XEREX 1 ELCHE 1

Sport » Handball

Kevin Reardon / 2005-06-23 11:19:35

A visit to Estadio Chapin, the home of Xerex, is never an easy fixture, plus they were leading the league when Elche travelled there on Saturday. Manager Josu Uribe had changed the Elche formation for this match, bringing in new signings Trotta and Alfredo for their debuts in midfield.
Elche made a positive start and controlled the game for the first half-hour, making several unconverted chances before the cultured left foot of Ruben smashed home a shot from the edge of the penalty area on 19 minutes.

Roared on by a 15000 strong crowd Xerex came back into the game and were the stronger team for 15 minutes each side of half-time. After 54 minutes Moreno equalised with a low shot inside the box, with the Elche defence vainly appealing for offside. The home team then should have scored more, but 2 lost opportunities for Pendin and Mena kept the score even, the first effort being cleared off the line by Trotta and the second clattering the frame of the goal.

Having escaped further punishment the visitors worked their way back into the game and finished the stronger without being able to find a winning goal. All in all a draw was a fair result and keeps Elche up in the leading pack. A home win against Eibar would now be expected, such is the good form shown so far. This match is at 7p.m.on next Sunday 3rd October

This year's manager Uribe seems to very tactically aware and as well as signing good players he is not afraid to alter the team to suit the occasion. The players are certainly responding well to his style of coaching and only positive messages are coming from the dressing room.

Elche team: Unanua, Benja, Noguerol, Trotta, Txiki, Bernaus, Turiel, Alfredo, Ruben, Nino, Moises. Subs used: Azkoita, Luis Gil, Peragon. Yellow cards: Benja, Turiel, Bernaus, Txiki.