CD THADER – 4  CF TAVERNES – 2

BY STEVE HIBBERD

This midweek Valencia Community League match was originally due to be played at the end of February, but was postponed because of the tragic tower block fire in Valencia.  Prior to this moral boosting victory, Thader had lost 3 on the bounce, not having won since mid-February at La Nucia.

Consequently, they had slipped back into the relegation zone, which they had previously fought so hard to escape from.

With Tavernes occupying the 7th place slot, a marked improvement was required if winning ways were to return.  Although Thader made all the early running, it was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play with a firm header from a corner.

Serhiy produced a deserved equaliser on 29 mins, when his precise shot from the edge of the box, squeezed just inside the post.  From the next attack, Dani Lucas won a penalty, but unfortunately, Raul had his spot kick easily saved.

Inside the 2nd half, Tavernes regained the lead from a counter attack, although it must be said that the scorer appeared way offside when he initially received the ball.  Making amends from his earlier penalty miss, Raul levelled the scores with a wonderful, angled drive, which beat the keeper all ends up.

Now it was time for sub Berni to take centre stage.  First off, he executed an audacious bicycle kick which the keeper failed to hold, then with time ticking away, he completed a fine individual run by slotting the ball under the advancing keeper.

There is another home league match coming soon for Thader.  At Moi Gomez stadium on Sun 7 Apr, ko 1130, mid table Eldense ‘B’ will be the opponents for the men in blue and white stripes.