Last week in Castellon: Alcoyano, Sean Rea, and Hugo Goñi
Castellon lose 2-0 to Alcoyano, Sean Rea signs for the B team and Hugo Goñi keeps scoring for them.
THE GAME: ALCOYANO 2-0 CASTELLÓN
FIRST HALF
A first half where both teams should have scored - Castellón at least twice - but that ended goalless. A ball over the top gave Lara the first clear chance of the game, as the Alcoyano striker dribbled round Crettaz and got his shot on target, but Chirino as there to clear off the line. Castellón were awarded a penalty five minutes later, as Traoré’s was tackled by keeper Jaume Valens as he ran into the area. Moyita eventually stepped up, but the Alcoyano stopper got down well and saved to his left. Traoré also had Castellón’s second great chance of the game, but his header from Moyita’s corner hit the post. Always involved, the Malian was again denied by Valens from close range shortly before the 40 minute mark, and Julio Gracia’s follow up shot was well blocked. The first half ended with Castellón much the better side, and Alcoyano thankful to hear the half time whistle.
SECOND HALF
After continued albinegro pressure, the first real danger for Alcoyano was just before 70 minutes, as Valens kept out a deflected free kick with a strong hand. Dick also made his first changes, as Castellón went looking for the opener. However it never came, and after 80 minutes it was the home side who found the breakthrough. The referee pointed to the spot, considering that Salva Ruiz had handled the ball in the area, and unlike Moyita, Juanan made no mistake. He sent his penalty low to Gonzalo’s right, and the Argentine could do little to stop it. Things went from bad to worse a couple of minutes later, as Chirino was sent off for a reckless lunge from behind on Carrasco, leaving Castellón shorthanded and still in need of a goal. Predictably, they were caught out on the break, and Selma showed good composure to fake out Crettaz and slide the ball in to double the lead. Castellón lost a game they really should have won, ahead of a huge clash against Córdoba next weekend.
LINEUPS
CD Castellón: Crettaz, Alberto, Chirino, Salva Ruiz, M. Sánchez (R. Sánchez 74), Calavera (Lottin 82), Villahermosa (Suero 82), Julio Gracia (Oscar Gil 86), Traoré, Moyita (Medunjanin 74), Kastaneer
Alcoyano: J. Valens, J. Antón, Vega, Primi, S. López, Albisua, Imanol, Agüero (Selma 74), Juanan, De Palmas (Carrasco 60 [Pradera 88]), Lara (Armental 60)
Goals: Juanan pen 81, Selma 90+1
Referee: Jose Antonio Sánchez Villalobos
DICK’S THOUGHTS
“We played one of our best games after the winter. We had a 10 minute bad spell in the second half, and had a penalty against us. We took a stupid red card.”
“It’s a very difficult league and it will go until the end of the season. If we win, lose or whatever, the season is not played. Málaga and Córdoba are really good teams.”
THE NEWS
Sean Rea signs for B team
Despite Castellón’s first team squad being full, the club announced the signing of Sean Rea last week, who will play for B team until the end of the season. The Canadian midfielder, who has an Italian passport, boasts MLS and CPL experience with Montreal Impact and Valour FC respectively, and looks to be one to watch for the future. The 21-year-old will get a contract with the first team conditional on the club getting promotion, according to Canadian journalist Josh Deming. He was named the 2022 CPL U21 player of the year, and has also been involved in the Canada national team youth setup, making appearances for the U17 side.
Lars Veldwijk out for several weeks
In a stroke of bad luck, January signing Lars Veldwijk has been ruled out for several weeks through injury. The South African striker confirmed that he had had surgery on his Instagram story, and that he had begun the recovery process, which should hopefully leave him available for selection before the end of the season. He has made two substitute appearances since arriving, playing 22 minutes in total.
Hugo Goñi scores again
Castellón B’s new star is called Hugo Goñi, as the 18-year-old has scored four goals in four games, after coming up from the Juvenil A side. With the B team short on strikers due to injury, Hugo got his chance and has certainly taken it, impressing fans with his eye for goal. His latest came against Gandia at the weekend, giving his side the lead as they went on to win 3-1 to continue their excellent run of form and give themselves a chance at a playoff spot (having been fighting relegation only a weeks ago).
THE STATS
10 - For the first time in ten games, Castellón failed to score.
5 - Castellón have missed all five of their spot kicks this season.
6 - Córdoba are now only six points behind the albinegros, ahead of their visit to Castalia next weekend.