game entered its final quarter there was no lack of ambition from Torry as Dani Muñoz and Montero were brought on for Luis Carlos and Omar.
We then saw a rare attack for Torry as long ball caught out the Novelda defence with Lewis breaking forward from the halfway line to go through on goal. Forced a little wide he could only slice his shot from a narrow angle.
Torry were able to double their lead on 84 minutes after Ramiro cleared the ball deep in his own half. It turned out to be a great through ball as Montero was through 1 on 1 with the keeper. The super sub waited for Amann to commit himself before calmly sliding it past him into the bottom corner.
We then had a nervy finish for Torrevieja as Novelda grabbed a late goal. The striker was given too much time in the Torry box and was able to turn and finish into the bottom corner. Fortunately, it was too little too late as the home side held on to see the game out.
All in all, a great result but a poor performance and although Torry will be delighted to have moved back to within 1 point of league leaders, Novelda will be driving north wondering how they didn’t leave with at least a point.
Chris Peach
Contact: torryarmyfootball@gmail.com
