Fans in festive spirit at Castalia as Castellon come away with win (2-1)

It was snowing soft toys at half time at Castalia, as part of Castellon’s annual toy drive, and the team did their part to get fans into the Christmas spirit, notching up a 2-1 against Real Murcia to allow Castellon to maintain their status as leaders over the Christmas break. Goals from Haris Medunjanin and Jesus De Miguel made the difference in game which the home side should really have won by more, and Borja Granero stood out in defence in what was his first start of the season.

After a back and forth opening ten minutes with few chances, it was Real Murcia who almost gifted Castellon the opener, as dangerous cross by the Albinegros was almost turned into the Murcia net by their own defender.

As the game went on, Castellon established themselves more with Murcia generating much less offensively. They were rewarded as the Pimentoneros were judged to have handled the ball in the box, and Medunjanin took charge of the spot kick. The Bosnian went left, but so did the keeper, and not for the first time this season the Albinegros squandered the chance to take the lead from the spot.

Ten minutes later, Castellon had their most dangerous chance from a free kick, as a ball that was chipped in found Raul Sanchez, but Manu Garcia made himself big to deny him. The rebound fell to Iago Indias, but his attempt went narrowly wide of the post.

The home side sustained their pressure, and finally broke through just after the half hour mark with an extremely well worked free kick. The ball was initially delivered to Iago Indias, who headed on to give Medunjanin a great chance at close range, and this time the Bosnian didn’t miss, confidently finding the net to put Castellon 1-0 up. The first half ended without Real Murcia creating anything serious threats, and with Castellon comfortably in the driving seat.

As comfortable as they were in the first 45, Castellon probably didn’t expect the visitors to start the second strongly, but Real Murcia came out firing. Within two minutes, they were back on terms, as Jose Angel Carrillo beat Crettaz from close range after a nice cross from left back Marc Baro.

The equaliser did not sit well with Castellon though, and the home side got right back to it. After several relentless attacking sequences, they were in front again six minutes later. Borja Granero strode forward from central defence, beating his man on the wing and putting in a beautiful low cross to the back post. Castellon’s main man Jesus de Miguel was there waiting to tap in his twelfth, and undoubtedly easiest, goal of the season.

The Albinegros didn’t let up in the following minutes, and generated a number of chances. The Murcia keeper had to deal with a dangerous cross from Manu Sanchez, and in the next attack Raul Sanchez got a good shot on target from the edge of the area after a nice cutback.

With 15 minutes left to play, Castellon would have added a third were it not for the boot of a Real Murcia defender, as Medunjanin’s tidy finish was cleared off the line at the last second after a nice cross from Manu Sanchez.

Real Murcia did have their moments late on - Borja Granero made an important last ditch challenge to avoid a dangerous one-on-one situation on the counter - but overall Castellon were simply better, and despite the one-goal scoreline, the Pimentoneros never looked like they were going to get back into the game. Raul Sanchez and Jesus De Miguel both had great opportunities to extend the lead, but neither were able to convert.

Castellón will be delighted that they were able to answer Ibiza’s 3-0 win earlier in the day, and go into the break as leaders. The first game back is against Atlético Sanluqueño on the 3rd, before facing Osasuna in the Copa del Rey. Have a good Christmas and New Year Orelluts!

CD Castellón: Crettaz, Borja Granero, Alberto, Chirino, Manu Sánchez (Julio Gracia 79), Iago Indias (Óscar Gil 79), Raúl Sánchez, Moyita, Villahermosa, Medunjanin, De Miguel

Real Murcia: Manu García, Carmona, Rofino, Alberto, Baro, Imanol, Larrea (Piña 78), Pedro León (Dani Vega 72), Guarrotxena (Rojas 62), Mariano (Santos 62), Carrillo (Ríos 78)

Goals: Medunjanin 30, Carrillo 47, De Miguel 53

Referee: Sergio Usón Rosel