Penalty shootout decides Thader’s progress in the Cup

SPORTING SAN FULGENCIO – 1 CD THADER – 1

(Thader wins 4-2 on penalties)

As Thader has been eliminated in the first round of the La Nosta Cup for the past two seasons, it is a nice change to report that they have advanced to the next round. That being said, it wasn’t easy at all, against a local team, one division below them. Due to a series of unavailability of key players, coach Raúl Mora was forced to introduce some marginal players from the youth team.

In the first two minutes, Thader goalkeeper Sergio made a glorious save to prevent the hosts from taking the lead. When he reached the goal, Serhiy forced SF goalkeeper Jesús to earn his keep, bravely saving a point-blank shot.

Within 10 minutes, Thader’s new boy Precius fired a few more shots and then, right at the other end, Sergio made another mundane save. Midway through the half, Fran almost put the visitors ahead, but his shot went just wide. Precius was at the center of the action, once again providing a decent cross, which Robin was unable to make the contact needed to put Thader ahead.

A combination of good saves from SF forwards Sergio, Victor and then Arimi, plus near misses, resulted in a stalemate at halftime.

Thader introduced 4 established players at half-time and then another 3 before the end, in an attempt to break the deadlock. But, just 54 seconds into the new half, the hosts had taken the lead. A long clearance from the defense fell well to the unmarked Bicho, who calmly fired under Sergio’s body.

Not to be discouraged, neighbors Rojales’ men equalized in the 57th minute. After a corner, the ball seemed cleared to safety, only for Edu to score a magnificent half-volley shot through a sea of ​​players, from 25 meters. SF looked likely to regain the lead in the 76th minute, only for Kevin’s lob over the advancing Sergio to hit the top of the crossbar, before bouncing behind for a goal kick. The match was a bit boring for the rest of the half, leaving both teams preparing for the penalty shootout.

SF scored with their first penalty, but Amin tied the score. Man of the match Sergio saved from SF’s Valta, before Raúl coolly dispatched his penalty. Both SF and Jordy scored the third penalty, before SF’s Josu shot over the bar.

Pepelu easily scored the goal that put Thader’s name in the hat for the next round.

As the grass at the Moi Gómez stadium is still in the process of being reseeded, Thader’s next match against Paterna on Sunday, December 15 at 11:30 a.m. will be at the adjacent Xavi Simons stadium in Rojales.