CD Jávea go two points clear at the top of the table

Sunday 24th October 2021 – XÀBIA AL DÍA with Mike Smith

CD Jávea sit proud on the top of the table, two points clear of CF UE Tavernes who could only draw in La Nucia, after a victory against CD Contestano in a difficult game in which head coach Manuel Esteban had to put out a side missing influential defending trio, goalkeeper Edu, defender and skipper Cristian and the tough-tackling Paco.

In the end, the experience of Paolo and Caturla kept a solid defensive centre whilst Marcos and Llamas, who were making his debut for the club, did well enough down the flanks. In goal, reserve keeper Josep demonstrated clearly why he is a custodian who can be trusted, safe on high balls and brave in the face of danger when it is demanded.

The game ebbed and flowed with both sides capable of forcing attack. It was the home side who took the lead on 15 minutes after some good work from Alejandro down the left, the tricky midfielder crossing for Octavio to smash home without hesitancy. In the face of a determined opposition, Jávea found it difficult to work their way into the opposition box. But in the 25th minute, the rojiblancos got a break when Quintana broke free of his marker and charged on goal, only to be knocked down by the keeper; it seemed a clear penalty but Quintana recovered to push the ball into the back of the net, the goal stands and it’s 1-1.

Jávea rallied and made it difficult for the hosts to get anywhere near their goal, a solitary shot well stopped by Josep. At the other end, Quintana had a chance to double the advantage but his shot was deflected. And so, half-time arrived with the score tied.

The second half began with substitute Lucas going close to putting the home side ahead but his shot was too high and sailed harmlessly over the bar. Jávea began to apply pressure and their second -and winning – goal arrived after 55 minutes when a corner from Javí could only be pushed away by the home keeper, the ball falling to Héctor at the edge of the area who span around and smashed his shot through a crowded box to settle in the left side of the net.

The home side had their moments to equalise, Alejandro going close with his shot beating Josep but hitting the post. And then Jávea thought they had put the game beyond any doubt when Quintana scored but his effort was ruled out for an offside which only the official could see.

On 77 minutes, the home side was reduced to ten men when substitute Borja was shown a straight red for stepping on Javi, an offence that was seen by the linesman and communicated to the man in the middle for punishment. But the disadvantage didn’t deter Contestano and they had a couple of chances to equalise before, at the other end, debutant Llamas hit the bar and Javi hit the post. The final whistle arrived with Jávea claiming all three points.

CD Contestano. Otón, Javi, Arán (Lucas, 46′) Capsir (Marc, 67´’), Alejandro (Iñaki 80´’), Octavio, Alzina, Alex, Micó, Cremades y Sergi (Borja, 67´’). Subs not used: Ferri, Abad, Mantas.

CD Jávea. Josep, Marcos (Fran, 62´’) Caturla, Paolo, Llamas, Corbalán, Ferrán (Elián, 62’´), Javi (Álvaro, 90’´), Héctor, Tali y Quintana (Tomás, 82´’). Subs not used: Guardiola, Cabo.

Referee: Roberto Ramírez Martínez.
Assistant Referees: Lucas Boix Perez and

Yellow Cards:
20′ – Ferran (CD Jávea)
35′ – Fran (CD Jávea)
43′ – Javi (CD Jávea)
55′ – Héctor (CD Jávea)
60′ – Paya (CD Contestano)
77′ – Alzina (CD Contestano)
90′ – Mico (CD Contestano)

Red Cards:
77′ – Borja (CD Contestano)

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