MATCH PREVIEW: CD Jávea v Ontinyent 1931 CF – We need YOUR support!

Friday 19th May 2023
Mike Smith with Xábia AL DÍA

Just 90 minutes of football remains of the 2022/2023 season and CD Jávea will be playing for a spot in the inaugural LLIGA COMUNITAT next season in a tough home game against champions-elect Ontinyent 1931 CF. Having been second from bottom at Christmas, the rojiblancos have enjoyed a stunning second half of the season under the direction of head coach Julio Ivorra to push themselves into the TOP8.

But it’s not quite job done just yet. Avoiding defeat must be the primary objective, for the only challengers to that TOP8 spot are CF UD Calpe, three points behind, enjoying a slightly better goal difference, and with a “home” game against lowly UD Canals to negotiate. Led by former Jávea head coach Lauro Techeira, the Calpinos have had their own great run at the end of the season, their last five game form only beaten by CD Jávea, and their stunning 5-0 win at SD Sueca placed them in a confident position for the final round of games.

Although it has not yet been officially confirmed, there are already suggestions that the team that finishes ninth could also be part of the LLIGA COMUNITAT next season. During the summer, there is a potential reorganisation of the Tercera Federación, which would see the leagues increased form 16 to 18 teams, subject to RFEF approval. Depending on this reorganisation and relegations of Valencian teams higher up the pyramid, there are two scenarios which would either see all teams who finish in ninth spot or the best three teams finishing ninth joining the LLIGA COMUNITAT. We’ll have to wait until next month to find out what will happen but we can’t rely on that “back door” option.

So, the importance of the game is clear. And the board of directors at CD Jávea have responded by throwing open the gates of the football ground and offering FREE entry to everyone to come along and join the valuable 12th player, roaring on the rojiblancos from the stand. The atmosphere at the past few home games has been fantastic and surely contributed in some way to the victories against some strong sides positioned higher in the league.

Xàbia AL DÍA spoke with head coach Julio Ivorra as he prepared his side for this vital game:

XAD: It was a shame not to get the three points in Tavernes, the penalties were treacherous for your team.

Ivorra: Yes, we missed two penalties again. I can’t blame the team for anything because we tried until the end and as a result of that push we managed to tie a few minutes from finishing. We played against a good team like Tavernes, at home, and we got a good point. We knew it was hard to win.

XAD: This week the board of directors has decided that the entrance is free for all, more than ever the support of the fans is needed.

I have no doubt that on Sunday we will have all our fans giving us that last breath.

XAD: Ontinyent is the Super Leader of the Preferente, with everything done (with regards to the league) and they are now waiting to compete in promotion play-offs. Surely they will just play out the season.

Ontinyent is a real team. It doesn’t matter who plays. All their players are very good and they will want to say goodbye with a good taste in their mouths. We do not expect any gift from anyone.

XAD: What is the situation with the squad for Sunday?

This Sunday Adrián Ramis returns but we will be without Pako, not only due to his injury picked up in Tavernes, but also because he is suspended.

XAD: It is not official but it is suggested that ninth place is also to play next season in the new category. How are you going to explain to the players that you have to fight until the end to get eighth place?

I have nothing to explain to you. We are all filled with hope of finishing in the position to join the new category. In December we would have given anything to reach the last game with options to get in, even knowing that the rival was going to be Ontinyent. We live to enjoy games like these. It makes me quite envious not being able to be the one who puts on my boots and plays. Whatever happens, the second half of the season has been spectacular. I thank my players and I hope they enjoy the atmosphere on Sunday.