ANXIOUS THADER HOLDS ON TO RECORD 3 VALUABLE POINTS

CD THADER -1 NOVELDA UNION CF

Fresh from beating local rivals Torrevieja in the Copa Nostra last weekend, Thader returned to the community league once again. In front of another large crowd inside the Moi Gómez stadium, the hosts looked to continue their good run in all competitions. Before the start of the game, Thader was in sixth place, while Novelda was one place behind, both with 21 points.

It took a full 11 minutes for the first truly noteworthy incident to arrive. A well taken free kick in the Novelda area was met by Lloyd, but his touch caused the ball to slowly slide around the wrong side of the post.

Four minutes later, Novelda received the first booking of the match, resulting in Thader taking the lead. Jordy took the resulting free kick, which could not be cleared from the danger zone, ultimately allowing Sergio to side-foot the ball into the empty goal.

The first 45 minutes were played mainly in the middle of the park, but in the 39th minute, Thader thought they had scored again, only for their effort to be ruled out by a build-up infringement.

Not for purists, the game became a complicated affair. A warning for the scorer Sergio caused him to be quickly substituted and Robin replaced him.

Shortly afterwards, Thader’s deputy manager, Adrian, was reprimanded for dissent, as tempers frayed. Chema came to his rescue in the 75th minute, when he made a magnificent save, also injuring himself.

Thader’s trusty goalkeeper was at it again 3 minutes later, this time bravely smothering a shot from point-blank range. Novelda substitute Toni caused some palpitations in the Thader camp in the 82nd minute when his fierce shot rattled the post before bouncing to safety.

Directly from the other end, the ball reached Robin, who in a 1-on-1 situation lost control of the ball and missed the danger. In added time, the impressive Pepelu beat several Novalda defenders, before unleashing a great goal, which Luis did well to deflect into a corner.

After the final whistle, both benches met in a hostile manner, having to be separated by several members of their respective staff. As far as I know, no disciplinary action was taken, although I wouldn’t be surprised to learn that referee Darioui has filed a report on the incident.

Thader now embarks on two more home games at Rojales in a week. On Wednesday, January 15 at 8:30 p.m. they will face Denia, and on Sunday, January 19 at 11:30 a.m. Torrevieja will arrive at the Moi Gómez stadium.