Elche started his pre-season journey with a defeat against his Newcastle subsidiary.

In Francisco’s starting eleven, the numbers of youth teams Knezevic and Alfaro are noteworthy, in addition to winger Salinas, who returned to Elche this summer after being loaned to Unionistas de Salamanca last season. The first half was dominated by Franjiverde with at least three open positions, two from Pere Milla.

The first came ten minutes after the last. A header from the striker to Josan’s pass came from half a meter from the left post. The Catalan complained that he had finished his work so alone. Shortly after, the same hero stole a ball in the middle of the court and took the advantage in the door-to-door race. Milla was already forced in and his shot was parried by an English central defender while the green-green forward was already in front of the goalkeeper.

In between, a goalless, very intense first stage ensued as a result of many complaints to the referee and even a brawl as a result of Newcastle’s aggressive play. Francisco’s momentum in the group and his instructions to Badia’s rear, especially the new ones, are remarkable.

The second half started the same way in terms of gameplay, but the eleven green-and-white heroes were completely changed. However, the English team took advantage of an error in which young squad player Rodri fell asleep in the middle of the defence. Ndiweni stole her wallet and headed for the door. Axel Werner was sold and the ball entered from his right.

After 0-1, the match continued to be dominated by Elche. The danger was posed by Mojica above all, with quality internships and dangerous centers. The equalizing goal came from one of them, Mourad’s work with a header. After the hydration break came Newcastle’s second defence, after another defensive fault: the defender intervened and Nathan’s centered but very close shot was the final 1-2.

scorecard

ELCHE: Edgar Badia; Diego González, Pedro Bigas, Pere Milla, Fidel, Josan, Knezevic, Gumbau, John, Salinas and Alfaro. They also played: Werner, Roco, Raúl Guti, Tete Morente, Palacios, Mascarell, Mojica, Josema, Mourad, Carles Marco and Rodri.

NEWCASTLE U-21: Brown; Barclay, Wigget, Remi, Hackett, Stepmenson, Miley, De Bolle, Scott, Muñoz and Ferguson. Also playing: Thompson, Oliver, Niau, Murphy, Bondswell, Stewart, Nathan, Huntley, Crossley, White and Ndiweni.

G TARGETS: 0-1 (49′) Ndiweni. 1-1 (66′) Murad. 1-2 (78′) Nathan.

EVENTS: The first pre-season friendly match of Elche was played at La Finca Golf facilities.