VCF Mestalla returned to action on Sunday at the Antonio Puchades at 12:30 pm kick-off time on matchday 9 of group III B of Segunda B in chilly wintery weather conditions.

The game ended 1-2 after having taken the lead in a strong first-half performance by VCF Mestalla where they could have put the game to bed.

Alas, it was heavily affected by a contentious Pablo Gozálbez sending off at the start of the second half which put the away side on course for a comeback where Facu González and Carlos Pérez were stretched off the pitch.

Óscar Fernández fielded a similar lineup looking to pick up where they left off in recent matchdays before the Christmas break with Marc Ferris being recalled at right-back and Facu García in midfield.

Valencia CF Mestalla were off to a slow start trying to withstand the opposition’s quick start who came quick out of the blocks firing over the bar inside the 18-yard box. Valencia CF responded immediately at the other end through a powerful Fran Navarro header that hit the crossbar following a Hugo González cross.

Valencia CF Mestalla stamped their authority on the game and the scoreline. Fran Navarro broke the deadlock from twelve-yards out as he was brought down by Primi. The Pinedo forward stepped up and dispatched emphatically to take his goal tally to six goals in nine games which consolidates him as the group’s leading goalscorer.

VCF Mestalla came close to doubling their lead following a spectacular Pablo Gozálbez effort which was turned behind by José Juan an experienced Deportivo Alcoyano keeper who parried it behind to safety.

Pablo Gozálbez brought another top drawer save out of José Juan in the closing minutes of the opening half.

Valencia CF edged Deportivo Alcoyano at the break at the Antonio Puchades. 

The second half picked up where it left off with chances for either side. Hugo fired over following a Carlos Pérez cross from the right-hand side who came on replacing Facu García at the break.

Deportivo Alcoyano got back level through Alberto Rubio who slotted it home inside the post away from the VCF Mestalla’s reach to restore parity.

The game changed after Pablo Gozálbez was sent off on the hour mark for a straight red offence that also saw Facu being stretchered off the field as VCF Mestalla were forced into substitutions.  

 The opposition pilled pressure on 10 man VCF Mestalla trying to make their man advantage pay but in-form Unai produced some saves to keep the scoreline at 1-1. Alas, Jona found the net ten minutes from time.

VCF Mestalla tried to get back in the game to no avail as they fell to defeat in an eventful 2021 home opener which was heavily affected by the 60th minute Pablo Gozálbez send-off.  

Match Details:

1.- VCF Mestalla: Unai, J. Vázquez, Adri Gómez, F. Navarro, Marc Ferris (Estacio, m. 62), Emaná (Fran Pérez, m. 78), Sibille, F. García (C. Pérez, m. 46), Gozálbez, H. González and Facu (Iván Muñoz, m. 62)

2.- Deportivo Alcoyano: José Juan, Primi, Solbes, Jony Ñíguez, Juanan, Jona (Antón, m. 82), Ramón López (Mourad, m. 46), A. Rubio (Víctor Revert, m. 87), Álex Camacho (J. Moltó, m. 75), Jordán and Ángel López

Goals: 1-0, m. 19 Fran Navarro (p); 1-1, m. 52 A. Rubio; 1-2, Jona, m. 80

Referee: Pablo Morales Moreno. Booked F. García and sent off Pablo Gozálbez for a straight red card (m. 60) for VCF Mestalla. Ramón López, Jona and Antón for Deportivo Alcoyano.  

Observations: Matchday 9 in group III-B of Segunda B in chilly wintery weather conditions at the Antonio Puchades behind closed doors.