It’s better to win without the performance than to perform without the win. Whether or not you agree with that statement, that was certainly the case for Castellón today as they overcame a resilient Cornella side at home, without playing in the dominant fashion they did last time out against Osasuna Promsesas.
The Albinegres scored early through Fabricio, who controlled and volleyed home Calavera’s header, after the original corner was poorly dealt with by Cornellà. After a dominant first 30 minutes, which included a number of impressive runs from full back by Javi Antón, Cornellà started to come into the game, and piled on the pressure before half time. Their best chance came just after the second half kicked off, when they hit the post from a corner after Castellón failed to clear. Despite dominating for large periods, the side from near Barcelona were unable to create many significant chances to trouble Alfonso Pastor.
Castellón got a penalty after Fabricio was elbowed in the box with ten minutes to go but couldn’t double their lead, with Cornellá goalkeeper Lucas Anacker guessing correctly and saving Cristian’s attempt well.
The result leaves Castellón second, but two points closer to Eldense, as the side from Alicante were held at home by Osasuna Promsesas on Saturday. The next home game for the Albinegres against Eldense on February 12 promises to carry monumental consequences for the outcome of the Primera RFEF this season.
A new system and missing players
While perhaps not the only justification for the lacklustre performance, it must be said that a number of important figures were missing, who likely would have featured in the starting XI. Kone was suspended due to accumulating too many yellow cards, while new signing Adri Fuentes was unable to be registered in time for the game.
Combined with the continued adaptation process to Albert Rudé’s new methods, it’s a good sign that Castellón has still been able to deliver the results required since his arrival. The defensive unit performed well, and once the attack returns to full strength, Castellón fans will hope that goals will start flowing.