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BACK TO FIXTURES & RESULTS NEXT GAME PREVIOUS GAME
Cadiz moved a step closer to the Primera Liga with a fine second half performance against battling Andalusians Cordoba at the new look Ramon de Carranza. The opening of the new Preferencia stand meant for the first time this season nearly 20,000 were cheering on their beloved Cadiz, and free inflatables from Diario de Cadiz and flags from Phonesur added to the atmosphere. Espárrago named an unsurprising team, with Manolo Perez coming in for the suspended Suárez, an indication of his intention keep possession of the ball in midfield. Both sides created chances in the opening quarter of an hour, and the home fans had Armando to thank for 2 superb saves, the best being a flying save to push a Cristian Álvarez freekick around his near post. At the other end the best Cadiz could create was a low freekick from Fleurquin, but it lacked placement and Saja gathered easily. Things looked like getting worse when Velazquez had to be substituted after a crunching tackle, and Raul Lopez came on at left back with Varela switching flanks. The break through came in the 17th minute, and it was no surprise that it was top scorer Jonathan Sesma who broke the dead lock. A pass from Fleurquin into Oli's feet drew out the Cordoba defence, and he turned and chipped a delightful pass over the full back to the on rushing Sesma. He made no mistake with his first time finish over the approaching keeper. After two successive 0-0 draws it was clear to see the home fans delight at the goal and it somehow raised the volume inside the stadium to even higher levels. Manolo Perez then almost doubled the lead from a free kick, but his effort bounced off the bar. Cordoba were still threatening at the other end, and in the 32nd minute a loose ball from Raul Lopez and a weak tackle from De Quintana allowed Villa through on goal, and this time Armando was helpless to stop the well placed shot drilled into the bottom corner of his goal. The home fans suddenly remembered the poor recent home form and started to worry this could go the same way. The next chance fell to Enrique, a rehearsed corner routine saw the ball played to the edge of the box where he sent a scorching volley crashing against the inside of the post. Half time came with the match still firmly in the balance, and the home fans were lifted when the Diario de Cadiz mascot refused to leave the penalty area at the start of the second half, to the delight of the onlooking spectators.
Cadiz roared out of the blocks at the start of the second half and it was obvious that Espárrago had had stern words with his players after a tired looking first half performance. Despite their promising possession, it was Cordoba who had the first chance of taking the lead, Armando making another great save when palming a powerful header onto the upright. Cadiz were then given the chance to regain the lead after good work from Varela down the right, and his back heel to Enrique allowed the winger to put in a telling cross. As the ball headed towards the far post Oli tumbled in the middle and the referee awarded a penalty for a push. Manolo Perez took the responsibility on his shoulders and placed the ball in the bottom left hand corner of the net to repeat ecstasy in the stands. A two goal cushion looked essential, and Pavoni´s growing influence on the game was creating further chances. The third goal came in the 67th minute, a low angled drive from Oli could only be palmed out by the keeper, and Enrique slid in to find the net from a tight angle. The relief from the stands was evident, and mexican waves started to roll around the ground to the delight of the Fondo Norte. Cordoba again suggested the result was far from over, and a good effort from the edge of the box from Villa was heading for the top corner until Armando´s fingertips diverted the ball onto his upright. Bezares was brought on for Paz with Fleurquin dropping back into the heart of the defence, and Mirosavljevic replaced captain Oli. Despite having a big hand in the three goals scored, Oli was unable to notch only his second goal of 2005. Cadiz were now enjoying more space on the counter attack as the relegation threatened Cordoban´s searched for a way back into the game. Sesma, Pavoni and Enrique were quick to exploit the space, and Pavoni especially should have produced a better final ball when getting to the byline after a fine run. The match was wrapped up as the match approached stoppage time, when Enrique outpowered the Cordoba defence to have a clear run through on goal. He drew the keeper and unselfishly squared for Mirosavljevic to roll the ball into an empty net, earning the Croatian a standing ovation from his adoring fans who have taken quickly to his cameo appearances up front. The final goal perhaps put a flattering look to the scoreline, but a superb performance from Armando and a much improved second half were enough to secure the 3 points. The home crowd joined in chants of "Cordoba, Cordoba" with the 300 travelling fans, and it was clear the Cadista´s wish their Andalusian neighbours all the best in their increasingly difficult quest for survival. For Cadiz, three wins from the final three home games will be a massive step towards promotion, but for now all eyes will be on next weeks trip to Elche. |
