The most interesting match of the 10th day of the First Division’s season was held yesterday at Aixovall in below freezing weather. FC Lusitans La Posa and Matecosa UE Sant Julià jumped onto the grass hoping to gain ground in the rankings. Finally, after a fairly tough match, the scoreboard reflected a draw that left no one satisfied.
Just the opposite happened in the match between Pidasa FC Santa Coloma and Escale UE Santa Coloma, whose respective wins bring them closer to one of the leaders, Matecosa, who are now one point removed from Pidasa and Lusitans, and three from Escale.

Matecosa are left with only 10 in the 35th minute with the direct expulsion of Moreira
The clash began with high expectations, as the other First Division matches between rivals had already taken place and the high ranking teams had won by a landslide (FC Encamp: 9-0/ Escale vs. Inter d’Escaldes: 8-0). Julio Ferreros’ men dominated the opening stages and took advantage of the depth with Gómez and Gonçalves on the left and Moreira on the right.

Matecos changed the game’s pace in the 10th minute with Varela and the ball out of play…
The move had been preceded by a kick that Peppe rebounded from the left to the front, and defence, Martins, fouled when he attempted to block Sebas Varela’s shot. The referee called the foul and the same Varela hurled the shot from a direct throw-in, sending it to the left of the goal area which was defended by Andrés. Sant Julià was ecstatic even though sharp clashes between the two sets of players were still anticipated and the first yellow cards soon appeared. Gonçalves was injured in the 24th minute with a twisted ankle and in the 30th minute Lusitans gave their first warning with a volley to the second post by Maciel which went high.

The move that would determine the match’s outcome took place in the 35th minute. Moreira made a strong entry to Dos Reis, and the right winger was expelled with a direct red card when he purposefully stepped on (according to the referee) Lusitan’s number “10” while he was on the ground. Afterwards, with one man less, Ferrero’s group’s tactics changed, becoming more blatant during the second half.

Lusitans dominate the second half with multiple chances to score
Vincent Marquis' men came in throngs after the break. In the 51st minute, Raya sent his shot to the crossbar, and later Luis Dos Reis rebounded with his head and Walter sent the ball under the bar. The opportunities continued, and two minutes later Lusitans player, Pinto, scored against goalkeeper, Friday, with a shot from the edge.

Matecosa brought in defence, Yael, instead of forward, Iguacel, in order to put an end to Lusitan’s assaults. But their tactic was ineffective, as seen in the 66th minute when Veloso’s attempt to score was blocked by the other team. The play resulted from a foul by Dos Reis in the left lane. Pedro kicked the ball to the first post and the assistant referee called it out of play. Before the 61st minute, however, a 2-0 score was at Salvat´s fingertips in a counter-attack -he took advantage of a long pass from Jacques- but he made a mistake while facing the goalkeeper, Andrés, in a one on one, which worked in Lusitans’ favor.

Identical Goals

Marquis’ reward for his efforts came in the 74th minute when Luis Dos Reis assured the tie in the same way that Varela scored, from a direct throw-in, sending it to the left of the goal area. Lusitans were completely overturned with three forwards and a game characterized by depth and speed on the wings. On the contrary, Sant Julià, with 5 defenders played a defensive match. In the 33rd minute, a very active Luis Dos Reis sent a shot inside the goal area and Gravet sent the ball again to the crossbar in the 80th minute.

In the final stretch, Raya received a penalty and Gravet had his last chance to score with a shot from Meza to the second post, but in the end he missed and sent it out of bounds. Sant Julia’s suffering became a reality and they ended up asking for the time.

 Photo: Lusitans player, Pinto, was the team’s engine yesterday in the match against EU Sant Julia, which ended in a draw. Silvia Casals.