WHAT a difference a week makes. Seven days after one of FC Torrevieja’s worst performances of the season, losing at Alicante B, the team stepped up a couple of gears to notch up a much needed and morale boosting home win over an ‘in form’ La Nucia side.
It was just the tonic for a team that had not won in six matches, and had seen an outside chance of a play-off spot worryingly convert itself into a possible relegation battle.
For a change, it was a more consistent performance over the full ninety minutes, and there was the novelty of keeping eleven players on the field, something they had failed to do in their last three outings.
The one goal came late in the match, with ten minutes remaining on the clock. It was well worth waiting for, courtesy of a cracking thirty yard free-kick strike into the top corner of the net from Bailen.
As opposed to recent games at the Vicente Garcia stadium, Torrevieja showed a bit more initiative and actually played like they were the home side, though you can hardly label the encounter as a classic.
There were honest endeavours from Aitor and Torres especially, and the main disappointment was that were not enough clear cut chances created, though a goal was disallowed for offside. But to be frank, Bailen’s memorable shot was the only moment that offered genuine excitement.
FC Torrevieja now have a golden chance this coming Sunday to get another win as they make the short journey to the bottom club, Elche Ilicitano and to finally banish any lingering thoughts of relegation.