ELCHE RESERVES DRAW AWAY

Sabadell 0 Elche 0
Now that the promotion is won and champions status secured, canny Elche coach and mastermind Fran Escriba is taking the opportunity to see how good his reserves are, particularly those who’ve hardly kicked a ball in anger this sensational season. Goalkeeper Diego Rivas, right back Mantecon and centre backs Javi Flano and Hector Verdes were all in as defensive deputies, as were Javi Flores, Aaron and Pelayo in midfield and upfront.

The latter two have much to prove, both have been given ample opportunities to show their worth, but to me both are lacking. Hailed as the new wonder boy for the Illicitanos midfielder Javi Flores has hardly kicked a ball this season, due to being badly injured in the warm up games.

Let’s hope he can still do it, Elche need some new class in midfield. Fortunately Elche managed promotion without him, but it would be good if he can offer much next season where the Illicitanos will need him badly. The old guard of Albacar, Rivera, Carles Gil and Rivera complemented the reserves.

Sabadell are a Catalonian team who sit in 15th place in the Segunda Division, going nowhere, but safe from any nasty fears, similar to Elche’s nasty neighbours Hercules who are now safe. Not safe and heading for the drop are similarly nasty neighbours Real Murcia – they’re doomed, Cap’n Mainwaring…

Other neighbours Almeria are still sweating out for automatic promotion along with Elche, this prestigious position being hotly disputed by Villarreal and Girona, with one more game to go after this crucial weekend. Also contesting the play-off positions are Alcorcon, managed by old Elche coach Jose Bordelas, newcomers to the league this season Ponferradina and Las Palmas still hanging in there, but one of those latter two will miss out.

So this largely meaningless fixture fizzled out in another goalless draw, without proving too much, but at least Fran Escriba will know more about who to let go, and who to retain…

The last game of Elche’s tumultuous season, this record-breaking one when the Illicitanos led from start to finish will fittingly take place at the mighty Martinez Valero stadium next weekend (actual details TBC), which will give the people of the ancient City of Palms every opportunity to come out and say thanks and well done to Fran Escriba and his heroes.

See you there?
Mucho Elche!

Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/39233/

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