Elche 1 - 0 Almeria - Elche maintain momentum

Posted Sunday, March 08, 2015 by PA

Elche climbed further away from the Primera Division drop zone after beating Almeria 1-0.

Victor Rodriguez scored the only goal of the game with just five minutes on the clock, although the hosts passed up plenty of opportunities to extend their lead, and had a second goal harshly ruled out for a foul.

Although they only managed the one goal, this was an energetic and impressive performance from Elche, who have taken 10 points from their last five matches and now sit 14th in the table - six points above Almeria, who still occupy the final relegation place.

The visitors came out of the blocks the faster of the two teams but failed to turn their attacking energy into chances, and they fell behind the first time Elche came forward.

As ever, talismanic forward Jonathas de Jesus played a pivotal role in the goal. The Brazilian received the ball on the left wing and toyed with Almeria defender Ximo Navarro, coasting past the full-back by the byline and then chipping the ball for Rodriguez to head in from close range.

Almeria's expert header Tomer Hemed could have equalised but he failed to make the most of Jonathan Zongo's fine cross - and a minute later Elche almost doubled the lead.

Aaron Niguez came racing down the left and cut inside the area to shoot but Sebastian Dubarbier made the block and the ball fell to Mario Pasalic, only for his shot to be deflected over the bar by Navarro.

Elche were left frustrated again a few minutes later, when Enzo Roco headed Faycal Fajr's corner in at the near post - but the effort was chalked off for an alleged foul by the Chilean on Almeria goalkeeper Julian Cuesta.

Almeria started to grow into the game before the break. First Dubarbier struck the post, and then Corona's shot from the edge of the area was tipped away by Elche stopper Przemyslaw Tyton.

Almeria improved after the break but Elche continued to dominate and create the better chances, with Garry Rodrigues and Jonathas both forcing saves from Cuesta, but one goal would prove sufficient for the hosts.