Along with the rest of the league UD Altea now have a 2 week break, and given the disappointing result today this may be no bad thing as Pepe Carrete’s former league leaders have chalked up three consecutive defeats with only a consolation goal to show for their efforts writes Matthew Bell. Quite simply Hercules played as if their lives depended on it while Altea waited for things to happen, which all too infrequently they did not, although credit where credit is due, Carrete’s men gave their customary 100%. The home team played the quicker and more incisive football, dominating the first 45 whereas Altea were all at sea with the normally rock solid defence being cut open with ease. Carrasco was leading the line with aplomb and sped through on only ten minutes for a mano a mano, only to be stopped by the linesman’s flag. All the time Hercules were belying their lowly position and the inevitable goal came with 35 minutes played as their adroit captain bypassed the Altean defence, and although Tomas bravely parried he could not react quickly enough to stop the rebound being hammered home (1-0). Angel would have a gilt-edged chance to level the scores just a few minutes later when a lob was needed to beat the home ‘keeper, although for some reason he chose to cross the ball to the back post.

Carrete could see the problems unfolding and brought on Kroun for Angel after the break, while the returning Marin would add some guile to the centre of the park. Once again the story was of possession, but chances were few and far between, as the connection between the midfield and the front line was just not functioning. Chole’s frustration was growing ever more evident as he was swamped in the centre of the park, and was hauled off to probably avoid being sent off. Both Carrasco & Marin would come close with a header and a long range free kick, but it was not to be. The present run makes unhealthy reading but as many have proffered, Carrete’s Altea still sit a point off the top of the table….No sufras, hay bastante tiempo………