Defeat last week for Newell’s Old Boys saw Omar de Felippe walk away from the job and so interim coach Héctor Bidoglio had the task of trying to lift the club when Patronato visited the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa on Friday evening. Threatening banners displayed by the barra bravas held up kick off but didn’t prevent Newell’s securing a much needed victory against a Patronato side sliding towards the Nacional B.
The first goal was always likely to be important and during an absorbing opening 45 minutes both sides could and probably should have broken the dead lock. Mauro Formica twice went close and Francisco Fydriszewski bobbled a shot against the foot of the post while Patronato were also only denied by a brilliant double-save by Alan Aguerre.
Both sides would have gone into the break thinking that the points were there for the taking but it was Newell’s that struck first. Víctor Figueroa’s cross found Héctor Fértoli and the 23-year-old powered home a superb header.
Unable to find another the result hung in the balance and La Lepra were indebted to Aguerre once more at the death as the keeper got down to palm away Mauricio Sperduti’s firmly hit volley.
While Patronato’s relegation concerns grow this season, Newell’s remain in deep trouble next year and so the club’s current search for a new manager is of crucial importance.
Newell’s Old Boys 1 – 0 Patronato
Another club fighting for survival are Belgrano and while El Pirata couldn’t find the three points that would have lifted them out of the drop zone, Matías Suárez did secure what could prove to be a valuable point away to Colón.
The home side started the brighter and after having a goal ruled out for offside eventually led after half an hour, Leonardo Heredia smashing in from close to the penalty spot.
Belgrano needed something and just before half time they got it. Gabriel Alanís got a bit of luck as the ball bobbled back into his path on halfway but his through pass for Suárez was perfect and the Belgrano captain ran clear to expertly stroke the ball with the outside of his boot past Leonardo Burián.
Javier Correa came within a whisker of restoring Colón’s lead with a free kick that clattered against the crossbar but it was arguably Belgrano who should have snatched the win as Suárez played in Leonardo Sequeira only for the 23-year-old to wastefully blast over.
As ever there were signs of promise for Belgrano but time is running out to get the required points on the board.
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