BY CHRIS PEACH – CD Polop 1-3 SC Torrevieja CF

Lewis (28), Own goal (63), Ramiro (79)

Torrevieja narrowed the gap on second placed Murada with a fine 3-1 win away at Polop of Friday evening, despite falling behind yet again, due to a slow start.

Poor defending at a set piece saw the relegation threatened home side take the lead just 17 minutes into the game, when Valcárcel got his head to a free kick, which looped over Maxi in the Torry goal.

However, the visitors didn’t have too long to wait before they were back on level terms. A quick free kick on the edge of the box, following a foul on Amin, was only partially cleared as far as Lewis, who, on making a welcome return from suspension, lifted the ball perfectly over the Polop defence and into the back of an empty net.

It got better from Torry, but there was still little fluidity to the game, with neither side creating any real opportunity of note for large portions of the half. Amin did get a shot off after linking with Campillo and Anto, but Carrillo saved well in the Polop goal.

There was a much-improved performance from the visitors in the second period, but again it was the home side who were quicker out of the blocks. A great opportunity fell to Ortz at the back post, but the big forward was stretching and failed to get enough on the ball to worry Maxi.

Midfielder Dani Muñoz showed the desire which had been previously missing to press Polop as he created a half chance, before Anton went close from a free kick that was headed across goal by Carmona.

The growing pressure then began to pay dividends with Torry finally taking the lead on the hour mark. As Fran Diez whipped in a corner from the right, aimed at Lewis on the near post, Polop defender Barranco was first to the ball, only to see his headed deflection fly past Carillo and into the back of the net.

With Torry now growing in stature, the home side were struggling to contain, as frustration began to set in.

The visitors went close to extending their lead as a Luis Carlos freekick was met by Toro 8-yards out. He did everything right, heading it downwards towards goal, but it bounced back up and just over the bar.

Moments later, in the 79th minute, however, another Torry goal from a Ramiro corner, this time on the left. The ball narrowly missed the head of a near post defender but was then misjudged by keeper Carillo, who got his clearance completely wrong, seemingly punching the ball directly into his own net.

It could have been an own goal again, but I’ll give it Ramiro for the quality of his in swinging corner.

The home side were now in total control with further opportunities falling to Omar, Luis and Saul, but they were unable to extend the lead at the Nou Camp el Terol and were happy to settle for a 1-3 victory.

A great win and good performance. After a forgettable 1st half, we saw a much-improved Torrevieja side take control of the game against a determined and organised Polop side.

Gil got the reaction he needed after the break with some crucial changes to ensure Torry returned home with all 3 points.

It was exciting to see the 17-year-old Norwegian debutante stake his place in midfield. He looked quick, strong and showed great skill, and although it’s still early days, he is certainly one to keep an eye on.

Contact the writer on: torryarmyfootball@gmail.com