Alcoyano 0-1 Castellón: Sometimes you have to win ugly

People often ask if players can ‘do it on a cold Tuesday night at Stoke’, as the team developed a reputation for their long ball, no nonsense play under manager Tony Pulis. But maybe fans should also be asking if teams can do it on a potato field in Alcoi, such was the challenge Castellón were up against at the weekend. However pass the test the Albinegres did, with Kone grabbing the winning goal late on in the second half after the home side were reduced to ten men.

It was the kind of performance potential champions must produce, and it leaves them sitting above their direct rival in second place, behind only leaders Eldense. From the terrible condition of the pitch to the physical and direct style of play Alcoyano brought to the table, Castellon dealt with all challenges, and took advantage of the opportunities when they presented themselves.

Winning ugly

Compared to last weekend’s game against La Nucia, when Castellón were able to unleash their creative skills in the second half, this was all about neutralising the threat of Alcoyano and taking advantage of opportunities.

Perhaps in light of this, Pablo Hernandez was dropped to the bench in favour of the slightly more physical Kochorashvili, which helped establish more of presence in the centre of the park.

Nonetheless, Alcoyano remained extremely solid and near impossible to break down. It wasn’t until their centre back Fran Miranda got his second yellow that Castellón started to pressure the Alcoyano goal as they dropped deeper, looking to keep the point.

Whether it was Fabricio or Raul Sánchez, the Alcoyano defence had a lot of threats to deal with, however the man to eventually unlock the situation was Javi Anton, who came on for the latter with ten minutes to go. The substitute burst down the right flank and cut the ball back for Kone, who tapped in to give Castellón the three points.

Alcoyano were even reduced to nine men when Moyita fouled Fabricio as the last defender, but the Albinegres didn’t have time to grab another goal.

Confidence is flowing, excitement is growing

As the positive results continue to accumulate - this was Castellón’s first win away this season in arguably the toughest ground to play in - a chance at automatic promotion to the Segunda Division is becoming more and more realistic.

Fans attended in numbers in Alcoi, making even more noise for most of the match than the home fans. There is a real feeling of excitement both on and off the pitch, and with the next game at home to 17th-placed Amorebieta, there will be high expectations that the team can make it four consecutive wins and potentially go top of the league before playing the current league leaders in two weeks time.