CD JÁVEA 1 CALPE 0

THE SEASON came to an end with the euphoria of a win but also with the feeling that the campaign should have delivered so much more. Nine wins on the road is the best away record in the division and it can't be just coincidence that these victories have been recorded in front a healthy contingent of JAVEAMIGOS who have travelled to each and every game around the Alicante Province. However the disruption caused by the imposed exile to Dénia didn't help our home record, one of WORST of the season, although overall performances under former coach Franco Borrás were hardly convincing anyway. Alberto Araujo was brought in to try and repair the damage at the end of January and has done a great job to lift CD Jávea from the lower half of the table to finish in seventh position, just eight points adrift of the play-off zone and hopefully the club hierarchy will see sense and swiftly offer Alberto a contract for next season before he is snapped up by another club who acknowledge the remarkable potential of this young coach. CD Jávea stand at a cross-roads and it is up to the board of directors to make the right decision soon before it's too late.

Yet, for all the praise for coach Alberto, the match against Calpe CF was far from a classic encounter, having all the hallmarks of an end-of-season mid-table clash with nothing to play for but local pride. Played under a very hot sun and on another awful sand / gravel pitch, both sides struggled to take control on the game but the rojiblancos, roared by another sizeable travelling contingent in an otherwise disappointing crowd of barely 100, showed a bit more character in the boiling conditions, out to avenge the unlikely home defeat back in January, and fully deserved the narrow 1-0 victory.

Cebolla composes himself before firing home the penalty which won the game.

Accurate passing was very much at a premium during the opening twenty minutes as the ball bounced with little purpose around the centre of the dusty pitch. Striker Cebolla looked sharp, trying to open up the defence with some strong runs through the middle, but the ball steadfastly refused to leave the relative safety of midfield. Since the departure of Puncho and Piter earlier in the season, the flanks have been far from effective at times, although young Dino, fresh from his training session with Manchester City's visiting youth side, worked hard to try and open a gap down the right-hand side. Over on the other side former Calpe player Julio Vivancos huffed and puffed with little effect as the home defence worked hard to contain the pressure.

It was Calpe who had the first real effort on goal in an otherwise dull first-half. Young twin Carlos was having a difficult time containing increasing forays down the right-hand side and eventually allowed Lauro to steal through with the ball but his snatched shot blazed across the face of the goal and just wide of the left-hand upright. A few minutes later goalkeeper Aurelio had to be on hand to leap at full-stretch to palm a splendid effort around the post. As has been the case through much of the season, it needed such a sustained period of pressure from the opposition to persuade the rojiblancos to lift a gear and they began to take control of the game in the latter stages of the first-half and both Cebolla and Costa were unlucky not to give Jávea the lead with almost carbon-copy effort from distance which sailed inches either side of the goal.

The second-half brought renewed effort from the rojiblancos, putting the tiring home side under increasing pressure down the flanks. Popular striker Álex Cuadrado leapt from the bench to lend his unique style to the attack whilst midfielder Carlos García was brought on to ease open the stalemate in the centre of the park. The occasion foray by the home side was easily snuffed out by the centre-back pairing of Vilamayor and Iborra and as the minutes ticked passed it really was matter of time before the increasingly dull deadlock was broken by Jávea. Cebolla was hauled down by a desperate defence inside the area and the referee really had no other option than to hand out a caution to the floored defender and a penalty-kick to the pony-tailed striker, dusting himself down before placing the ball on the spot. The custodian leapt into thin air to his left and Cebolla smashed the ball to the other side to record his seventh goal in five games and his eleventh overall, finishing the season once again as the club's top scorer.

The encounter fizzled out as the fans in the sparsely-populated main stand celebrated in the warm evening sunshine. Calpe had no response left in their tank and the game moved back into the centre of the park for a brief period of pinball before the referee finally brought the game - and the 2005/06 season - to an end. Led by skipper Jose Luis, the players collected in the centre circle and purposely applauded the travelling army of JAVEAMIGOS. It has been a long journey since the opening game of the season back in September but both parties appreciated the efforts of each other during what has been a disappointing campaign. But I think everyone concerned will agree that it's been a great first year for the Peña JAVEAMIGOS and I know that we are already looking to the new campaign in September!

CD JAVEA: Aurelio 7; Vilamayor 7; Jose Luis 7 (Juanma – 6); Abad 7; Iborra 7; Vivancos 7 (Carlos García – 6); Dino 7; Cebolla 7; Alfonso 6 (Salva – 6); Carlos 7; Costa 7 (Alex – 6)

Man-of-the Match: Aurelio

Match Report by Mike Smith of PENA JAVEAMIGOS

CD JÁVEA 1 THADER 2

THE UNBEATEN run finally came to an end with a narrow 2-1 defeat to promotion hopefuls CD Thader to bring a disappointing conclusion to the home campaign for CD Javea. It's been a tough year for the rojiblancos. An imposed exile in Denia took its toil during the tough winter months and it really is a case of what could have been. Or indeed what SHOULD have been. Manager Franco Borras stepped down at the end of January after a run of five successive defeats and was replaced by coach Alberto Araujo. His record has been very satisfactory, lifting the club from the doldrums of the bottom half of the table and back into the upper echelons. There have been a couple of disappointments (Hercules B away and Beniganim at home) but if the season had started when Alberto took over, CD Javea would be just two points outside the promotion play-off zone.

Opponents CD Thader had climbed out of the Regional Primera Liga less than a year ago. The enthusiastic side from Rojales has had a strong campaign, much to the surprise of some, and has rarely been outside of the top six places as they looked to snatch one of the play-off spots at the first attempt. They beat the rojioblancos by just one goal back in January, despite being reduced to ten men. It was a real end-to-end match of excitement but ultimate disappointment for Javea; it's funny how history tends to repeat itself. Thader arrived at the Municipal Stadium knowing that they had to win to maintain that chance of a promotion play-off spot. With Hercules CF B having points deducted earlier in the week for fielding a suspended player, there was renewed hope amongst the team and the visiting supporters.

Thader started strongly and the Javea midfield was having great difficulty containing some strong possession in the centre of the park. Yet there were no real efforts until the 8th minute when the visitors took the lead with their first shot of the game, a 25 yard screamer which flew across the face of the goal and beyond the reach of goalkeeper Aurelio to nestle in the bottom left-hand corner of the net. The rojiblancos tried to respond immediately and Salva Costa worked hard to open up any weakness down the right-hand flank. In the 12th minute he finally broke through the resilient defence and charged down the line before curling a great low cross into the box only for the keeper to come off his line well to claim the ball under pressure from striker Cebolla. Three minutes later skipper Jose Luis found enough space to try and shot from distance but his effort sailed well high and wide of the goal.

But Thader soon took complete command of the match and went further ahead after 24 minutes after a great cross was met at the back post and the ball diverted into the net with the defence all over the place. The visitors were happy with a two-goal cushion and continued to pour forward at every opportunity. The rojiblancos defence worked as well as they could but we missed central defender Vilamayor, suspended for the game and sitting in frustration in the stands. The referee was also working to make things difficult for the home side and almost handed Thader a third goal when he awarded a very dubious free-kick just outside the area from which the ball was blasted against the bar at the top-left hand corner of the goal. Just before half-time Javea has a rare foray into the Thader half and Dino worked his way well down the right to unleash a great ball across the face of the goal but no-one had the foresight to make their way into the box and the cross sailed harmlessly out of play.

The second-half brought renewed enthusiasm from Javea. Striker Alex Cuadrado was brought on in place of the tiring Julio and midfielder Alfonso took over the midfield responsibility from Jeff. Almost immediately the rojiblancos began to pour forward against a hard-working defence with Alex hustling and bustling in his own unique style. Just before the hour-mark the possession paid off when Cebolla headed home his tenth goal of the season after meeting a great cross from Carlos at the back-post, an almost carbon-copy of Thader's second goal. Having reduced the deficit, there was hope amongst the players and the crowd responded with plenty of noise and passion to urge on their players. Carlos Abad has played less than ten games for Javea since his arrival at the end of March but his performances have grown from strength to strength and he justified his eventual man-of-the-match award by a series of solid tackles in the centre.

As Javea continued to apply pressure against an increasingly desperate defence, something had to give and Thader were reduced to ten men once again after Cebolla was hauled down outside the box. But, just like that cold day in Rojales back in January, the rojiblancos simply couldn't capitalise on the numerical advantage. Alex tried hard, perhaps too hard, to get himself onto the scoresheet for the first time since mid-January and gave away a succession of free-kicks. Striking partner Cebolla pressed on the crowd to make more noise and the drums of the JAVEAMIGOS beat a faster, louder beat to encourage the team. Substitutes Ivorra and Carlos Garcia were thrown into the fray but time was running out fast. Cebolla smashed the ball into the side netting from distance, the crowd on their feet already celebrating a remarkable comeback only to see the ball nestle in the netting behind the goal.

The referee brought the game to a close and the Thader players punched the air with delight as they knew they had to work hard for those three points. The Javea players looked understandably disappointed and, much like the Torrellano game back in November, most people felt that the equaliser was just a few more minutes away. But it is Thader who move to within three points of the play-off zone, knowing that their final game of the season at home to third-placed Hercules B is going to be a real six-pointer. However, with both Pinoso and Torrellano having much easier games, it is likely that we'll be meeting Thader once again next season.

Before the match defender Chamorro was awarded the Pena JAVEAMIGOS Player-of-the-Season trophy on the pitch, cheered on by a guard-of-honour from his fellow rojiblancos.

CD JAVEA : Aurelio 7; Chamorro 7; Carlos 7 [Ivorra 6]; Albelda 7; Julio 7 [Alex Cuadrado 7]; Carlos Abad 8; Jeff 7 [Alfonso 7]; Jose Luis 7 [Carlos Garcia 6]; Dino 7; Salva Costa 7; Cebolla 7

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Carlos Abad (pictured).

ATTENDANCE : 500

MEXT MATCH: The final game of the season is just down the coast at Calpe next Sunday 28th May, kick-off 6pm. The JAVEAMIGOS are running a special coach to the game, leaving Bombers Bar at 4.30pm and picking up in Benitachell at around 4.40pm. The cost is just €5 for adults and FREE for accompanied kids. The coach is filling fast so if you would like to travel to the game with fellow Javea fans, please ring Gaz Millidge on 680-877-372.

STRIKER Cebolla might not have gathered many immediate fans when he returned to CD Javea in January, but two more goals - taking his total to nine in 14 starts - will no doubt have won over a few doubters as the rojiblancos came back from behind to crush local rivals UD Benissa on a warm and sunny evening at the Municipal Stadium in Javea. The win, the fourth in succession, means that CD Javea have secured a top-half finish this season. But the performance since the arrival of Alberto have suggested that it could have been so much more had a few games gone our way earlier in the season.

It was Jeff MacLean who won much the accolade in one of the best matches to be played this season. Making only his second start in six games, the Brit commanded the centre of the park and lifted the crowd of around 600 with a display of solid tackling and inch-perfect passes. He may not have been given much of a chance this season but this display clearly demonstrated that his contribution to the game has been sorely missed during an otherwise disappointing campaign.

After a brief opening period of pressure from the visitors, it was Jeff who could have opened the scoring for Javea when he met a floating corner from Ivars but his headed effort was cleared away by the defence. Just moments before Marcos had almost given Benissa the lead but his header floated just inches too high. Salva Costa, returning from suspension, showed just why his services should be secured for next season with some great work down the right-hand flank. On 11 minutes he skipped past two hapless defenders to fire in a low cross but skipper Jose Luis could only fire his effort well wide of the goal.

Benissa took the lead in unlikely circumstances midway through the first half. A dubious free-kick was awarded out on the left, a good 35 yards from where goalkeeper Aurelio was organising his defence. The kick was taken high into the box and the ball dropped onto a melee developing just a few yards off the goal-line and avoided all attempts to clear it before bouncing over the line and nestling in the bottom left-hand corner of the net. The visitors deserved to take the lead for all the work they had done for the opening half of the match. But it was a desperate way to open the scoring.

As has always been the case this season, the goal woke up the home side and they poured forward to push back the opposition into their own half. Salva Costa went close to equalising twice in the minutes after the strike. First he fired just wide from a free-kick before almost scoring with a high cross from the right-hand side which dropped just inches wide of the left-hand post with the goalkeeper beaten. A couple of minutes later man-of-the-match Jeff spotted Cebolla in space and floated a delightful ball into the box which the keeper met well, beating the advancing keeper, but his headed effort dropped just wide of the right-hand upright. As the tempo lifted another notch, the rojiblancos thought they had won a penalty when Cebolla was hauled down inside the box but the referee was having none of it and waved away the appeals.

Benissa rallied against the pressure and almost doubled their advantage when Marcos fired just wide. A few minutes later Aurelio had to be quick to charge out of the box and block an effort from the same player who decided to collapse to the floor in typical dramatic fashion, winning the goalkeeper a yellow card for his effort and the drama student a free-kick in a dangerous position. With some justification the ball was fired harmlessly well wide of the goal.

Ten minutes from time Javea finally got the break. Some more great work from Salva Costa down the right-hand side produced a delightful cross into the box which Cebolla gratefully and powerfully side-footed underneath the advancing keeper to bring the rojiblancos deservedly back on level terms. Just before the break Javea took the lead after some good work by Julio allowed Salva Costa to beat his man and calmly slot the ball under the keeper.

The second-half opened with more pressure from Javea. Another superb cross-field pass from Jeff found Cebolla but the striker couldn't compose himself quick enough to get in the shot and his weak effort was blocked. But just a minute later the long-haired striker doubled the lead for the rojiblancos when he chipped the keeper on the edge of the area to make it 3-1. It should have four just five minutes later when Salva Costa found space on the left-hand side but his shot flew just inches wide of the left post.

Benissa didn't have any answer and resorted to tough tackling with ended up with a predictable red card which reduced the visitors to ten men. Javea worked the advantage almost immediately and yet another great ball from Jeff found substitute Dino in acres of space down the right-hand side but the youngster could only fire his shot across the face of the goal and well wide of the left upright with the keeper beaten. Minutes later Cebolla had a great chance to secure his hat-trick when he pounced on a loose ball just outside the area but his shot thumped into the netting behind the goal.

Ten minutes from time, as the rojiblancos continued to press for another goal, Chamorro floated a delightful free-kick into the area which the keeper saw late and just managed to push wide; however the resulting corner bore no fruit and the game wore to a conclusion with no further chances for either side.

CD JAVEA

Aurelio 7; Chamorro 7; Vilamayor 7; Albelda 7; Julio 7; Carlos Abad 7; Jeff 8; Jose Luis 7; Ivars 6; Salva Costa 8; Cebolla 7

Substitutions: Dino - 6 (on for Ivars); Alex Cuadrado - 6 (on for Julio); Alfonso - 6 (on for Jose Luis); Iborra - 6 (on for Cebolla)

Man-of-the Match: Jeff

ATTENDANCE: 600

This week (Sunday 21st May) CD Javea entertain CD Thader in their last home game of the season, kick-off 5.30pm at the Municipal Stadium in Javea. After four successive victories, the rojiblancos will be looking to maintain a great run of form against the team from Rojales that still has a chance of making the promotion play-offs, a spectacular feat after promotion from the Primera Regional last season. Our last meeting back at the beginning of January was decided by a single goal late in the second-half which handed a victory to the ten-man home side and condemned Javea to a third successive defeat. Neither side have lost in their last six games so the match has the potential to be a real crunch battle.

CD Jávea 2 Redovan 0

CD JAVEA'S return to the Municipal Stadium was celebrated with a victory for the rojiblancos in front of a healthy crowd of around 500. The win, a third in succession, extended the unbeaten run to five games and, although it's too late for the play-offs this season, there are signs that if the club heirarchy makes the right decision over the summer then CD Javea could well be making a serious challenge for promotion next season. Whether coach Alberto Araujo will be the man leading that charge remains to be seen but a record of just one defeat in eight games must surely place him in the right position to be handed the job for the next term. This season has been marred by a succession of very poor decisions behind-the-scenes at the club but now the rojiblancos have returned to town and shown the people that they can have a team of which to be proud, there needs to be a commitment to take the club into a new exciting future.

The 500 or so who turned out on a warm and sunny early evening had barely got comfortable in the stands when they were up on their feet celebrating an early opener for CD Javea. An early foray into the Redován half resulted in what appeared to be a hand-ball inside the box and the referee awarded the penalty kick. There was barely a minute on the new digital scoreboard. Striker Cebolla placed the ball and calmly slotted it to the left on the diving goalkeeper to record his third goal in two games and his seventh of the season since his return to the club back in January. The team converged on the home bench to celebrate as a solid unit with the coach with the home fans celebrating loudly behind.
Redován rose from the Regional Primera last summer and had been very much involved in the early race for a play-off spot. However just a single victory in the last ten games has been far from promotion form and they have subsequently fallen towards the bottom of the table. But they still played with belief and for much of the opening half, the visitors dominated proceedings as Javea struggled to contain a bit of imagination in the centre of the park. In our last meeting Caperuza had torn our defence apart down the left-hand side and he was threatening to do the same on the new articifial surface.

Thirty minutes into the game and the pressure almost paid off when Caperuza skipped down the left and cut inside to unleash a wicked low shot towards goal. However Albelda was alert enough to block the shot and escort the ball wide for a corner. Five minutes later Cebolla was released by Jose Luis but his final effort sailed wide; it was Javea's first shot since the opening penalty kick but it released a little extra energy from the home side.

On 40 minutes the second goal arrived. The ever-improving David Ivars collected a wide ball from the centre of the park and skipped between two defenders and into the box where he delivered a wonderful low cross into the path of Julio who smashed in low into the net past the despairing dive of the goalkeeper. It was not a bad way to celebrate his first start since January.

The second-half brought more stalemate in the centre of the pitch as the two midfields worked to find an opening, with Javea gradually clawing an advantage and working their way down towards the goal. But there is still a problem with width - we haven't got any. Redován used the pitch well but Javea continued to try and play the ball out of the crowded centre circle and down the middle towards Cebolla. It wasn't working.

On 60 minutes the referee made Javea's efforts even harder when he dismissed young left-back Carlos for a second bookable offence after he brought down his man just outside the box. Once again the dismissal seemed a tad harsh on the player, much like the two red cards handed to Monovar last weekend.

Whilst the drums in the crowd continued to generate an atmosphere, the game began to become scrappy affair with no real clear-cut chances until Cebolla snatched a shot just wide of the post with the keeper beaten with fifteen minutes remaining. He was replaced a few a minutes later by Alex Cuadrado but he also struggled with a lack of service from the flanks. Jeff MacLean was brought on to generous applause from the fans but didn't have the time to make the impact of which we know he is capable.
The game was brought to a close by the referee as the ball bounced between players in the centre circle, an apt last image of the game. Another three points keep the rojiblancos in 8th spot in the league and still with a mathematical chance of making the play-offs. But it's going to need the top teams to drop all their remaining points if that very slim chance is to become reality!

Next week CD Javea entertain UD Benissa for a Marina Alta derby. We had around 500 in the stands for the game against Redován and we're hopeful that once the word spreads we'll have even more for this passionate local clash. Our last meeting saw two penalties, two dismissals and some great confrontations so it could be an enjoyable afternoon of football.

Aurelio 7 - not a great deal to do as the game played itself out in midfield.

Carlos 7 - extremely unlucky to be dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Chamorro 7 - solid as always in defence and when making the occasional foray forward

Albelda 7 - needed to be on his toes to deal with the tricky Caperuza.

Vilamayor 7 - a couple of scares when he lost his footing but a satisfactory display

José Luis 7 - taking command well in a furious midfield battle for possession

Dino 7 - a first start since December for the young midfielder

Julio 7 - deserved a starting place after his performance against Monovar
Carlos Abad 7 - might give him a higher mark if he smiled a bit but a solid battler

Ivars 8 - another MOTM performance, setting up the second goal delightfully

Cebolla 7 - three goals in two games is a decent record at last but could have had more

SUBSTITUTES

Alex 7 - for Cebolla, worked hard to try and get a third goal and secure the points

Alfonso 7 - for Dino, didn't really have much time to make an impact

Jeff 7 - for Julio, a crowd-pleasing appearance but didn't have much time
Subs Not Used: Carlos Garcia and Phillip.

ATTENDANCE

500

CD Jávea 2 Monovar 0

A BRACE from striker Cebolla handed a second successive victory to CD Javea and eased another nail into the coffin of CD Monovar, who are unlikely to escape relegation this time. It’s maybe all a little bit too late to make any impact on the promotion race but the rojiblancos showed some of the fighting spirit that they will need to nurture to make a serious attempt at promotion next season. Unbeaten in four games; four goals in two games. It’s all a lot better than it was just a few weeks ago!

Coach Alberto needed to perform a slight re-shuffling after the sudden departure of influential midfielder Tonet to SD Sueca last week and local youngster Iborra was handed his first start for almost three months. It wouldn’t be a happy return. The departure also gave skipper Jose Luis the opportunity to re-claim his place in the starting line-up after a period of uncertainty through injury and suspension.

It took just 35 seconds for CD Javea to warn of their intentions with Cebolla smashing the ball just over from long-range on the dusty sand surface.

Having slipped into the relegation zone thanks to a surprising late surge in form from CD EL Campello, the home side needed to pick up points in order to avoid the drop and after the initial scare they came out fighting. On 12 minutes Pablo was brought down in the box by Chamorro and the sizeable travelling army held a collective breath. However the referee waved away the penalty claim and Aurelio collected the ball with some relief. It was a close call as we’ve seen plenty of penalty kicks given for similar challenges. A few minutes later Cesar exposed a rare hole in the normally solid Javea defence but was pushed wide enough by Aurelio to make the attempt on goal as hard as possible and the keeper was able to block the shot well.

Midway through the first-half and there was nothing between the two teams. However coach Alberto was forced to make an early change when Iborra clashed heavily with Cesar, resulting in a fractured thumb for the young defender. Age and experience replaced youthful enthusiasm with Julio coming on to make only his 13th appearance of the season; it was a substitution that would help change the game.

On 28 minutes Costa and Ivars combined well to give the latter a clear run on goal. With only the keeper to beat, Ivars settled for a shot but was hauled down from behind by Guseppe before he could unleash his effort. A free-kick on the edge of the box was awarded but not before the referee handed Guseppe a straight red card and reduced Monovar to ten men. (The free-kick was hit wide by Julio.) Just five minutes later the hosts were reduced to nine men when Pedro sliced straight through David Ivars, sending the midfielder flying in a graceful pirouette and leaving the referee with no option but to dish out another red card. Both decisions seem harsh at the time but the referee had to act on what he saw at the time and both tackles warranted some action from the official.

Javea gradually worked the advantage with Julio opening up a weakness down the left flank and five minutes before the break the rojiblancos opened the scoring. Salva Costa jinked his way down the right before crossing high over the area to Julio on the left-hand side. The stocky player waltzed past a half-hearted tackle to blast in a low ball across the face of the goal which Cebolla smashed into the net from close range. Even he couldn’t miss those ones and the travelling contingent broke into song on the far side.

The second-half brought an early goal to double the advantage for Javea. Once again man-of-the-match Julio was involved, collected a fine ball from Chamorro on the left side before crossing low into the box to find Cebolla on hand at the far post to tap into the net from a yard out with the keeper sprawling.

But Javea do have a knack of taking their feet of the gas too early – think back to Torrellano – and Monovar almost reduced the deficit through Pinero but the striker hit the ball just wide of Aurelio’s right-hand post. Two minutes later Cebolla might have grabbed his hat-trick when he met a great cross from David Ivars only to head his effort just wide. Coach Alberto knew that there was a great chance to improve the club’s goal difference and popular striker Alex Cuadrado replaced defender Carlos midway through the second period and he could have added a third minutes later when he found himself in acres of space in an otherwise crowded area but his powerful shot was blocked by custodian Fran, although just how much the Monovar keeper knew about it will probably remain secret.

Monovar’s numerical disadvantage came into play as the game wore on under a hot evening sun. Javea tried to create more chances by working with the exposed flanks but the home side quickly adapted and worked well as a team to keep down the scoreline, more or less accepting that defeat was the only likely outcome. Alex Cuadrado also worked hard down the middle to try and open the defence but he was caught out too many times by a well-worked offside trap. His effort couldn’t be questioned and he looked disappointed not to have got himself onto the scoresheet as the referee brought the game to an end.

JAVEA: Aurelio (7), Carlos (7) [Alex Cuadrado 59m (7)], Vilamayor (7), Albelda (7) [Jeff 79m (7)], Chamorro (7), Iborra (6) [Julio 21m (8)], Jose Luis (7) [Alfonso 70m (7)], Ivars (7), Costa (7), Cebolla (7).

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Julio.

ATTENDANCE: 150

THIS SUNDAY 7th May CD Javea finally return home to the Municipal Stadium after a long five month exile in Denia! The new pitch has finally been signed off and looks fantastic. The surface will certainly be the envy of many teams and maybe we might even gain some advantage! Our first opponents are Redovan CF from down near Orihuela who are struggling in their first season in the Preferente after a promising start. It promises to be a cracking game as Javea find their scoring boots so we hope that those big crowds we saw at the beginning of the season will drift back to support their local team.

CD Jávea 2 Muro 0

CD JÁVEA marked the end of their enforced sojourn in Dénia with an impressive performance over bottom club Muro CF on a wet evening at the Nou Estadi. Two goals from midfielder Tonet sealed the victory, the rojiblancos first since mid-March, to lift the side back into the top-half of the table, albeit temporarily. But it should have been an absolute rout against a side returning to the Regional Liga after just a single season in the Preferente and with barely enough points to stop them from driving. Striker Cebolla was the guilty party, missing a succession of good chances which should have sewn up the game by half-time, only to be denied a couple of time by the woodwork but more often than not by some very, very poor finishing. But the three points were gladly accepted by the small crowd who braved the bad weather to travel across the mountain to support the lads and there is clear evidence of a decent unit forming around which a successful team can be built, although who builds this team for the next campaign remains to be seen.
Muro CF have had a torrid season. After a fairly promising start by the newly promoted side, they hit a bad patch in November and fell into the relegation zone; they have been propping up the rest of the table since early January and have won themselves just four points from the last 54 available. But they arrived at the Nou Estadi in Dénia full of enthusiasm and belief, despite having relegation confirmed after a crushing 3-0 home defeat by CD Polop last weekend. Indeed they had the first chance of the game after 11 minutes but the weak shot was easily collected by Aurelio.
This woke up an otherwise lethargic Jávea side who finally began to find ways through an otherwise determined Muro defensive line and they should have found themselves in a great position just a minute later but Salva Costa wasted a decent chance with Tonet waving furiously in absolutely acres of space on the right side. It was the same old story for the rojiblancos. Ever since the departure of Puncho and Piter over the winter break, Jávea have struggled to use their flanks effectively, apparently opting for a more dynamic 'cutting pass' through the middle, which invariable ends with loss of possession. However Tonet knows his strength and pushes wide at most opportunities. It's a shame that his colleagues fail to acknowledge his foresight.

On 17 minutes the first goal arrived after a period of sustained pressure from the forward line. The Muro defence blocked a succession of shots before Tonet picked up the loose ball and fired a looping shot over the keeper from the edge of the area. He doesn't score many in a season but when he does they do tend to be spectacular. This was no exception and the small crowd rose to their feet in adulation of a terrific strike from the skilful midfielder.

It seemed the floodgates were being gently inched apart as Jávea poured forward at every opportunity. David Ivars was having his best game of the season after a fairly disappointing campaign and caused many problems for the opposition defence. Midway through the first half his persistence won a corner for the rojiblancos and the resulting kick should have been converted by Salva Costa at the near post but his side-footed effort dropped just inches wide of the right-hand upright.

On the half hour Cebolla finally beat the offside trap and chipped the ball over the advancing keeper but his effort landed on the top of the bar and bounced over into safety. A minute later Muro blocked another long succession of powerful shots as the home side searched to double their advantage. We had been here before against a poor side who, despite their lowly position, were more than capable of snatching an unlikely goal.

The second-half opened with a fine long-range effort from Cebolla which was palmed to safety at full stretch by the Muro custodian. Minutes later the striker collected a poor goal-kick and charged towards goal only to blast his effort well over the bar with the keeper beaten. As the rojiblancos poured forward, Cebolla had another chance to double the lead after some great work from Tonet down the left wing but the striker conspired to hit the ball against the underside of the bar from close-range which was then booted clear by a relieved defence.

Midway through the second period and another wave of attacks should have seen Jávea increase their lead. New signing Carlos Abad met another great cross from Tonet but his looping header was scooped off the line by the hard-working defence with Cebolla flapping just inches away. On 29 minutes Cebolla actually managed to clear an effort off the line, which would have brought an appreciative ovation had it not been the Muro goal-line from which he cleared the ball! It was certainly not his day, continually being caught offside and spending much of his time writhing around the floor in feigned agony after a series of most innocuous challenges. If he spent as much time of his shooting skills as he does lying on the grass then he would be a prolific striker!

Coach Alberto knew that a change was required to get that elusive second goal, bringing off the excellent David Ivars and replacing him with winger Dino who opened up another route down the right-hand side. It paid dividends just a few minutes later when some great work from the youngster down the right flank provided plenty of time to float in a perfect cross with was met by Tonet who smashed the ball past the keeper and into the bottom right-hand corner of the net to make it 2-0 to Jávea just minutes before the end.

JÁVEA: Aurelio (7), Chamorro (7), Albelda (7), Vilamayor (7) [Alfonso 89m (6)], Carlos (7), José Luis (7) [Iborra 89m (6)], Carlos Abad (7), Tonet (8), Ivars (8) [Dino 75m (7)], Cebolla (6), Costa (7) [Julio 85m (6)]

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Tonet

ATTENDANCE: 150

NEXT UP FOR THE ROJIBLANCOS

CD Jávea travel down to Monovar for their penultimate away trip of the season and the Peña JAVEAMIGOS will be running a coach to this game subject to demand. At the time of writing the game is to take place on Sunday 30th April at 5pm. Coaches will therefore leave Bombers Bar in Jávea Port at around 2.30pm, with a further pick-up outside Mas-y-Mas in Benitachell at 2.40pm. The cost is €10 for adults and €5 for kids and seats can be reserved by ringing Gaz Millidge on 680-877-372.

Torrellano CF 2 CD Jávea 2

AS PLANES full of holidaymakers thundered low past the right-hand goal on their way into Alicante Airport, CD Jávea conspired to throw away a two-goal lead against promotion-chasing Torrellano CF and were indeed lucky to walk away with a point from what was actually an enjoyable match in the warm late afternoon sunshine. When these two teams met on a dull and rainy afternoon in Jávea back in November, both were well-involved in the race for a play-off spot and they produced one of the best matches of football this season, Torrellano eventually triumphing 2-1. However both sides fortunes have dipped since; admitedly the hosts are still jostling for position near the top of the league table but back in November they were nine points clear as they searched for an immediate return to the Third Division and looked to be running away with the championship. Jávea were just three points off the play-off zone and had lost just once, a succession of draws reducing their number of points but are now reduced to playing out a season that promised so much more.

Coach Alberto made significant chances to the side that scrapped a point against Benidorm B last week. Jeff MacLean was quite rightly handed a chance to make only his seventh start of the season after his man-of-the-match performance the previous game, Twins Carlos and Alfonso, both hugely disappointing against Benidorm, were both dropped to the bench with Tonet and striker Cebolla claiming their places in the starting line-up.

Tonet was having very much the run of the play down the left flank and he was afforded the first chance of the match when he was found in plenty of space by Costa but he fired his effort well over when he really had a few more seconds to compose himself. But it was a sign of good things for Jávea in the first-half as Torrellano looked far from the promotion-chasing side their position in the table suggested.

Goalkeeper Aurelio suffered a huge amount of stick back in January when he dropped the ball over the line to allow lowly Calpe CF to steal all three points. Ever since he has had a sort of 'second coming' between the sticks and was quite rightly awarded the man-of-the-match. The first of a series of great saves came just after 14 minutes when Torrellano broke the off-side trap and their No 7 charged on for a one-on-one with the keeper. But Aurelio kept his nerve, timed his dive perfectly to save bravely at the feet of the midfielder, snatching the ball away at full-stretch to thunderous applause from both sets of supporters.

Just two minutes later Jávea took the lead. A tricky free-kick from Tonet caused confusion inside Torrellano box and a hand clearly stopped an effort from the reaching the back of the net. The referee quickly pointed to the spot and booked the guilty party, although it was clear intent and he should have been dismissed. Former Gandía man Costa calmly placed the ball and slotted it powerfully in the bottom left corner of the goal to put the rojiblancos into the lead.

Torrellano picked up the pace and their tricky No 8 had a succession of chances whilst their work rate reduced Jávea to just a couple of half-chances in the first-half. As the match approached the half-way point Torrellano had two great chances to equalise. First some good work down the left-flank saw the ball crossed low into the box and a leg divert it towards goal. But acting-captain Chamorro was on hand to scoop the ball off the line and to safety. A few seconds later a mix-up between substitute Carlos, on for the injured Ignacio, and his keeper forced Aurelio to pull out a splendid point-blank save which he can't have really known much about.

Two minutes into the second-half Chamorro stormed down the left-flank and pulled out a great floating cross into the box which was met by a powerful header from Cebolla who directed the ball into the net to give the rojiblancos a surprise 2-0 lead. However that was just about the last clear-cut chance for Jávea as the hosts re-grouped and launched a succession of attacks with would eventual bear fruit.

On 66 minutes Albelda appeared to haul down his man and the referee awarded the second penalty of the game which was converted by Torrellano's No. 8. Two minutes later and they equalised to leave the rojiblancos stunned. To be honest it was well-deserved. Midway through the second-half Jávea should have had another penalty when Ivars was clearly brought down in the area but the referee opted to wave away the challenge and hand Ivars a yellow card for "diving".

As the game drew to a close, Torrellano launched a final wave of attacks on the Jávea goal and Aurelio needed to be a top-form to keep them out. After being 2-0 up it was a relief to hear the final whistle and walk away with a point.

JÁVEA: Aurelio (7), Chamorro (7), Albelda (7), Vilamayor (7), Ignacio (6) [Carlos (7)], Jeff (7) [Jose Luis (7)], Carlos Abad (7), Tonet (7), Cebolla (7), Costa (7).

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Aurelio

ATTENDANCE: 150

CD Jávea 1 - Benidorm 1

A GOAL in the fifth minute of added time salvaged a point for CD Jávea at the end of another below standard performance from the rojiblancos. And with many of the top sides winning at the weekend, the hopes of snatching one of the play-off spots from the front-runners have all but disappeared with the club sitting in 10th position, some 11 points adrift of the play-off zone. Once again the lack of a positive attacking formation meant that the rojiblancos struggled against a team that has been battling against relegation all season. Chances were few for the home side and whoever is charged with building a powerful squad for next season must identify at least two decent strikers capable of scoring at least 15 goals each during the campaign. Current forwards Álex Cuadrado and Cebolla try hard but have yet to deliver on a regular basis and the rojiblancos have now scored just 27 times in 27 games; not exactly the potent force we had all hoped would be contending for a play-off spot in May. With seven games to go coach Alberto needs to try and lift his team back towards the top of table. Last season's fifth spot finish looks unlikely to be equalled now but that's no reason to give up just yet.

Once again CD Jávea were forced to travel over the mountain of Montgó to play another home game "in exile" in Dénia as the pitch at the Municipal Stadium is STILL not ready for action. This time the rojiblancos were to play out their 14th "home" game of the season on the El Rodat artificial pitch in the centre of town. Just 200 people bothered to turn out and support the team; as always the JAVEAMIGOS were present, enjoying the hot Spring sunshine and a few beers whilst watching the football - there can't be better ways to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Despite boasting one of the worst away records of the season, Benidorm B started strongly and after a period of sustained pressure they managed to open up the defence enough to allow Wata a free shot which beat Aurelio but hit the outside of the post and bounced wide. Jávea struggled to move out of first gear but Salva Costa was working hard down the left to try and find a way through a very solid defensive line. Indeed he claimed the first chance of the game for the home side when he slammed a loose ball into the side netting from a very tight angle.

On 26 minutes Benidorm's persistence paid off when they opened the scoring through Frank. Much like last week at Pinoso, an attempt to deceive the referee with a dive by Álex Cuadrado gave up possession to the opposition who then charged downfield to score. Encouraged by a defence backing off with alarming nervousness, Frank was able to unleash a powerful shot from the edge of the area which Aurelio appeared to have covered but the ball took a wicked bounce just in front of the diving keeper which did enough to elude the custodian and nestle into the bottom right-hand corner of the net. As the first half came to a close the rojiblancos almost cancelled out the opener through Salva Costa but his promising shot bent just wide of the right-hand upright.

The second-half brought some much better play from Jávea. Tricky midfielder Tonet had already been brought on for the tiring twin Alfonso and the rojiblancos suddendly had a little bit more width through which to attack Benidorm. A succession of corners followed but the Benidorm defence was able to pack their area with numbers to frustrate Jávea.

On 55 minutes Jeff MacLean replaced a tired-looking Ignacio and Cebolla was given another chance to terrorise the defence after replacing Carlos Abad. The changes gave Jávea a more solid look in midfield, an area where Benidorm were dominating up to that point, and started to look more like a team. Jeff put in some solid tackles and started to spray the ball around the field with great accuracy. He almost equalised with a speculative cross-cum-shot which looped dangerously over the keeper but the chance was inches too long and landed harmlessly on the roof of the net.

Benidorm chances were kept to a minimum as Jávea loaded the midfield with another substitution, Carlos García replacing twin Carlos with twenty minutes to go. As the game approached full-time, the rojiblancos pressed and pressed until finally a narrow hole was discovered in the resilient Benidorm defence and, with 95 minutes of the clock, David Ivars scored his second of the season, pouncing onto a rebound to slot home into the bottom left corner of the net. As the JAVEAMIGOS broke into a noisy rendition of "The Great Escape", the referee brought the game to a close just a few seconds later. Jávea had salvaged a point which they just about deserved on their performance in the second-half. But, with results going against them elsewhere, the play-offs are now certainly out-of-reach.

JAVEA: Aurelio (7), Chamorro (7), Albelda (7), Vilamayor (7), Carlos (7) [Carlos García (7)], Ignacio (7) [Jeff (8)], Carlos Abad (6) [Cebolla (7)], Alfonso (6) [Tonet (7)], Ivars (7), Álex Cuadrado (7), Costa (8).

Man-of-the-Match: Jeff

Attendance: 200

Next Saturday April 8th CD Jávea travel to south to take on promotion hopefuls Torrellano CF (kick-off: 5pm). Back in mid-November the rojiblancos played out one of the best games of football this season against the same opponents, who counted themselves lucky to come away with a narrow 2-1 victory. Hopefully Jávea can find that same spirit and lift themselves back into the top-half of table. The JAVEAMIGOS will be laying on coach transport subject to demand. The cost is €10 for adults and €5 for kids. For more information see the website at www.javeamigos.com or ring Gaz Millidge on 680-877-372.

CD Jávea 1 - Pinoso 3

CD JÁVEA crashed to their heaviest defeat of the season at the hands of promotion-chasing Pinoso CF and effectively saw their own race for a play-off spot disappear under an absolute battering from one of the best sides we've seen this season. After going ahead just 55 seconds into the game, the rojiblancos let in two quick goals late in the first-half before conceding a third ten minutes into the second period. For 89 minutes they chased the game and never really looked like pulling themselves back into the contest.

It all started so very well on a sunny late afternoon at the picturesque Campo Perfecto Mira. After absorbing an early foray from the home side, the ball was cleared out to Tonet on the left flank, who skipped down the wing before sending in a perfect cross which was met by Salva at the near post. The small contingent of travelling fans had barely had time to make themselves comfortable before they were leaping out of their seats to celebrate a fantastic start for the rojiblancos. A goal after just 55 seconds!

That's just about as good as it got for CD Jávea. Rather like poking a stick into a wasp nest, Pinoso were indignant that they'd conceded so early and came at Jávea in a series of powerful waves which tested the normally rock-solid defensive partnership of Albelda and Vilamayor. On the flanks twin Carlos displayed an early weakness in pace and Pinoso capitalised straight away, launching a number of attacks down the left-wing. Within three minutes of the opening goal, goalkeeper Aurelio had to tip a fierce long-range effort over the bar. The resulting corner saw the ball cleared briefly before a low shot was driven through the crowded area which Aurelio managed to smother under pressure.

In a rare foray into the opposition half, Jávea won a free-kick about 30 yards out and Salva almost doubled his tally for the evening with a splendid curling effort which was heading for the top right corner of the net before the Pinoso keeper leapt to palm away for a corner. Another poor corner was cleared and Pinoso almost equalised when a mistake in midfield by Alfonso allowed dangerman Román to collect the loose ball and beat Albelda to get off a powerful effort from the edge of the area which sailed just inches the wrong side of the right-hand upright. It was a clear message: it seemed only a matter of time before Pinoso would score.

On 32 minutes the inevitable arrived. Pinoso exploited another obvious defensive weakness, this time on the right wing, when the impressive Santi broke free from his man to collect a great pass from midfield and fire across the diving Aurelio and into the bottom-left corner of the net. Four minutes later the home side went into the lead in a carbon-copy move which saw Román fire across the keeper from 20 yards and see his effort rebound off the inside of the post and into the net. Minutes later it could have been even worse in a goal-mouth melee when Aurelio pounced on a snatched shot, saving on the line.

Coach Alberto made one change at half-time, bringing on midfielder Carlos García for the disappointing twin Alfonso. Within ten minutes Pinoso had made it three when a complete mix-up on the line between Aurelio and Chamorro allowed Jose García to smash home the ball from close range. Jávea reacted by bringing on José Luis for the other twin Carlos and striker Cebolla for the ineffective Ivars. Almost immediately the rojiblancos could have pulled one back when Chamorro headed just over from a great free-kick from Carlos García.

A minute from time Jávea won a rare free-kick and Pinoso's Pomarés was booked. Pomarés was understandably aggrieved by the decision (although the game was won by then). He continued to argue with the linesman and the referee had no option but to hand out a second caution and dismiss the player. Not that this gave Jávea much of an advantage as just seconds later José Luis was sent off for the second time in four games.

The referee brought the game to a close to the delight of the home fans and players who took a major step in securing a play-off spot.

TEAM: Aurelio (7); Chamorro (7); Albelda (6); Vilamayor (7); Carlos (5) [Cebolla (6)]; Tonet (7); Carlos (7); Alfonso (6) [Carlos García (6)]; Ivars (6) [José Luis (6)]; Alex Cuadradro (6); Salva (7).

BOOKED: José Luis

SENT-OFF: José Luis

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Salva

ATTENDANCE: 300

CD Jávea 0 - CD Enguera 0

BARELY a hundred people witnessed CD Jávea's first home win for over three months, a tough 1-0 win over relegation-threatened CD Enguera on a cool Saturday evening in Dénia. The enforced exile has clearly taken its toll on the season with just four points won from a possible 15, and we all long for a return to the Municipal Stadium in Jávea, where an all-singing, all-dancing artificial surface is very slowly being installed.

CD Enguera have been struggling this season since their transfer from Group III and they arrived at the Nou Estadi in Dénia having acquired just five points from a possible 33 on their travels this campaign. But Jávea boasted one of the worst home records in the division and had last won back in November when they beat another struggling side Monovar CD. And that was in Jávea; the rojiblancos had yet to win in Dénia

The first fifteen minutes confirmed just why the public aren't making the effort anymore. Neither side played with imagination and the ball bobbled backwards and forwards along a narrow strip down the centre of the pitch barely wider than the goals. There was a complete lack of width and this has been particularly apparent since the shock departure of wingers Puncho and Piter during the winter period. They may not have produced as consistently as was required but their presence out on the flanks pulled defenders away from the centre and that's something that's just not happening anymore. It's dull.

The first real chance of the game arrived well into the opening half when a 25-yard free-kick from Tonet was well-saved by the Enguera custodian. This sparked a period of pressure from Jávea and Cebolla should have given the home side the lead when he pounced on a loose ball inside the box but chose to blast the ball well-over from close-range. A few minutes later Jeff picked up the ball in the centre of the park and, with the midfield looking surprisingly open, he charged forward before unleashing a great high ball into the box which was pushed away by the keeper with both Carlos and Tonet lurking.

The second-half brought little respite from the monotonous pin-ball in the centre of the park until a dismissal on 60 minutes when the Enguera No. 12 clashed with Tonet as the midfielder looked to open up space on the far side. To be fair the challenge barely warranted a yellow card but, as is always the case at this level of the game, the consistency of the officials was called into question once again. Within five minutes Jávea had taken advantage of the extra man when Cebolla smashed home from 18 yards after some great work with Ivars. The striker has been under-fire in recent weeks for failing to deliver and he charged, fist-raised, towards the stand to make his comment.

In the last fifteen minutes Jávea started to play some decent football at last. Enguera were clearly rattled by a series of decisions given against them and their bench was becoming more and more drenched as a succession of water bottles were kicked in frustration. Jávea's lack of firepower was clearly known to them and they knew they could get back into the game with a little luck. However their attempts to gain an advantage through illegal means was pretty obvious; picking up balls in midfield, their players ran towards the penalty area before dropping dramatically to the ground just outside the box under the most innocuous of challenges. Luckily the officials were having none of it and the referee handed out a series of cautions.

The game ended with a Cebolla snatched chance blazing well wide of the goal. The referee brought the game to a conclusion to muted cheers from the stands. Three points won but the performance failed to excite. Coach Alberto Araujo clenched his fist as he walked down the tunnel to the changing rooms but he knows he has a tough job to persuade this squad to start playing like a team. And he's running out of games. Promotion hopes might still be hovering teasingly on the horizon but they are getting further and further away.

JAVEA: Aurelio (7), Ignacio (7), Albedla (7), Vilamayor (6) [Iborra 39m (8)], Carlos (7) [Julio 63m (7)], Tonet (7), Jeff (7) [Carlos García 55m (7)], Alfonso [José Luis 75m (7)], Ivars (7), Cebolla (7), Costa (7).

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Iborra.

ATTENDANCE: 100

Crevillente 0 - CD Jávea 0

JUST when it seems the right time to throw in the towel, there remains a slim chance that CD Jávea can make the promotion play-offs this season after a series of draws in this week's round of matches including this hard-fought goalless stalemate against promotion hopefuls Crevillente Deportivo.

CD Jávea started the brighter and more enthusiastic, playing with the strong winds which blew fiercely from behind them. Alex Cuadrado had the first real chance of the game, trying to take advantage of the winds with an effort from distance after collecting a great ball from the ever-improving Costa, but his effort flew high and well-wide. Minutes later Ignacio unleashed a fierce shot from a free-kick some 20 yards out but wind caught the ball and pushed it just inches over the bar with the keeper stranded. Jávea continued to pour forward during a promising start. Crevillente looked far from a side flirting with promotion, as always tends to be the case this season, but they soon carved out a way into the game.

With a quarter of an hour gone the referee awarded the home side with a very dubious free-kick some 25 yards out but the bandaged Zapata could only blast the ball into a well-placed wall with both Alex and Jeff taking the full force of the effort. Five minutes later Rubén broke free from a very static defensive line but lifted his shot a little too early, allowing keeper Aurelio to reach high to take the sting out of the shot before plucking the loose ball out of the air in the first of a series of great saves that would win the point for Jávea.

The rojiblancos lifted their game a notch and midway through the opening period Alex Cuadrado was very unlucky not to have opened the scoring when he met a great cross-field ball from Carlos at the back post but his powerful header was blocked by the keeper; just how much the custodian knew about the effort as it smashed into his chest is anyone's guess. Jávea looked lively and Costa collected a great pass from Ivars and unleashed a low 20 yard half-volley which Matias managed to palm away for a corner. A succession of corner followed which came to nothing, much to the relief of the home supporters.

The second-half began quietly with neither side making a real attempt at goal until Alfonso curled a fine shot towards the back post but his effort was snatched out of the air by the keeper before the wind could influence its flight. Jávea were very much up against it from that moment and keeper Aurelio had to be on fine form to push away a long shot at the back post. It got a lot harder for the rojiblancos just after the hour mark when Alex Cuadrado was dismissed for a second-bookable offence, the referee claimed for unsavoury remarks, although the player is adamant that was not the case.

With 20 minutes to go Jávea were effectively reduced to nine men when the referee insisted that Alfonso's bloodied knee was cleaned and bandaged sufficiently before he could continue to contribute to the game. The tall midfielder waved frantically on the touch-line for several minutes as Crevillente lifted the tempo and made the depleted Jávea work hard for their money.

With five minutes remaining Aurelio pulled out one of the saves of the season when he leapt full stretch to deny to tricky Abel; the applause was universal from all sides and I don't think anyone present will see a better save this year. However Jávea, despite the numerical disadvantage, could have snatched all three points with two good chances in the dying minutes of the game. Substitute Cebolla broke away from his marker and charged towards goal with only the keeper to beat. But the long-haired striker pushed the ball a little too far and the custodian was able to kick it away to safety. Then, with seconds remaining, Costa blasted a powerful header against the underside of the bar with bounced onto the line and into the hands of a relieved goalkeeper. As the custodian lifted himself to his feet the referee called time; Costa was literally that close to snatching a very, very late winner!
It was a decent performance from a Jávea side depleted by suspensions and injuries. Jeff Maclean made his first start for almost two months and put in a solid display in midfield in place of the suspended José Luis whilst the defensive duo of Vilamayor and Albelda grow stronger each match. But the side still lacks an out-and-out striker, someone capable of putting the ball in the back of the net with regularity. With 24 games gone, the top scorer Alex Cuadrado sits proudly at the top of the pile with just three goals, two of those netted in the same game. Whilst it could be encouraging that the goals are being shared around, we should be looking at a forward who can put away at least a dozen by this stage of the season.

This Saturday (11 Mar) CD Jávea take on struggling side CD Enguera at the Nou Estadi in Dénia, kick-off 7.15pm. As the weather improves it is hoped that more people will make the effort to cross the Montgó and attend these "home" games whilst the new pitch is being laid at the Municipal Stadium in Jávea. Transport leaves Bombers Bar in Jávea Port at around 6.15pm; please ring Gaz Millidge on 680-877-372 for more information.

JÁVEA: Aurelio (8), Ignacio (7), Albelda (7), Vilamayor (7), Carlos (6), Tonet (7), Jeff (7), Alfonso (6) [Carlos García (6)], Ivars (7) [Cebolla (7)], Alex Cuadrado (6), Costa (7).

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Aurelio. Splendid display of goalkeeping!

ATTENDANCE: 350

UD Beniganim 1 - CD Jávea 0

THE POOR standard of refereeing couldn't hide the fact that CD Jávea threw away this game.

UD Benigánim arrived in Dénia boasting one of the best forms in the league and walked away with another three points to move themselves to within a single point of the promotion play-offs. By contrast, Jávea are now nine points adrift, and boast the league's worst home record (no doubt a repercussion of having to play all our home games in exile in Dénia). With just 16 available players, the rojiblancos are looking very stretched and coach Alberto Araujo faces an uphill battle to prepare the side for the tough visit to Crevillente Deportivo next weekend.

Jávea started strongly against a Benigánim side playing in one of the worst strips to have graced a football pitch. Striker Cebolla should have put the rojiblancos into the lead after just four minutes but his looping header was cleared off the line before both Costa and skipper José Luis saw efforts sail harmlessly wide.

Against the run of play, Benigánim took the lead mid-way through the first half. Tonet was brought down on the flanks but, despite the linesman flagging for a foul just yards away, the referee decided to wave away the protests as Benigánim mounted a rare attack. Frustrated, Albelda carved down Jaunmp just outside the area and the viistors were awarded an unlikely free-kick in a perfect position. The striker brushed himself down to curl a fine effort into the top-right of the net and beyond the reach of Aurelio to put Benigánim into the lead.

A minute from the break, Cebolla had a good chance but scuffed his effort into the arms of the keeper. The ball was thrown out for an immediate counter-attack and Aurelio made a fantastic save on the line to deny Juanlu. A minute later the custodian blocked an effort a point-blank range and the rojiblancos went into the break just a single goal behind.

Alex Cuadrado came on for the disappointing Ivars and the striker almost equalised within minutes but his long-range effort was palmed away at full-stretch by Raul. Two minutes later Ignacio powered a free-kick through the orange wall but his effort was saved on the line by the keeper. As Jávea continued to apply the pressure, Alex was on hand again to collect a great knock-on from Cebolla but blazed his effort just wide of the right-hand upright.

The rojiblancos looked far livelier up front but continued to be caught out by a succession of offside decisions. Just before the hour mark Carlos managed to dig out a great cross which almost landed perfectly for Alex but the keeper was on hand to collect. A few minutes later Alex lofted a high ball over the defence for Cebolla who should have scored but his effort was palmed away for a corner.

Jávea appeared to tire and Benigánim looked a lot more dangerous as they assumed command of midfield and looked far more imaginative as they worked the ball forward. Frustration got the better of skipper José Luis with less than ten minutes of the game remaining when he scythed down Nester in the middle of the park only to see his effort rewarded with a straight red card in possibly the worst refereeing decision of the match. The rojiblancos had the last chance of the game when Alex collected from Cebolla but his 18 yard shot sailed well wide of the target.
The referee was roundly booed by the small home crowd as he walked from the pitch at the end of the game but, in all honesty Jávea did not deserve anything from this game. Football is a team game but CD Jávea played like a set of individuals. The club will be looking to build a side that can fight its way to the Third Division as a strong collective unit. But, on this show, that's going to require a lot of hard work.

CD Jávea travel to Crevillente next weekend to take on one of the promotion hopefuls and the Peña JAVEAMIGOS intend to run transport to the game, subject to demand. The cost is €10 for adults and €5 for kids with pick-ups at Bombers Bar in Jávea Port and the Mas-y-Mas in Benitachell. At the time of writing, timings are yet to be confirmed but full details can be found on the website at www.javeamigos.com or from travel guru Gaz Millidge on 680-877-372.

JÁVEA: Aurelio (7), Ignacio (7), Albelda (7), Vilamayor (7), José Luis (7), Carlos García (6) [Alfonso 82min (6)], Tonet (6), Carlos (6), Ivars (6) [Alex Cuadrado (7)], Cebolla (6), Costa (7).

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH: Aurelio.

ATTENDANCE: 200

Hércules CF B 2 - CD Jávea 1

IT WAS a "game of two halves" when CD Jávea travelled to Alicante to take on league leaders Hércules CF 'B', who looked far from the dominating team that their position suggested. The first half belonged to Jávea who, despite going behind by conceding a very weak goal, pulled one back through Costa and then should have put the game beyond any doubt were in not for some woeful finishing. But the rojiblancos went behind after just 15 SECONDS in the second-half and then had a man dismissed to end a disappointing match for CD Jávea.

Hércules B began the game with a succession of corners which were dealt with confidentially by Jávea. The hosts looked sharp in the opening minutes and played with plenty of width which the rojiblancos worked hard to try and contain. But, roared on by another large travelling army of fans, Jávea began to exploit weaknesses in midfield and started to take control of the match.

Ivars went close with a speculative shot from distance before Cebolla let loose inside the area with a confident half-volley that sailed inches wide of the right-hand post. The striker should have put Jávea ahead a few minutes later when he broke free of a very static defence to collect a great pass from Carlos García and charged towards goal. But, instead of blasting the ball beyond the advancing keeper, the striker opted to try and place the ball which lifted into the grateful arms of the advancing custodian.

Much against the run of play, Hércules B took the lead midway through the first half through a very weak goal. A rare foray through the centre was received by some woeful defending from Jávea, allowing the home side to waltz through and place the ball easily beyond Aurelio. It was a poor goal to concede and it was a sign of things to come later in the game.

Carlos García had a great chance to equalise a few minutes later but his free-kick was way off, something becoming a little characteristic with the whole team this season. But Jávea looked confident in grabbing a goal and it arrived on the half-hour mark when Costa scored with a sweetly-taken solo effort that screamed into the back of the net; Cebolla should have been taking notes.

For much of the rest of the half it was all Jávea. Ivars came very close to putting the rojiblancos into the lead as he looked to collect a superb lopping cross from Chamorro on the back post. Unfortunately the ball had a little too much pace and bounced just beyond Ivars for a goal-kick.
During half-time there was confidence in the stands that Jávea could snatch something from this game. Hércules B looked far from the all-conquering side that their position implied and some suggested that maybe luck was involved. It took just a few seconds to confirm this theory as the hosts more or less walked the ball into the back of the net from the kick-off to put themselves back in front. The Jávea players looked at each other in disbelief and several fingers were pointed in different directions. But the whole team needed to take the blame as they appeared to have been still reflecting over their half-time refreshments as Hércules B strolled down the pitch.

The goal shook the players and Hércules looked to capitalise even further with several more attacks. However Jávea composed themselves and almost equalised just six mi