Rock Cup Semi-Final: Gibraltar United vs Mons Calpe S.C.

Match corresponding to the semi-final of the Gibtelecom Rock Cup and played on Monday 23^rd April 2018 at 19:30. Match report brought to you courtesy of Turicum Private Bank and Quantocoin.

Gibraltar United 0 – 5 Mons Calpe S.C.

Gibraltar United

1   Kyle ‘Chino’ Goldwin
23 Andre De Oilveira Farinha
5   Erin Barnett
6   Brad Power
15 Aymen Mouelhi
2   Alberto Del Rio Fernandez
8   Filipe Aguiar
40 Carlos Carrasco
24 Jamie Bosio
17 Marco Meireles
9   Ayman Elghobashy

SUBSTITUTES

Daniel Ponce de Leon on for Aymen Mouelhi
Filipe Da Cruz Ramalho on for Alberto Del Rio Fernandez
Michael Negrette on for Andre De Oliveira Farinha

Elghobashy and Mouehli return to the starting line up in a change of formation that sees Manolo adopt a wing back setup. Leo and Pipo drop to the bench as the club faces one of the most important games in its recent history.

Back Row (l to r): Mouelhi, Barnett, Elghobashy, Power, Carrasco, Chino (C) Front Row (l to r): Meireles, Farinha, Aguiar, Bosio, Alberto

It was an atypical match from the kick off. A change of system from our usual 4-3-3 meant an unusual line up but United had the first clear chance of the match, Aguiar left his marker behind by the by-line and crossed in a peach of a ball right onto the penalty spot. Jamie Bosio arrived a fraction of a second too late to poke the ball into an empty net. Things looked bright…

It was downhill from there as Mons Calpe frankly put in an excellent display from then on. They overpowered our midfield and their strikers, top guns in the Division, probed and pestered our defence until they opened the scoring following a breath taking move. A one-two on the wing left Farinha in check mate and Onega was to provide Pibe with the chance to drill one in from close range leaving Chino no chance. It was only just desserts for Mons’ play upto that point.

Manolo looked on as wave after wave of Mons attack assailed our defence. Marco and Filipe tried to get our play going but Ayman proved an isolated figure upfront. Desperate for a reaction the manager uncharacteristically made a double substitution 38 minutes into the game throwing on Dani and Pipo to look for some creativity and to try and win back midfield.

Alas it was to no avail as Mons continued to press and minutes later, indeed one minute before Mr Canepa blew for half time, Pibe scored an unmarked header to put his team 2-0 up. Indeed it could have been worse as the referee did not blow for a strong penalty shout in favour of Mons Calpe a few minutes before the goal was scored.

The second half was to be a mirror image of the first with Mons capitalising on three counter attacks to score three more goals to put United to the sword. No matter how hard we tried, and try we did, Mons were clearly the hungrier of the two teams and the better one on the field of play. Congratulations to them on a well-deserved semi-final win. For us, the league is still there with 6 games to play and the 3^rd position and perhaps even the 2^nd position to play for. We learn from the mistakes made and proceed to another massive game on Sunday evening against St Joseph’s.

Match Preview: Mons Calpe S.C.

Match Preview courtesy of Turicum Private Bank and Quantocoin.

 

 

Record against Mons Calpe S.C.

Played: 11
Won: 6
Drawn: 2
Lost: 3

Last Result: 1 – 2 (10-09-2018)

Manager: Luis Manuel Blanco
Captain: Leo Vela
Top Scorer: Juan Pablo Sastrie ‘Pibe’ (11)

A Rock Cup semi-final that opens the door to a golden opportunity for both clubs to play in a game that can lead to European football. United come into the game in good form and with morale sky high following two straight wins since a 2-1 loss to Mons Calpe. Form between clubs tends to go out of the window for high stakes games as these ones and he who wants its more will reap the gains.

United face the contest with a full bill of health and with all men standing after welcoming back Mouelhi and Elghobashy following a ban for accumulation of cards.  Kick off is at 19:30 on Monday evening and we hope our lads get vociferous and numerous support from the stands.

 

Vi et Animo, Ad Victoriam

Mons Calpe S.C. vs Gibraltar United

Match corresponding to the 23^rd round of the Gibrlatarian Premier Division and played on Tuesday 10^th April at 20:30. Match report brought to you courtesy of Turicum Private Bank and Quantocoin.

Gibraltar United 1 – 2 Mons Calpe S.C.

Vela (OG)

Gibraltar United

1   Kyle ‘Chino’ Goldwin
23 Andre De Oilveira Farinha
15 Aymen Mouelhi
5   Erin Barnett
8   Filipe Aguiar
4   Yalany Baio
39 Leo Pereyra
24 Jamie Bosio
20 Michael Negrette
17 Marco Meireles
9   Ayman Elghobashy

SUBSTITUTES

Filipe Da Cruz Ramalho on for Michael Negrette
Javier Cantelmi on for Leo Pereyra

Manolo welcomes back Yalany Baio to the fold and the timing is perfect as Carlos Carrasco is missing out due to an accumulation of yellow cards. With Ponce De Leon still missing it is as we were elsewhere as the management team keeps faith with the group that saw Europa F.C. off last week. Brad Power is named on the bench alongside Pipo and De Torres, the latter who scored with the Reserves on Sunday.

Back Row (l to r): Chino (C), Pereyra, Barnett, Elghobashy, Baio, Mouelhi. Front Row (l to r): Meireles, Aguiar, Farinha, Negrette, Bosio

Round 23 is being played across a number of weeks and this fixture corresponds to that particular round. The game was played in atrocious conditions as the weather had certainly taken a turn for the worse with heavy rain and driving winds affecting both teams equally. Mons Calpe started the strongest and Chino was called into an early intervention to gather up a Bernardes shot from outside the box. Pibe then had another chance shortly after it was only then that United began to creep into the game and have some possession. Jamie Boiso had our two best chances in a tepid first half with his second header in particular handled well by Grasso.

The second half was to be a different affair with both teams seeking to open the scoreline. Grasso saved from Elghobashy while Chino’s save was equal in quality to a Blanco over head kick. Mons by then had gone in front via a Pibe strike and United had restored parity 3 minutes later via a quite spectacular own goal by Vela from an Aguiar cross. Chino was booked following the Mons goal with vociferous claims that Sastrie had handled the ball following the ricochet from his save.

With the game tied the tension was palpable. Aguiar had a gilt edged chance to give United the lead following a break away but the Mons defender was able to exert enough pressure for Filipe to drive his shot wild. Alas it was an uncharacteristic lack of concentration on Erin’s part that gave Mons the three points. Pibe was able to capitalise and score the decisive final goal to give Mons three points vital to their cause. United need to pick themselves up and be ready for a game against Lynx F.C. on Saturday as we approach the final run in.

Match Preview: Mons Calpe S.C.

Match Review brought to you courtesy of Turicum Private Bank and Quantocoin

 

Record against Mons Calpe SC

Played: 10
Won: 6
Drawn: 2
Lost: 2

Last Result: 3 – 1 (28-02-2018)

Manager: Luis Manuel Blanco
Captain: Leo Vela
Top Scorer: Juan Pablo Sastrie ‘Pibe’/Ruben Blanco Rodriguez (9)

United’s next fixturs is a Round 23 fixture whose games are being played out during the season. It sees us face an in form Mons Calpe fresh from two straight victories over Lincoln and Lions. In Blanco and Pibe they have a proven strike force and have found some defensive solidity off late. United already have two vicotries over the Calpeans this season and will look to a hat trick of wins to keep the pressure on St Joseph’s going into the weekend.

United see the return of several players welcoming back Baio and Power to the fold. The team is in good form and morale after the Europa game is sky high and Manolo will seek to capitalise on this good feeling. We are under no illusions however and know that Mons will be a tough nut to crack. Kick off 20:30 Tuesday 10th April.

Vi et Animo, Ad Victoriam

Gibraltar United vs Mons Calpe S.C.

Match corresponding to the 14th Round of the Gibraltarian Premier Division and played on Wednesday 28th February 2018 at 20:30. Match report brought to you courtesy of Quantocoin and Turicum Private Bank.

Gibraltar United 3 – 1 Mons Calpe S.C.

Negrette
Farinha
Meireles

Gibraltar United

1   Kyle ‘Chino’ Goldwin
23 Andre De Oliviera Farinha
15 Aymen Mouelhi
6   Erin Barnett
20 Michael Negrette
29 Leo Pereyra
40 Carlos Carrasco Llorens
24 Jamie Bosio
17 Marco Meireles
16 Daniel Ponce de Leon
9   Ayman Elghobashy

SUBSTITUTES

Brad Power on for Aymen Mouelhi
Filipe Da Cruz Ramahlo on for Leo Pereyra
Javier Cantelmi on for Daniel Ponce de Leon

 

Manolo welcomes back Barnett and Meireles from a one match ban for 5 yellows but Baio and Aguiar are still missing through suspension. Roman is now out for the season and that means that the likes of Pipo, De Torres and Prescott are all fighting for a spot on the team and minutes on the pitch. Brad drops to the bench as Barnett resumes his center half position and Negrette comes in to cover at left back and a pivotal match against a resurgeant Mons Calpe.

Back Row (l to r): Mouelhi, Elghobashy, Pereyra, Barnett, Carrasco, Chino (C). Front Row (l to r): Meireles, Farinha, Bosio, Negrette, Ponce De Leon

The team walked out wearing shirts in homage to Roman following his horror injury last week and were keen to gain 3 points in his honour. However, in all honesty, this was the highlight of the first half. A first 45 minutes in which we did not turn up at all. Mons were quicker and faster to the ball, harder to the tackle and hungrier for the win. Indeed, United created little while Chino had a busy game of it. He made two spectacular saves prior to Pibe opening the scoring on the half hour mark. Though the goal had a sniff of offside it was simply what Mons deserved. United seemed powerless to react and with a Ponce de Leon acrobatic overhead kick the highlight for United, the outlook for the second half seemed as bleak as the forecasted weather.

United’s players trudge off dejectedly.

Manolo started the half with two substitutions. Seeking more pace and energy he introduced Power and Pipo on for Mouelhi and Pereyra. Our play had also taken a dramatic turn, whatever rocket Manolo had fired at the players at half time seemed to have its desired effect. As the half progessed spectactors at the stadium were treated to comeback for the ages, one enscribed in the annals of football lore with the sweat and toil of these 11 men in Red and White.

United took the game to Mons with aplomb. Pipo looked sharp and had a shot sail wide as he cut inside. Marco was begining to dictate play while Bosio and Carrasco were simply impeccable in centre midfield. Mons were gradually pushed back into their half as the pressure began to tell. Elghobashy tried his luck and so did Dani, with Grasso in the Mons’ goal equal to both efforts. Having lost control of the match Mons Calpe sought to regain control via some physical play which Mr Barcelo had in check throughout. 53 minutes and Michael Negrette took centre stage. Dani crossed in a ball following another Mons foul. It was headed away only to find that sweet right foot of Michael Negrette. A possible contender for goal of the season from fully 30 meters out saw Grasso have no answer to the rocket the young Under 21 International sent his way. In the words of Andy Gray, ‘take a bow son, take a bow!’.

The crowd went wild with delirium, delirium that was tempered moments later what an uncharacteristic Chino lack of focus almost allowed Pibe in, his squared pass to Blanco and subsequent shot at goal went wide; a timely warning! United continued to attack. Brad put a headed corner wide while Elghobashy once again went close. Mons had no answer to the Red and White tide. Blood was in the air and United had the scent in their noses. The game was there for the taking and United only needed to find that spark, that bit of magic to seal Mons’ fate.

Cue Farinha. The Portugese right back has steadily become a fan favourite with his runs, his determination and his full on attitude to the game. Today he can also add a fantastically taken goal with his left peg to that repetoire. Following a one-two with Dani out on the right Farinha cut inside. Emualting those great right backs of old, he dropped a shoulder, ghosted past the defence and wrapped his left foot around the ball. Grasso dived but nothing the keeper could do would stop a strike of such quality. The ball went straight to the top left hand corner of the goal to give United the lead they so deserved in this second half.

Two spectacular strikes gave the team its rewards for its efforts; and indeed it was a team effort in the second 45. Barnett led from the back like a general leading his troops to battle while Jamie and Carlos provided the platform on which to build our forward momentum. By the time Marco got out third in the 84 minute Mons Calpe were dead and buried.

A true game of two halves United needed the result and the performance following the disappointing draw against Lions last time out. We climb to third pending St Joseph’s game against Lions later in the week. A great mid week game to highlight all that is good and great about this game!

Match Preview: Mons Calpe S.C.

Match Preview brought to you courtesy of Turicum Private Bank and Quantocoin

 

Record against Mons Calpe SC

Played: 9
Won: 5
Drawn: 2
Lost: 2

Last Result: 3 – 1 (3-11-2017)

Manager: Luis Manuel Blanco
Captain: Leo Vela
Top Scorer 16/17: Juan Pablo Sastrie ‘Pibe’/Ruben Blanco Rodriguez (6)

 

United saw off Mons Calpe 3-1 in early November, in what was possibly our best performance so far this season and the Calpeans had a very out of sorts First Round. They changed managers during the Winter Break and have reinforced well and are in a rich vein of form being since the restart, their only loss being a narrow 1-0 defeat to Europa.

United see the return of several players following a one match suspension for the accumulation of yellow cards but have Aguiar missing following his two yellows in the game against Lions. Roman Salado is also a long term absentee due to injury. Spots are up for grabs in the team and the players have hit the trainig ground hard. Kick off this Wednesday evening at 20:30.

Mons Calpe SC vs Gibraltar United

Match corresponding to the 5^th Round of the Gibraltarian Premier Division and played on Friday 3^rd November 2017 at 20:30. Match preview brought to you courtesy of Turicum Private Bank and Quantocoin.

Gibraltar United 3 – 1 Mons Calpe SC

Roman (2)
Meireles

Gibraltar United

1   Kyle ‘Chino’ Goldwin
23 Andre De Oliveira Farinha
15 Aymen Mouelhi
5   Erin Barnett
2   Albert Del Rio Fernandez
24 Jamie Bosio
4   Yalany Baio
8   Filipe Aguiar
17 Marco Meireles
20 Michael Negrette
19 Manuel Roman Salado

SUBSTITUTES

Igor Djoman on for Marco Merieles
Ayman Elghobashy on for Manuel Roman Salado
Filipe Da Cruz Ramalho on for Michael Negrette

Manolo names an unchanged side for the third time in as many games as United face a tough ask against Mons Calpe. United come into the game in a rich vein of form and will seek to consolidate the 2^nd position in the table. Brad Power is fit enough to take a place on the bench after missing out for a fortnight. Negrette continues to impress and the Under 21 International retains his right wing berth. Top scorer Elghobashy is on the bench with Manolo opting for Roman’s pace to unhinge the tough Mons defence. Both Aguiar and Meireles are up against their former team to add further motivation to what aready is a tasty affair.

The sky had decided to grant the numerous spectators gathered at the stadium an epic spectacle of Ragnarok proportions as first the lightning and thunder bracketed the teams as they walked out; then the deluge that followed ensured that this game was our first real autumnal fixutre and what a game it was!

Back Row (l to r): Meireles, Farinha, Alberto, Barnett, Chino (C), Mouelhi. Front Row (l to r): Baio, Aguiar, Bosio, Negrette, Roman

It was cagey at first from United, all in white, as Mons opted to press the ball high and not give space for United’s wingers to revel. In moves almost unthinkable in years past, United kept the ball well and patiently passing it at the back looking and probing their way past the Mons wall.

Aguiar and Meireles had extra motivation for this game with both having played for Mons last season. The former quickly got into his stride and picked up where he left off last game and began to dictate play down the left wing. He hungered for the ball and ploughed into the the Mons defence with aplomb seeking to create that killer pass for Roman to pounce on.

To be fair there was little action until Roman opened the scoring in the 18th minute. Farinha, a contender for man of the match, whipped in a delight of a cross that was cleared by the Mons defence. It found Roman, lurking with intent at the edge of the box, to fire a sweet half volley into the far corner of the net beyond the reach of the flailing Rocchi in goal. Just reward for the dominance of the ball we were having. Time for Mons to react.

They tried to react but United’s defensive unit did not let them. Bosio and Baio played a selfless game in front of the defence while the quiet Pibe was kept in check by Aymen and Erin. Alberto was having a blinder as well as he pushed on when required  forcing the Mons wide player to retreat while Farinha on the the other wing was having his best game in a United shirt. The heavens duly opened on the 25th minute mark as the downpour increased in intensity as supporters began to worry the game might be called off.

The rain seemed to galvanize the boys in White as they once again took control of the ball and pressed onwards. In one such foray the inform Negrette whipped in another cross of immense quality. He has already shown he has the ability to deliver a telling ball and tonight got his 3rd assist of the season by crossing in a peach of a ball that was headed in by Roman from the penalty spot. An excellent goal both in delivery and execution. United delirious; Mons stunned. It was a fair result on the board as Mons were resorting to long balls over the top in the forlorn hope of finding Pibe. Unfortunately for them United held firm

The final act of the first 45 fell to Marco Meireles who delighted fans at the Victoria with United’s 3rd goal. Roman was holding up the ball with his back to goal when he touched it to the onrushing Meireles. He touched it first time with the outside of his right boot and it rifled into the top corner of the net; the hapless Rocchi unable to do anything to stop it. A goal both sublime and with a touch of genius in its execution. Even the elements seemed to stop and wonder as the rain finally abated as United players celebrated with the goal scorer. Mr Barcelo soon called time with United 3-0 up and cruising.

The goal scorer did not emerge for the second half, he had walked off wincing in pain holding his side and he was replaced by Igor Djoman for the second 45. Mons tried desperatley hard to get back into the game but neither the scoreline nor United’s performance allowed them. They made two offensive changes at half time and sought to mix their play up a bit more but they could not find a way through.

The game also developed a more physical side with Mr Barcelo brandishing yellows at an alarming rate. Indeed Mons were to have two players sent off for dissent before the end of the game. Yet it was United that were to have the clear chances in the second half too. Negrette hit the stanchion after being put through by the excellent Aguair. Elghobashy ghosted past the Mons defence to set up Djoman only for Rocchi to pull off an excellent point blank range save. Bosio had a goal disallowed for offside and blazed on just over the bar when, once again, put through by Aguiar. Elghobashy put a shot a centimeter wide of the post after leaving the defence behind; United were indeed in the ascendant!

Pibe was able to net a very late consolation for Mons as United saw the game out and a priceless 3 points that sees us 5 points ahead of St Joseph’s, ahead of their game with Lions on Saturday. It was an excellent performance by the team that has gelled perfectly and are playing in synch and unison. Next Friday’s game against Lincoln will be another test as the Red Imps are in red hot form. Yet for today United will take the performance, the goals and the points!

Vi et Animo, Ad Victoriam

Match Preview: Mons Calpe SC

Match Preview brought to you courtesy of Turicum Private Bank and Quantocoin

 

Record against Mons Calpe SC

Played: 8
Won: 4
Drawn: 2
Lost: 2

Last Result: 1 – 2 (21-3-2017)

Manager: Alberto Ferri
Captain: Leo Vela
Top Scorer 16/17: Juan Pablo Pereira ‘Pibe’

Mons Calpe SC was founded in 2013 and has seen much change since its inception. Its maiden capaign was a strong one finishing 2nd in the Second Division and failing to gain promotion via the playoffs and losing to St Joseph’s 2-0 in the promotion play off game. They finished midtable the following season as United grabbed the 2nd Division title and our match ups were intense, memorable games. They gained promotion via the playoff, however, in 2016 and carried out a massive overhaul of their sqaud for their first ever Premier campaign. Quality players were brought in to ensure that the Calpeans finished a respectable 5th.

The summer of 2017 has once again seen Mons Calpe reinforce strongly with a strong Mexican contingent on the pitch and former Gib Phoenix manager, Alberto Ferri, on the bench. Despite a surprising first day defeat to Phoenix Mons have responded well with two wins on the bounce. Pibe once again leads the line and Mons look a solid outfit. Both teams come into the game in good form and with morale high. It promises to be an intense game of football this coming Friday at 20:30