Real Murcia 1 Melilla 0

It wasn't pretty......but it takes balls, effort and teamwork to win like this after being reduced to ten men after just 3 minutes. Gotor was red carded after a clash with Melilla's number 2. I have not seen any replays....but it seems to be a very dubious decision. This is something we are having to deal with at the NC. The referees in segunda B are used to going to small grounds where the public are close, and chase them around the village and there is no hiding place. The NC is made for primera, and there is distance...and safety. Add to this the fact that they have no opportunity to act on such a stage, they seem to want to make the most of the chance of noteriety. Mr. Mateo Valero was awful, getting decisions wrong all the time, and the linesman.....one was OK (who bravely gave the penalty), but the other? A Melilla forward a good 4 metres offside, no flag, on the very next attack, onside, but the flag goes up. Let's get used to it.....this is the way it's gonna be....officials at this level are woeful.

The kick-off time didn't help the attendance....on the TV it may have looked empty....but remember, the NC is huge (33,000 capacity) and most of the support were sheltering in the shade (and you don't really want to be in the sun in Murcia at midday in September - see shade seekers photo below).



Lineups :

Real Murcia :
Alberto
Gago - Amaya - Gotor - Óscar Sánchez
Aguilera - Richi - Albiol (Cañadas, 78') - Pedro
Kike (Carles, 25') - Chando (Rosquete, 63').

Melilla :
Dorronsoro
Zamorano - Amarito - Herreros (Castell, 84') - Mahanan
Carlos Ruiz - Roldán - Bravo (Aznar, 62') - Coke (Chota, 62')
Vázquez - Ramos.

Goal: 1-0. Pedro (pen, 43').

Att : 7,175

Outstanding performances from Aguilera, Richi, Pedro and Amaya. At the end of the game the whole team, subs, plus manager...even the kit man, all joined in a huddle on the pitch, showing that this is a TEAM. What a difference a few months makes. The club was in disarray, now we seem to have removed the bad influences from the dressing room, have appointed a clever manager who knows how to get the best out of the squad, is using rotation wisely, and has given the team a clear identity on the pitch. We have had a far more difficult start to the season than Cadiz.....and we all know that the ref gifted them their draw against us at their place. Only 2 goals conceded in the leagure (an own goal and Cadiz's dodgy penalty). We eliminated Puertollano (ambitious new arab owners), Oviedo (one of the favorites for promotion, a sleeping giant) and Sant Andreu (top of group 3)....all away from home. Winning is a very good habit, whatever the competition. Next up....Almeria B, again at the NC, next Sunday.