Almeria 2 Elche 2
Following last week’s capture of Carlos ‘The Rock’ Sanchez to solidify Elche’s previously lightweight midfield, this week the Illicitanos signed the 20 year-old Ghanian striker Richmond Boakye from Juventus on a one-year loan.
The big, prolific striker is just want Elche need, and he began this local derby between fellow promotees to La Liga on the Elche bench.
Otherwise the Franjiverdes started with the blend of old and new that drew last week with Real Sociedad.
Sound Elche goalkeeper Manu Herrera was soon in action, pushing a fierce shot wide, but it didn’t take Almeria long to open the scoring: ten minutes had gone when top scorer Soriano glanced his header into the corner, following a long, accurate cross from the right.
Elche looked lively and on the half-hour Fidel’s cross was clearly handled by Pellerano. Cool Hand Luke, Elche’s penalty-taker Edu Albacar duly slotted it wide of Estaban in the Almeria goal to put the Illicitanos’ level. Following a great Herrera save the rebound was put back in, but fortunately ruled offside, this immediately countered by Elche sweeping up to the other end and from a wide, inswinging Albacar free kick last season’s top scorer Coro’s header was gratefully gathered by Estaban: 1 – 1 at half time.
Only two minutes had gone in the second half when Almeria went ahead again. This time the home side won a penalty as the Franjiverdes new right back Sapurano handled inside the box, and it was Verza’s turn to slot in his penalty to make it 2 – 1. With half-an-hour left Moral was taken off for Boakye to make his debut, soon being clearly fouled by Dubarbier who was sent off for his second foul. Coro’s quicksilver run took him clear but Estaban rushed out to smother the ball, and substitute Aaron put his shot just wide as the visitors went for the equaliser against the ten men, but despite pressure and chances there was no success.
Just when it looked like that would be the final result the match moved into time added on, in the 94th minute Herrera launched a huge kick downfield. Coro received it, controlled the ball, slipping it to Boakye who with his back to goal swivelled round to crack the ball into the corner of the Almeria net to huge travelling delight from the debut striker, the team and the considerable number of noisy, rewarded Elche supporters who had made the short trip down the coast to support their newly-promoted team.
A 2 – 2 draw looked the right result although it will be Almeria who will feel the most frustrated by the result.
It was an excellent result for Elche, and bodes well for survival in La Liga, as it has taken time for Elche coach Fran Escriba to acquire the blend of skill and experience needed to survive. It’s early days, but it would seem in the City of Palms there is much to be excited about.
The bookings are coming thick and fast, particularly in defence which will ultimately mean suspensions: let’s hope this doesn’t happen to the Illicitanos later as has happened crucially in the past to cause grief, i.e. no decent substitutes to come in and play well enough to ensure adequate results.
Due to the internationals next week Elche don’t play again until Monday September 16th at 20.00 against old friends Valladolid. With two points from the first three games this will be valuable time for the new players to get used to each other and hopefully blend into a team which can consolidate their new position in the top flight of Spanish football.
Mucho Elche!
Filed under: http://www.theleader.info/article/40438/
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