Match Report: VCF Mestalla remain unbeaten with away draw to Elche Ilicitano (1-1)

VCF Mestalla visited Elche Ilicitano in midweek on public holiday on Matchday 7 in group VI of Tercera RFEF.  

The meeting ended in a 1-1 draw after going in front through an Alberto Marí goal which was cancelled out in the closing minutes of the game. The b team remain unbeaten away from home with one wins and two draws from three games.     

Miguel Ángel Angulo introduced a few changes to the starting lineup with three consecutive fixtures in a week as well as for the plastic pitch surface of the sporting centre of Altabix.

VCF Mestalla had a solid start to the game looking to find a foothold in defence before a high pressure from the opposition.

VCF tried to play a direct and quick brand of football down the wings through Fran Pérez and N’Dombasi as well as trying to make the most from set pieces taken by Javi Guerra and Alberto Marí which almost caught the keeper out in the closing minutes of the first half.          

The first half finished goalless with clear-cut chances few and far between for either side.

Miguel Ángel Angulo made an attacking change brining on Pablo Gozálbez to link up with the frontline. VCF Mestalla upped their dominance before an Elche Ilincitano side who had a dip.

Alberto Marí broke the deadlock following a fine combination down the right wing as Alberto Marí took up an invitation of another José David assist to drill the ball home past Lluis Andreu and make it 1-0 for VCF Mestalla on 55 minutes.   

Pablo Gozálbez came close to hitting a quickfire goal. Charly pulled off a couple fine saves, especially on a one on one situation with Ayan as a Sekou long drive rattled the crossbar.  

Elche Ilicitano found a late equaliser through José Ruiz following a corner kick delivery with five minutes from normal time plus stoppage time remaining.

Match Details:

1.- Elche Ilicitano: Lluis Andreu, Sergio Bono (Garrido, m. 90), Gómez (Coke, m. 64), José Ruiz, Alfaro, Carles Marco, Bri, Pablo Molina, Sekou (Friaza, m. 64), Pamies and Cocca.

1.- VCF Mestalla: Charly, Miki, Iván Muñoz (D. Ruiz, m. 77), Adri Gómez, Alberto Marí, N’Dombasi (Diego López, m. 77), César Tárrega, José David, Burlamaqui (Gozálbez, m. 46), Fran Pérez (Rubén Iranzo, m. 82) y Javi Guerra (Alemañ, m. 66).

Goals: 0-1, m. 55, Alberto Marí, 1-1, José Ruiz m. 85

Referee: Francisco Latorre. Booked Cocca, Sekou, Diego Bri, Gómez, and Pamies for Elche Ilicitano. Iván Muñoz, Adri Gómez, Gozálbez and César Tárrega for VCF Mestalla.

Observations: Matchday 7 in group VI of Tercera RFEF held at the Enrique Cervera municipal ground of Altabix.