Polop 2 CD JAVEA 4

CD JAVEA recorded their biggest win of the campaign in front of one of their biggest crowds of the season to secure their immediate future in the Preferente. The celebrations at the ground were more indicative of a successful promotion campaign, that's how important staying up was to the football club. Fireworks exploded in the sky whilst players, officials and fans embraced each other across the stadium. We are staying up - and now we have a blank canvas on which we can build on a pushing for a successful campaign next season.

A big crowd of around 1,000 were in a bouyant mood, despite the potential banana skin of relegation should the rojiblancos not pull the right result out of the mystery Preferente bag. Drums and cornets led the encouragement with the ever faithful JAVEAMIGOS kitted out in fancy dress to cheer on their heroes. Confetti and a cacophony of confident noise welcomed the home side onto the pitch. Whether the intention was to lift the spirits of the rojiblancos or intimidate the visitors is unclear but the passionate reception proved to be effective in both cases as Javea charged into a two-goal lead in the opening quarter of an hour. Striker Ismael confidently smashed home a penalty after just seven minutes before Carlo doubled the advantage five minutes later to send the crowd into abolute rapture. Neighbours, who just a few minutes before were strangers, hugged eached other as if they were long-lost friends reunited. Salvation was within reach.

CD Polop appeared shellshocked. More used to playing in front of moribund crowds of barely 200, they were spent much of the opening 45 minutes in awe as the noise from all four corners of the ground lifted notch by notch, the partisan crowd spurring on the home side in ever-increasing volume. However it was not so long ago that they were fighting for promotion and their obvious superiority in class began to shine through as they gained some composure against the onslaught both on and off the pitch to embark on assaults of their own; goalkeeper Ortolá proved just why he is considered as one of the best keepers in the Preferente with two superb reflex saves late in the first half to keep Javea's hopes of avoiding relegation well and truly alive.

As the second-half kicked off, the JAVEAMIGOS continued to lead the encouragement, purposefully walking around all four sides of the ground to inspire the fans to lift their voices to motivate their team. The two-goal lead would appear to be solid but there was always the nagging feeling that it might not be enough. Roared on by the crowd, the rojiblancos grabbed a vital third goal through Ismael before subsitute Zorrilla powered a trademark free-kick past the keeper to more or less seal both victory and survival.

However Polop were not about to give up and two goals in the final ten minutes pulled them back into the game; the tension was almost unbearable as the referee added on some five minutes to the game before finally bringing the game and the season to a close, sparking absolute pandemonium on and off the pitch. The players gathered in the centre circle and hugged each other, joined very soon by several relieved fans who had travelled the length and breadth of the province to support them. Several minutes after disappearing into the changing rooms, the players re-emerged to salute the JAVEAMIGOS and their contribution to what was a very tough campaign, throwing their shirts into the massed ranks of red and white gathered in front of the peña flag. It had been one hell of journey and, for most of us, it had been together. Everyone deserved to be proud of the achievement of the team because we all became a part of the team this wonderful Saturday evening!

Albatera 1 CD JAVEA 2

OTHER teams may be using less than ethical tactics in the bid to avoid relegation but CD Javea have decided to do it the hard way and play themselves out of trouble. Two goals from striker Ismael and a terrific all-round team performance from the rojiblancos secured an unlikely maximum haul in Albatera to lift themselves two points clear of the drop zone and all but confirm their status as a Preferente club next season. With relegation rivals Redovan CF and Benidorm CD “B” playing each other next weekend on the last day of the season, CD Javea simply have to hold their own against CD Polop, playing for pride after a 2-0 home defeat by CD Thader ended their slim promotion hopes, and confirm safety beyond doubt.

Just minutes into the game, the ball hit the back of the Albatera net and the concerns were forgotten, albeit momentarily, as fans, officials and players leapt around modest Nuevo Calvario stadium in noisy unison. Striker Ismael had attracted a great deal of criticism since his arrival from SP Requena last month but he repaid the faith shown by the directors of the football club by smashing home a terrific half-volley from well over 25 yards to put the rojiblancos in front. The travelling fans lifted their voices another notch; surely they must have been heard in Redovan just a short distance away?

Javea were playing to their utmost potential and, not for the first time this season, they made Albatera look very ordinary. Any concerns about the officials were dispelled as the referee let the game flow and considered each offence with neutral equality. Ismael looked extremely lively and the home defence simply had no answer as both he and Sergio Lopez terrorised them with both Adrian and Carlo giving the side ultimate width to create huge gaps down the flanks.

There were moments of concern. Midway through the first-half, the referee awarded a quick succession of free-kicks to Albatera just outside the area but they were dealt with by a Javea side determined to cling on to their advantage. Goalkeeper Ortola, a serious doubt before the game due to illness, commanded his area with the usual authority and claimed cross after cross with absolute confidence. As the home crowd lifted their own noise, Albatera were buoyed and it felt like only a matter of time before they would cancel out the advantage.

However the rojiblancos counted on a bit of luck to give themselves some breathing space. Sergio Lopez blocked a free-kick, well within the 10 yards demanded, and the ball broke to Ismael, who charged down the right-hand side, appeared to knock over his marker, then blasted the ball into the back of the net from the edge of the six-yard box to give the rojiblancos a 2-0 lead. The home side were understandably incensed but the referee accepted the strike as legitimate and Javea found themselves protecting a two goal lead for only the second time this season.

Cheered on by the noisy following from Javea, the rojiblancos defended with absolute determination during a second-half in which Albatera lifted their game several notches. On the far side of the pitch, a lone Redovan fan stood in silence but you could sense that every Albatera attack was encouraged inside. His own team’s survival depended on this result; for him, Javea had to lose.

He had something to smile about midway through the second period when a defensive error allowed Albatera to score and pile on the pressure. Watches were checked every few seconds, colleague’s watches checked even more regularly. The home side had a succession of corners and their home crowd lifted their voices even more as they searched for an equaliser. The travelling army continued to sing and chant, voices beginning to croak and nervous glances being exchanged. The minutes ticked away slowly as Javea found themselves back on top in the game and looked to put the result beyond doubt.

A corner was floated across the face of the Albatera goal-mouth and claimed by the keeper. As he wound up to send a kick back down the pitch, the referee blew for time and the players and fans of CD Javea screamed with joy, some dropping to their knees and reaching for the sky. The fans broke into a small but lively celebratory conga of salvation as the players applauded their efforts from the stands. Safety is still not confirmed but a good result at home against CD Polop next Saturday (6.00pm) will spark even wilder celebrations of relief!

ALTEA 1 CD JAVEA 0

CD JAVEA dropped into the relegation zone for the first time this season after crashing to defeat at home to UD Altea. With Benidorm CD "B" and Redovan CF both clinching maximum points during the weekend, the rojiblancos slipped closer to the unthinkable and the dark clouds of gloom are already gathering on the horizon. Two games to go, one away and one at home. Six points up for grabs and the only bright spot in the gathering dusk is that Benidorm and Redovan have to play each other on the last day of the season. It's all the hands of fate and it's going to be one helluva ride.

UD Altea arrived in Javea having lost momentum in their race for one of the play-off spots and determined to re-discover the form that would lift them towards the top of the table. The rojiblancos, fresh from the stunning victory over CD Thader, looked confident, although the absence of strong centre-halves Juanma and Vilamayor through suspension and injury respectively raised more than a few concerned eyebrows. Suspensions and injury meant that almost half the first-choice team had to sit in the stands and kick every imaginary ball with the rest of us.

The visitors took an early lead after just eight minutes when Pepe Such was on hand to smash the ball into the roof of the net from close range when half the home defence were claiming offside. Altea then chose to kill of the game with a succession of noisy falls and dramatic collapses worthy of starring roles in a tragic opera. They had sized up the weak official and took control of the game themselves, stopping the game with monotonous regularity by collapsing to the ground in mock agony clutching various parts of the body. The Javea lads tried to play football but found themselves on the end of some ridiculous decisions from the referee and confidence was chipped away.

With the Altea players dropping like flies, the rojiblancos determined to find an equaliser and midfielder Pedro went close with a long-range effort from 25 yards which skimmed the surface at great speed before smashing into the advertising hoardings just wide of the left-hand upright. At the other end, defender Josele had to be alert to block an effort at full-stretch after the make-shift defence was torn apart by Altea.

Just before half-time Javea had to great chance to pull themselves back into the game. First David Ivars picked up a great pass just inside the area and tried to curl the ball around the keeper but the custodian managed to palm the ball wide at full-stretch, much to the disbelief of both the player and the fans. Minutes later Adrian charged into the box, beat his marker and floated a delightful cross to the back post but Carlo could only smash his effort into the side netting from an acute angle.

The second-half brought more theatrics from the visitors but the rojiblancos managed to lift a gear and played some decent football to try and salvage a precious point - or even more. The modest crowd urged on their players, creating some terrific noise for long periods thanks to the efforts of the JAVEAMIGOS at the back of the stand. The players looked to lift their game even further and Sergio Lopez was unlucky not to have given the fans something to really cheer about when his half-volley looked certain to find its target but hit the netting behind the goal. Both Javi and Costa were brought on to try and add some more attacking potential to the side. The rojiblancos won a free-kick just outside the box but skipper Jose Luis contrived to pass the ball to Dino who was standing in acres of space of the right but the youngster fired well wide of the goal to waste a glorious chance to get back into the game.

THADER 0 CD JAVEA 1

The race is on to avoid relegation! UD Ondarense’s defeat at Torrellano CF confirmed their return to the Regional Primera after just one season whilst another home defeat for UD Benissa means that they have to win all three remaining matches and score a hatful of goals to stay up. Which means that one relegation spot remains open – and three teams are jostling to avoid the drop!  CD Javea have a two-point advantage but both Benidorm CD “B” and Redovan CF have the easier run to the end of the season and it is now that we will find out if the players of Javea have the character to face the task in hand. If they can face the challenge as well as they faced CD Thader then the rojiblancos might just be in with a chance.
CD Thader arrived boasting a formidable run of form which had taken them into the play-offs to chase leaders CD La Nucia and secure a chance of promotion. Just a single defeat in 15 matches had many local fans looking to the skies for some divine inspiration; the rojiblancos could only offer a single win in 21 games and, on paper at least, the game would run as a mere formality for the visitors.
But there was belief. The fans sang their hearts out for the lads, beating out a succession of battle cries to spur their heroes onto glory. The players responded by playing some decent football (at last) that made Thader look anything but promotion material. Two players made their debut – Adrián and Carlo – and one would eventually secure himself a place in the very hearts of those noisy fans who have never given up throughout the whole campaign.
Whether it was really because Javea determined to lift their game several notches or that Thader were simply caught on a bad day might never be known. Javea played with that belief, encouraging each other at every moment, lifting the modest crowd that enjoyed the warm evening sunshine. The rojiblancos discovered hope – and width. The new acquisitions gave the rojiblancos a whole new dimension of attack; if Thader had sent spies to watch Javea in recent weeks then they might have been somewhat shocked to find a more confident and agile team than that which had capitulated so badly against Hercules CF “B” and CD La Nucia.
First David Ivars and then ever-present Juanma managed to open up the visiting defence and send early warnings to Coloma in the Thader goal.  The back-line looked to shore up their fortifications but the long-haired Carlo whittled away the flanks and the rojiblancos found space at last. However it was not entirely all home joy. Custodian Ortolá had to be at his very best to keep out quite possibly the only real chance of the game for Thader early in the second-half whilst his defensive line worked incredibly heard to snuff out any attempted incursion by the opposition. Thader had comprehensively beaten the rojiblancos back in December when the club was in serious disarray. But now they looked weary and Javea looked the sharper unit.

The only goal of the game arrived on the hour-mark when Carlo advanced into the area and slid the ball low to Coloma’s right, just out of reach and the ball nestled in the bottom corner of the net to spark wild celebrations both on the pitch and in the stand. This goal meant a lot to everyone at the club and the scorer was lost in a mass of bodies as everyone bar Ortolá celebrated in the far corner of the pitch. The tempo lifted in the stands, songs rang out stronger and with more belief then ever. But there was still a long thirty minutes to go.
Coach Mitgeta was dismissed from the bench with minutes remaining but it would have little effect on his performance as he prowled up and down behind the dug-out like a caged animal, screaming advice and criticism at every moment as the clock very slowly moved to a conclusion. A last attack by Thader was blocked before the referee brought the game to a close and sparked noisy celebration from all and sundry.
This was an excellent performance from CD Javea and one which may well give us hope for avoiding relegation. Their team-spirit and determination made one of the teams of the season look very ordinary indeed but a season is not built on a single game. Next Sunday the rojiblancos need to continue the same effort and drive against another promotion hopeful when UD Altea arrive at the Municipal Stadium, fresh from a 2-0 home win over Monovar. Games against Altea have always been a bit special so please come along and support the lads as they continue their battle against the drop. You never know, the football might actually be good!

CD LA NUCIA 3 CD JAVEA 0

JUST two points now separate CD Javea from the unthinkable: relegation to the Primera Regional.

CD La Nucia have proved that a bit of money and a bit of organisation can do wonders for a football team. Having risen as champions of the Primera Regional last season, they've taken the Regional Preferente by storm and led the table for much of the campaign. Although there is no automatic promotion to the Third Division, it is likely that they will be one of the favourites to win through the play-offs and win a second successive promotion.

No-one stood out as potential match-winners during this fast and frenetic game at the sprawling Camilo Cano sporting complex with the possible exception of right-back Julio Iborra and central defender Juanma, both of whom fought for 90 minutes when most of their team-mates had given up and it would be no surprise to anyone that they are front-runners for the Player-of-the-Year award this season. Indeed it was Juanma who almost opened the scoring when he snatched at a low ball on the edge of the area but his effort sailed inched wide of the right-hand upright. But less than two minutes later the home side, roared on by their vocal peña band, bundled home the opener after some woeful defending on the line; it was no surprise than former player Chamorro leapt high to nod home the ball in the midst of a scramble and the travelling army of away fans acknowledged his persistence;

However, for the moment, the rojiblancos kept plugging away and Álex Cuadrado sprinted down the right-hand side and delivered a superb low cross into the box which just eluded the out-stretched leg of David Ivars. If he had connected and the ball had hit the back of the net, it might just have been a different story. Three minutes later Juanma again had a great chance from the edge of the area but his effort sailed through the crowded box and into the grateful arms of the keeper. Seconds later Álex Cuadrado powered a header into the side netting after a great long throw from Juanma; it would be the last real chance of a game that stumbled to the break. To be fair, the rojiblancos were fighting during the first-half and if one of the efforts had gone in then maybe the match might have had a different outcome. However things were not to remain so upbeat as the second-half began.

La Nucia were all over the rojiblancos in the second period and always looked as if they would improve their advantage. Just before the hour mark a penalty was awarded for what appeared to be hand-ball by Iborra and Line smashed the spot-kick past Ortolá to make it 2-0. Javea huffed and puffed in the wake of their hosts, who passed the ball around the superb pitch with minimal effort, roared on by a decent-sized home crowd. Tactical changes were made - some good, some bad - but it made little difference with fifteen minutes remaining when Izquierdo was found it acres of space on the left-hand side of the box and, with his back to the goal, superbly lifted the ball over his shoulder and over Ortolá to make it 3-0. Heads dropped both on the pitch and in the stands. Up to that point, the travelling army of Javea fans had more than competed with their songs and chants but the third goal blew wind from their sails.

As the game drew to its inevitable conclusion, both David Ivars and substitute Salva Costa had half-chances but failed to give their fans anything to cheer about.

THE post-match analysis was still in full flow some hours after the conclusion on this humiliating surrender by the rojiblancos on their own turf. It appears nothing can go right for CD Javea at the moment.

Many had hoped that the team had turned a corner - albeit belatedly - after the great second-half performance at Benidorm a week earlier. However, as has always been the case this season, consistency was seriously lacking and the rojiblancos spent much of the match huffing and puffing as Hercules CF "B" effortlessly stroked the ball around the park. The game was dull and the first piece of action didn't occur until mid-way through the first period when Hercules striker Kike easily beat Josele on the left-hand flank and curled the ball just wide on the right-hand upright. Minutes later striker Costa was on hand to clear off the line after some more good work from Kike almost produced the opening goal. You know things are going bad when your striker clears off the line. Five minutes from half-time Kike finally prised open the defence and slotted home from close range to silence the home fans and give the visitors a 1-0 half-time lead.

The second-half brought little respite. New signing Ismael made his debut, replacing Ivars at half-time, and looked lively before being forced out of the game by a leg injury after less than 20 minutes. On 64 minutes Hercules doubled their advantage when Tomas was provided with a simple tap-in at the near post. It was a class goal that was acknowledged begrudgingly by the home fans. Yet, as always been the case, a second conceded goal appeared to bring the home side to life and both Costa and Javi went close before Javi scored his fifth goal of the season - and installed himself as the club's top scorer - with a lofted ball with bounced along the line before hitting the far post and dropping into the net with striker Alex Cuadrado following in just to make sure. But they had left it too late, despite memories of Benidorm's 93rd minute equaliser the previous week, CD Jávea just couldn't do enough to win a share of the spoils.

CD JAVEA came within seconds of clinching their first away win for almost seven months but an equaliser moments from time meant that the rojiblancos would have to settle for a share of the spoils on an overcast evening in Benidorm. Goals from Álex and Javi put Javea in control after they had gone behind to a first-half strike in an opening period in which the rojiblancos failed to produce any real threat to the Benidorm goal. As they tried to play out the game to a victorious conclusion, Benidorm managed to bundle home the ball with seconds remaining on the clock to break the hearts of the players and the small but loyal travelling army of fans. With six games remaining - four of which are at home - CD Javea look to move closer to survival in the Preferente.

Benidorm B started the stronger of the two sides teetering on the very edge of relegation and swamped the Javea defence with persistent waves of attack. They came close to opening the scoring midway into the first half when a powerful long shot was superbly blocked by Ortolá but the young custodian failed to keep hold of the ball and it bounced into space with opposition forwards bearing down; centre-half Vilamayor was alert and swept the ball away to relative safety on the flanks. The goalkeeper was alert again to produce two more fantastic reflex saves in quick succession but his heroics were in vain just minutes from the break. With the Javea defence wavering, the Benidorm 15 let loose a powerful low shot from 20 yards which squeezed just wide of the out-stretched arm of Ortolá to nestle in the bottom right-hand corner of the net.

Angry analysis seeped from the visitors changing rooms at half-time and two changes were made with Álex Cuadrado replacing the ineffective Pedro and Josele coming on for Rubén. The rojiblancos looked far more lively after the break and it was only a matter of time before they would cancel out the opener. On 57 minutes Javi and Ivars combined to split the home defence and the latter passed across the face of the goal to find an unmarked Álex in acres of space and with the simple task of tapping the ball over the line from close range for his first of the season. The goal brought the small travelling army back to life and they urged their team on. Some ten minutes later Javi collected the ball in midfield and sprinted forward to the edge of the box before firing home beyond the keeper's reach and into the bottom right-hand corner of the net to score his third goal in three successive games and his fourth of the season.

Javea fought hard to overcome the final hurdle and win the game, roared on by the noisy away support. However it was a moment of indecision which cost the rojiblancos maximum points, allowing Benidorm's 18 to bundle the ball home from close range with seconds remaining on the clock. Some of the Javea players called for offside with Ortolá charging half the length of the pitch to remonstrate with the linesman. But the goal was given and the game brought to a close within seconds of the re-start. The players gathered in centre of the pitch to salute the loyal support who had made the short trip down the coast but they were aching to get back to the changing rooms as soon as possible, disappointing at throwing away the victory in such fashion.

Santa Pola 1 CD JAVEA 1

CD JAVEA continue to ease open the gap between themselves and the relegation zone with a hard-fought 1-1 draw at home to Santa Pola CF. A marvellous strike from Javi should have secured all three points but the visitors managed to bundle home an equaliser before striker Sergio Lopez was sent-off for the second time in two matches to put the rojiblancos at a disadvantage for the last quarter of an hour. However, with both Redovan CF and UD Benissa losing, CD Javea have a six-point cushion above the drop zone.

Santa Pola CF arrived late for the game, which had already been pushed back from its normal time, reducing crucial pre-match preparation and it showed as Javea looked buoyant from the start. An opening period of midfield struggle meant that we had to wait until the ninth minute for the first real effort when Juanma smashed the ball against the wall after being perfectly set up by skipper Jose Luis. A few minutes later, the centre-half had another chance to open the scoring but his 20-yard free-kick floated gently into the arms of the keeper. The visitors produced their first chance from the resulting drop-kick but their aim was well off and the ball smashed harmlessly into the fencing to the left of the goal. Much of the remainder of the first-half produced a succession of free-kicks and half-chances.

The second-half opened in a very similar vein but the match burst into life just before the hour mark when Javi brilliantly half-volleyed the ball just inside the area and curled the ball past the despairing dive of Julio to open the scoring. The goal lifted the home side a further notch and they pushed forward to improve their advantage. Yet it was Santa Pola who would score next. A rare foray into the Javea box produced some diabolical defending from the home side and Solves managed to bundle home from six yards to bring the visitors back into the game.

Javi could have collected his second of the day but an uncharacteristic piece of generosity saw the young midfielder pass square to the advancing Sergio Lopez but the Santa Pola defence had recovered enough to block the attempted shot. It was to be the tall striker’s last contribution to the game for just minutes later he was shown a direct red for what was later discovered to be abusive language to the official and left the field for an early bath for the second match in a row. Just before full-time substitute Dino could have sealed victory for the rojiblancos but his effort hit the post and CD Javea had to settle for a single point. It was a reasonable performance by the rojiblancos but there is still much to do over the next couple of months, beginning with a tough away game against Benidorm CD B on April 15th.

Mike Smith
600-215-808
www.javeamigos.com

UD ONDARENSE 1 CD JAVEA 1

The sun warmed chilled bones at the decidedly low-key Vicente Zaragoza stadium at Ondara as the travelling army from Javea arrived full of confidence that the rojiblancos would be taking maximum points back down the N-332. Ondarense had suffered three successive defeats prior to this game, including a 6-0 crushing at the hands of promotion-chasing CD Thader, and they looked dead certs to return to the Primera Regional after just one season in the Preferente. However, as has always been the case this campaign, the confidence was somewhat misplaced.

After early pressure from Javea, the home side eased their way back into the game and mounted a series of forays as the rojiblancos huffed and puffed in the centre of the park. Successive corners were forced as the Javea defence struggled to contain the lively forward line and they would register the first proper effort of the game as their own confidence lifted.

Javea lacked anticipation, especially in midfield, and the travelling fans grew more and more weary of a succession of misplaced passes, mistimed tackles and poor headers. Hopes were briefly raised when Jose Miguel finally split the defence with a terrific through ball but Costa contrived to blast his effort well wide and high into the car-park behind the goal. As the mid point of the first half approached, the rojiblancos looked to be gaining the upper edge with returning striker Alex Cuadrado running himself ragged to try and force an opening. Yet it was the home side who would gain the advantage on 22 minutes, scoring their first goal in five games after some rare poor defending allowed number the 7 to pounce and slide the ball under the advancing Ortolá.

IMAGE: Vilamayor tussles for the ball at Ondara.
Photo: Fay Hughes

A formation change to 4-4-2 saw the rojiblancos apply some pressure to find an equaliser and it almost worked within minutes when Alex delightfully met a floating cross from Cristian only to head across the face of the goal at close range and put the ball wide just as the travelling fans had risen to celebrate a goal. Minutes later Dino blocked an advance at the halfway line and then chased down the loose ball to force the home keeper into blasting the ball into touch; there seemed to be some hope. And just before half-time, Juanma smashed a 25-yard free-kick through a weak wall which was parried by the keeper at full stretch. Costa picked up the loose ball and found Alex lurking just outside the area but the striker's powerful effort was bravely blocked by the face of a defender.

Javi replaced the tiring Alex at half-time and almost immediately the rojiblancos looked the much brighter side, applying pressure against the home side from the start. Yet the equaliser remained elusive. With the home side barely getting a look in, Javea continued to build on the pressure and Ivars was brought on for the tiring Dino. Yet all the effort was almost in vain when a rare attack from Ondarense nearly resulted in the home side doubling their advantage after the number 10 beat off the challenge from Iborra but blasted the ball against the far post. It was a narrow escape for Javea and one which served to lift their urgency. With 20 minutes remaining Javi forced the home keeper into a save at full stretch with a fine over-the-shoulder effort. The young midfielder then nodded home the equaliser from the resulting corner to bring some cheer back to the away fans.

Three minutes later the rojiblancos were reduced to ten men for the second game in a row when Jose Miguel was sent off for a second bookable offence. Yet Ondarense failed to capitalise on the advantage and it was Javea who would have the best chances to take maximum points. A minute before full time Ivars found Cristian in acres of space just outside the area but the midfielder blasted his effort high with just the keeper to beat. And then deep into injury time Javi, Ivars and Cristian charged up the pitch with just one defender in their wake but adrenalin took over Javi and he chose to go for glory than pass to his unmarked team-mates and the ball stuck under his feet before the defender managed to hoof the ball away to safety. It would be the last real effort of the game.

CD Javea entertain Santa Pola CF this Sunday 1st April, kick-off at 5.00pm. See www.javeamigos.com for more details.

Mike Smith
600-215-808
www.javeamigos.com

Jávea 2 Orihuela B 2

CD JAVEA salvaged a point with a penalty in the dying seconds of a bad-tempered match against Orihuela CF "B" and inched themselves further away from the relegation zone.

Orihuela B arrived in Javea having recorded just one victory in the last ten games; the rojiblancos had won just once in 16 games but were finding their feet again after just one defeat in the last five games.

The first real effort arrived after 12 minutes when skipper Jose Luis, playing in an unfamiliar forward position, came close to connecting with a five free-kick from Jaunma but the keeper, although initially spilling the ball, did enough to put off his man and collect safely. Chances remained few and far between as the midfield once again turned the match into a skirmish in the centre of the park. Midway through the first half Orihuela's Dario found a way through the home defence but his fierce effort was superbly blocked by custodian Ortolá. However the fans barely had time to finish their appreciation when a scramble on the edge of the area produced a penalty kick for the opposition, the referee Oliver López deciding that Rubén had handled the ball in the melee. Dani confidently struck the ball past Ortolá and the rojiblancos found themselves in familiar territory.

Jávea, boasting two more debutants in striker Sergio López and midfielder José Miguel, needed to get back into the game before Orihuela extended their advantage and, as the break beckoned, they swept forward to put real pressure on the otherwise unworked defence. With two minutes remaining in the half, a mad goalmouth scramble saw the ball spill out to Costa on the edge of the box and he smashed the ball through the crowd to score his first goal in over three months and, more importantly, haul the rojiblancos level.

Image: Costa celebrates his first goal for three months.
Photo by: Fay Hughes

In the opening minutes of the second-half, Orihuela's Darío and Javea's Ortolá engaged in a personal battle of wits. The front-man broke free on 52 minutes and looked certain to score before the keeper smothered the effort enough to push the ball wide for a corner.

Orihuela's Énder was a real handful down the left-hand side and attracted much light-hearted derision from the home fans. Several times he clashed with Javea's Josele, tackles which livened the crowd in the stands. With twenty minutes remaining, the two crossed swords once again when Josele's tough tackle resulted in Énder smashing into the fencing at the side of the pitch. A melee followed with Zorrilla stepping in a peace-maker but the referee saw enough to hand Josele a direct red for violent conduct and the rojiblancos were reduced to ten men. The banter with Énder became a lot more passionate and the winger barely touched the ball in the next quarter-of-an-hour as his every touch was met by a chorus of boos and jeers.

With 89 minutes on the clock, referee López awarded a very dubious free-kick after Sergio López was adjudged to have hauled down his man when it was obvious to everyone else that he was the player who had been fouled. Orihuela's Viti fired home after Ortolá uncharacteristically spilled the free-kick from Dani and the players in yellow charged to their bench to celebrate was they felt was certain to be the winner with Énder making a few not-so-sly gestures towards the home fans. However the excitement was not over yet. As the game moved into added time, Ortolá floated a free-kick into the box from the half-way line, a last-ditch effort to save the game. As the ball bounced amongst a crowd on players, the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the spot. The Orihuela players were understandably aggrieved and surrounded the official but he was never going to change his mind. Amidst the scuffle, Zorrilla calmly placed the ball on the spot and waited. A minute later calm was restored, albeit temporarily, and the powerful utility player blasted the ball into the net to spark wild celebrations in the stands. Predictably, Orihuela's Énder was the target of much of the celebration, albeit in a light-hearted manner!

One can never accuse football of being boring in Spain!

Mike Smith
600-215-808
www.javeamigos.com

Jávea 0 Almoradi 1

THE JAVEAMIGOS would like to thank the Almoradi Amigos for their fantastic hospitality down in Almoradi this weekend. The two supporters clubs met for a pre-match gathering at T&C's Bar in town before joining together in the stands to generate a superb atmosphere during the match. Granted, a nice win to lift CD Javea away from the relegation zone would have been a nice gift to us, but the lads and lasses down in the Vega Baja made us very welcome, plied us with food and booze throughout the afternoon and then sent us on our back north with some great memories. (Again, I wish it could have been three points!) Hopefully the rojiblancos will survive to return the compliment next season - and we'll maybe even brush up our darts skills!

The Presidential Summit. Supporters Club Presidents Mike Smith (JAVEAMIGOS) and Alan Jones (Almoradi Amigos) exchange gifts before the match between the two clubs on Sunday. (Photo: Fay Hughes)

On the pitch CD Javea were unlucky not to have taken a point from this game. However, as has been the case throughout this season, the rojiblancos lack a confident and prolific striker to provide those goals on a regular basis. A grand total of 15 goals from 24 matches is one of the lowest in the league and remains the major problem for the team at the moment. Once Almoradi had gone ahead in the second-half, most of the travelling fans knew that the team now a huge uphill struggle to get back into the game. Without someone hitting the back of the net regularly, they are going to continue to wallow at the wrong end of the table. We are playing some nice football at times but pretty passing counts for nothing if the ball doesn't end up in the back of the net!

The first half was very even with both sides having a couple of decent chances to take an early lead before the game fizzled out into the midfield skirmish with few forays into either penalty area; new signing Pedro went closest for the rojiblancos with a snatched chance from distance which flew just over the bar

The second-half brought little respite from the monotony on the pitch. Almoradi came out with renewed drive and put Javea on the backfoot for much of the opening quarter of an hour. The inevitable arrived just before the hour mark when Uge smashed home from close range after some poor defending from the rojiblancos. The travelling fans groaned obviously. With the spirited play-maker Javi having limped off with a knee injury just minutes earlier, there was little hope in a comeback, especially with the only striker in the pack playing with little confidence. Yet, spurred on by the JAVEAMIGOS drums, the rojiblancos fought to try find a way back into the game and substitute Salva was unlucky not to have scored late in the game when he was found in acres of space on the right-hand side but his effort slipped wide of the post.

Mike Smith
600-215-808
www.javeamigos.com

Jávea 1 Monovar CD 0

AFTER sixteen weeks without a win, CD Javea rediscovered the sweet taste of victory after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Monovar CD. A wonder goal from Zorrilla won maximum points for the rojiblancos for the first time since the beginning of November and extends the unbeaten run to three matches. As the season moves into its final act, the good run of form cannot have come at a better time as the team strives to avoid relegation.

The club have taken the risk by providing the funds to bring in a few quality players to help drive the team away from the drop zone. But there has been a complete change of character in the whole team; the rojiblancos play with confidence, stroking the ball around the field of play with a real belief in themselves. For so long the players were demoralised by the trauma of the winter period in which succession of their team-mates were sacked. But now the club is looking for stability and a new direction. The future is looking much, much brighter.

Taken by Fay Hughes

The rojiblancos took control of the game from the very start and forced an early corner which was capably cleared by Monovar. The arrival of Pedro and Cristian gave Javea a little more of an attacking edge and the side looked strangely confident as they swept forward in wave after wave. The 450-strong crowd were unusually quiet and the opening stages of the game was played in an eery silence until Pedro should have made much more of chance midway through the first half but chose to take one too many touches rather than putting in a shot. The crowd murmured in frustration. Two minutes later a terrific long pass from Ruben saw the ball hang tantasingly long above the box and Javi tussled bravely with the keeper as it dropped to the ground. The crowd shouted in appreciation.

Yet Javea were not to have in all their own way. A free-kick was awarded to the rojiblancos for offside but the resulting kick from Juanma smashed against a Monovar shirt and rebounded into the path of a team-mate. He charged through almost unhindered on goal and unleashed a low drive past the outstretched hands of Ortolá. The crowd held a collective breath as the ball skimmed the surface towards the goal before hitting the outside of the post and ricocheting away to safety. The relief could be heard in Denia.

Just before half-time Javea forced a succession of corners as the crowd woke from its slumber and encouraged their team, with Costa coming closest to scoring with a header from close-range which he powered inches the wrong side of the right-hand upright. A few seconds later Ivars attempted a lob from distance but his effort dropped just wide of the other post. It was a promising period from the rojiblancos and we'd seen more moments of attack in a few minutes that we'd had in months.
Within minutes of the re-start, Javea should have taken the lead after some great work from Ivars down the right-hand side saw the former Villarreal youth player drive a wicked low ball across the face of the ball but, frustratingly, his effort went unrewarded as the ball continued its course for a throw-in on the other side of the pitch.

The experienced Josele was brought down by frustration close to the touchline and the referee awarded a free-kick some 45 yards out from goal. Zorrilla placed the ball and took a look at his options; he spotted the goalkeeper standing some distance from his goal and launched a quick ball which looped high over the back-pedalling custodian and hit the underside of the bar and just over the line; Javi had followed the ball's progress and smashed it into the back of the net just to make sure (Javi was later officially awarded the goal) before turning to run back to Zorrilla and join the celebrations. The players and crowd screamed as if they had just won the cup; a huge pile of bodies on the pitch, including goalkeeper Ortolá who ran 50 yards before launching himself into the celebrations, was matched by frenetic jumping in the stands.

But again Javea were not to have it all their own way. As the minutes ticked away at the end of the game, Monovay launched one final effort to salvage a point and somehow won a free-kick in a dangerous position outside of the area. The fans helped another collective breath before the ball bounced harmlessly wide for a free-kick. Moments later the referee brought the game to a conclusion and the celebrations began in earnest.

Mike Smith
600-215-808
www.javeamigos.com

Javea 0 Calpe 0

HAVE the rojiblancos turned a corner at last? CD Javea travelled down to the wet sand of Calpe - surely the worst pitch in the league - and made the promotion-chasing hosts look very ordinary with an inspired performance. And if striker Costa had found a little more confidence in front of goal then we might have been travelling back up the coast with all three points for the first time in over three months. Thirteen games have now passed since the rojiblancos last won a competitive fixture but this performance raised hopes that the winning feeling is about to return.
With left-back Sergi deciding to leave the club after the 0-0 draw against Redovan CF last weekend and the squad still working with limited resources after a succession of injuries, the rojiblancos had a distinctly patched-up look at Calpe. The inspirational Julio Ivorra took up the responsibilities in the centre of defence, pushing Josele into the right-back position and the gangly Ruben into what appeared to be the left-back position. Another new face took his place on the right-wing, more information on Torvera will be forthcoming when we know more about him but his performance yesterday suggested that he is a good addition to the squad.

CD Javea started brightly and were more than a match for Calpe CF, who seemed to play with obvious nerves in front of a very large crowd at the Municipal Stadium. But chances were few and far between for the opening half-hour as the ball was swept around the centre of the park by both sides looking for a way through. Just before half-time Costa pounced onto a terrific through-ball from Javi, easily beating the static defence, but his nerves got the better of him as he charged on goal and his shot was blasted harmlessly into the netting behind the goal. The rojiblancos were more than a match for their hosts and there was some confidence during the half-time chat that they could actually get something from the game.

The second-half saw another good chance by Costa to put the rojiblancos into the lead but his effort sailed well wide of the right-hand upright. David Ivars also went close with a gentle tap-in after some great work by Ruben down the right flank but Miguel did well to get across his goal and push the effort wide for a corner.

And then came an amazing scene in front of us as the two benches clashed for the second-time this season. It appeared that Calpe's Pascual was booked for the second time but he remained on the pitch, much to amusement of the locals and dismay of the travelling fans. The linesman waved over the referee and they had a short discussion before the official decided that the player had been cautioned just the once. In an amazing parallel with the match in Javea back in October, all hell broke loose and both sets of officials brandished clipboards with their own evidence. Javea physio Visbal was then struck by one of the Calpe officials and there was a short melee which saw the arrival of the Guardia Civil. The incident was cleared up as quickly as it started - both Visbal and the Calpe official were banished from their respective benches - but it left as nasty taste in the mouth as the match was played out to its conclusion.

After last weekend's bore draw, the match was an exciting stalemate with terrific passion from both players and fans. But for the rojiblancos, the game just might have marked a turning point for the club as they battle to avoid relegation.

Mike Smith
600-215-808
www.javeamigos.com

Javea 0 Redovan 0

IT'S difficult to write about a 0-0 draw at the best of times but when actions of note fill less than one page in a very small notebook, literary skills are stretched to the very limit. This game was dubbed as a "six-pointer" clash between CD Javea, sitting fourth from bottom, and Redovan CF, just four points and one place below in the relegation zone, and a decent crowd of about 500 turned out on a warm afternoon at the Municipal Stadium.

Two new faces augmented Kenny Brown's depleted squad. Experienced defender Josele, formerly of Calpe CF, took his place in the centre of defence alongside Juanma, covering for the injured / suspended Vilamayor. Out on the left, young winger Rubén, acquired from Gandia CF, consigned popular player George to the bench. Both Ortolá and Zorrilla returned to the side after sickness and suspension respectively but the squad felt lightweight with the absence of skipper José Luis through injury and striker Álex Cuadrado, who made a welcome appearance at the ground as he continued his recovery from the sickening clash of heads at Torrellano the previous weekend.

The game should have been a cracker. It wasn't. The ball bounced around midfield as if trapped in a pinball machine. Someone commented that Javea had not been awarded a penalty all season; someone else suggested that the players need to get the ball into the box first. Just 14 goals in 21 goals is one of the worst returns in the league this season; only Redovan CF and UD Ondarense have managed to find the net fewer times. And it looked unlikely that either team were going to add to their meagre totals during the afternoon.

Yet Redovan almost opening the scoring in the 13th minute when confusion in the centre of the park allowed the ball to be passed out to the flanks and bewilderment followed as the ball was crossed into the area to be watched by a line of perplexed defenders. A blue shirt snuck through the mass and nodded the ball goalwards but custodian Ortolá's reflexes allowed him to smother the effort at point-blank range and push it wide. And that was just about the only real effort of the first-half until a few minutes before the break, Redovan went close again, the ball shaving a few millimetres of paint from the surface of the left-hanf upright. By contrast, the rojiblancos had rarely threatened their opposition's goal.

The second-half continued very much in the same vein. On 53 minutes Ortolá produced yet another first-class save, flinging himself at full-stretch to his left to palm a long-range effort around the post for a corner. And that was just about it until a few minutes before the end when the home side had two chances to take maximum points. On 88 minutes substitute George lifted a fine cross into the box which was met by Costa but the striker could only blast his effort agonsingly wide of the left post when it looked easier to score. (It always does from the stands.) Just before the referee brought the game to a close, Óscar tried from distance but his powerful effort flew straight into the arms of the grateful keeper.

CD Javea have now gone twelve games without a win. The dirty dozen. There is all to play for as the season moves into the final third - but it's not for promotion. The rojiblancos have to avoid relegation at all costs and the club needs to realise that some players simply aren't up to the job anymore. It's easy to demand changes but something needs to be addressed before it's too late. There are some awful grounds down there in the Primera Liga!

Mike Smith
600-215-808
www.javeamigos.com

CD JAVEA slipped closer to the abyss with another shocking performance that extends their run to 11 games without a win. Coach Kenny Brown, still unable to take his place on the bench, must be as frustrated as the rest of us at this moral sapping loss.

Kenny's already-depleted squad was served yet another blow when keeper Ortola was unable to travel due to illness and the club had to call on the services of the reserve team keeper to take his place between the sticks with a youth-team goalkeeper woken from his slumber to be elevated to the first-team bench. Popular striker Álex Cuadrado made a welcome return to the rojiblancos, promising to shoot CD Javea back up the table, whilst promising local lad Oscar made his first start of the season in midfield.

Javea made a promising start and forced a corner in the opening minutes of the game. However the home side soon found the rojiblanco defence seriously wanting down the right-hand side and made several dangerous forays as Sergi was continually pulled out of position to open huge gaps on the flanks. Yet the opening goal came from a free-kick in an almost central position some 25 yards out; Torrellano struck the ball reasonably well, lifting it above the wall and into the puddles and mud in front of the keeper. Whether it was inexperience or a lack of confidence, the keeper tried to kick the ball away rather than collecting with his hands and it slipped away under his legs and into the net for the opening goal. Seven minutes later Torrellano doubled their advantage after a great cross from the right-hand side - the opposition continuing to take full advantage of the huge holes in the defence - resulted in the ball bundled over the line at close range with the keeper once again stranded in the mud.

Photo by Fay Hughes

Two goals down and the rojiblancos look dead and buried before the game had really come alive. New signing Álex was trying his best but spent much of his time trying to be too clever and losing the ball to the opposition. Yet, less than a minute before half-time, he had the best chance to pull a goal back when he met a great cross from Ivorra but his header flew just wide of the right-hand upright. He collapsed to the ground with his challenger and lay still for a few seconds. Suddenly a flurry of anxious hands waved at the first aid crews who rushed onto the pitch to attend to the striker, who appeared to be unconcious. Three or four minutes later he was slowly carried off the pitch on a stretcher and taken into an ambulance to be driven away to hospital. It later transpired that he suffered what appeared to be smashed cheekbone.

The second half brought little respite for the rojiblancos and Torrellano went further in front with a nice move across the front of the six-yard area with the Javea defence watching. At almost every moment the opposition were allowed too much time and they worked on capitalising on huge holes that continued to appear down the flanks. George worked all the time - the team's dogsbody - and was without doubt the hardest working player on the pitch for Javea. With the clock ticking ever onwards, one of the travelling party pointed out that Javea had scored just once in almost 7½ hours of football; that statistic was looking to be extended when the rojiblancos won an indirect free-kick inside the area - it was not apparent why - and Oscar celebrated his first start of the season with a well-taken goal after a tap from David Ivars.

The strike brought the game to a conclusion; a third successive defeat leaving CD Javea just four points above the relegation zone. This Sunday's home game against Redovan CF is a real "six-pointer" in the battle against relegation. The atmosphere generated at the last home match against Pinoso CF was superb and commented on favourably by the football club. Let's get behind the lads once again and hopefully they'll repay us with a victory.

Mike Smith
600-215-808
www.javeamigos.com

Pinoso 1 - 0 CD JAVEA

The last win for CD Javea occurred back at the beginning of November with an unconvincing 1-0 home win over bottom side UD Ondarense. Ironically this game marked the last time an out-and-out striker scored for the club; just five goals have been scored in the last three months - and none from a forward player. Houston - we have a problem. A serious problem. Costa has returned from injury but still looks short of match-fitness. Toni Burguete arrived just before Christmas but just doesn't look the finished product by a long way. And that's it. The club got rid of the popular Raúl Ibáñez just before Christmas; And so the rojiblancos are firing blanks and a team that has no firepower has very little chance of success.

Pinoso CF reached the play-offs last season but they've been far from promotion hopefuls this season. Yet they arrived in Javea full of enthusiasm and must have been truly estatic when Javea's Zorrilla was sent off after just nine minutes, reducing the rojiblancos to ten men. The dismissal was justified; no matter how furiously you have been clattered to the ground for the umpteenth time, you don't retaliate; that simply flings open the door to ruin. And the game was just about lost as the powerful midfielder trudged slowly into the changing rooms.

Pinoso didn't need to lift their game much; the rojiblancos seemed to be doing their best to lose the game. With Kenny sitting very much helpless in the stands, the coaching staff in the dugout continually called over players to discuss tactics, opening a whole succession of holes in a formation already shy of one important player. Pinoso simply played the waiting game, watching for the holes that inevitably appeared as Javea tried unsuccessfully to adapt to their deficiency. Goalkeeper Ortolá, taking his place between the sticks for the first time this season, showed that he was a more than capable replacement for the popular Aurelio, saving two very well-taken free-kicks that kept the scoreline at 0-0 at half-time.

The second-half opened with a goal for Pinoso when their number 11 was left in absolutely acres of space on the right-hand side and he charged forward to slide the ball underneath the body of the advancing Ortolá to bounce off the right-hand post and into the net. As has been always the case this season, the heads dropped and Javea looked very much up against it; one man down and now one goal down. And it got even worse just after the hour mark when midfielder Javi was sent-off for a second bookable offence, reducing Javea to nine men and the game was effectively over as a contest.

The players and staff have praised the fans for their support all season and the noise and encouragement generated by the JAVEAMIGOS during the second-half was probably the best all season; it was just a shame that the players couldn't reward with a goal. The fans were still singing as the game drew to a close; the players bowed their heads and worked their way quickly to the changing rooms. They seem to acknowledge that they didn't deserve the boisterous support. Yet the same din will be generated next week at Torrellano - one day the players will repay us!

Mike Smith
600-215-808
www.javeamigos.com

Benissa 2 - 0 CD JAVEA

NINE games and two and a half months have now passed since CD Javea last sampled the sweet taste of victory. Just five points separates the rojiblancos from the unthinkable and new coach Kenny Brown will need to work hard with his players to lift them for the home game against Pinoso CF this Sunday because, on this performance, the relegation zone is looking too close for comfort, especially as those teams who had just a weeks ago been firmly ensconced in the drop zone are beginning to notch up important points to lift themselves away from the bottom.

Kenny Brown was forced to watch the game from the sidelines as his paperwork was still to be processed by the Valencian FA; it can't have made the picture any better from afar. The side started the game in a familiar 4-4-2 formation with the disappointing Toni Burguete now able to prove his worth alongside Salva Costa, returning from a long period of injury. David Ivars was forced to serve a one-match suspension so the midfield was shuffled slightly to afford some width with Dino and George on the flanks and captain José Luis tasked with controlling the centre of the park with Zorrilla.

It took just a few minutes for the hosts to declare their intentions and they hit the bar from distance with the rojiblanco defence looking horrifically static. There was a blow just moment after when a crushing collision resulted in Dino being helped from the field cradling his shoulder and whisked off for medical attention. Young striker Oscár stepped in to give the side a positive attacking look.

The rojiblancos swept forward with some ease, spreading the ball around the artificial surface with some ease, but the end product remained elusive. Burguete might have found himself in a decent position after a great through-ball from Costa but he inexplicably pulled up with the keeper nervously advancing then gratefully scooping up the ball. A few minutes later Oscár tried from long-range but his powerful shot was saved easily by the keeper.

On the half-hour mark the game began to turn. The rojiblancos were lucky not to have found themselves down to ten men after goalkeeper Aurelio rushed out of his area to clear the loose ball but found himself taking out the attacking player as well in dramatic fashion. With most in the stands expecting the custodian to walk, the referee produced a yellow card and the former Oliva man found himself contemplating his luck. Sadly his 'victim' played no further part in the game and was transported to hospital at half-time for further examination.

Just before half-time the game came alive. Roared on by another noisy travelling army of fans, Costa skipped down the right-hand side and delivered a fine high cross into the box but the ball was just a few inches too high for the squat Burguete. Moments later Costa was guilty of a touch of selfishness when he scuffed an attempt which glided well wide of the goal when he should have made a short pass to Burguete who had found himself in acres of space inside the area. Almost on the stroke of half-time Benissa thought they had opened the scoring when they sprinted through the static defence and placed the ball past the advancing Aurelio. The ball hit the post and rebounded back into the grateful arms of the goalkeeper.

The hosts took the game to their opponents straight from the whistle and could have scored within seconds after forcing an early corner. Benissa swept forward with renewed confidence, defying their lowly position in the table, and the rojiblancos simply couldn't find the momentum which had made them so dangerous in the first-half. Benissa looked confident and started to enjoy their football whilst Javea began to look tired and once again devoid of much imagination.

On 78 minutes Benissa were rewarded for their constant pressure with a goal, although it was through a comedy of errors in the defence which ultimately allowed them to take the lead. Five minutes later they doubled their advantage after another mix-up between keeper Aurelio and his defensive line allowed Benissa to sneak in a fire a low sho