Sometimes it feels really good to be wrong, CD Marino fans arrived with more hope than expectancy as second placed Real Oviedo came to town but an inspired performance of determination, high drama and plenty of skill produced a memorable 2-1 home win.

Xavi Moore should have put Oviedo in front in the second minute but spooned his shot over the target. Alberto made some timely saves and I thought the first goal would open the floodgates but Marino had other ideas. Sandro looked offside when through on keeper Barrios but the stopper ran out and made a half clearance that fell to Balduino a good 30 yards from goal. Measuring his lob perfectly the striker sent the ball majestically into the net.

That stung Oviedo and they tried to hit back but found Alberto in dazzling form in the Marino goal, his handling was assured and he pulled off a series of energetic dives and a point blank stop. Sandro was dangerous wide on the right and was unlucky to be pulled up for a foul with the goal beckoning. Balduino was buzzing and when the ball broke loose in the penalty area he jumped in and was brought down for a penalty which he scored after sending the keeper the wrong way. Real were reeling 2-0 down after just 34 minutes and Balduino could have wrapped up a hat trick just before the break, he looked to pass when he should have buried his shot in front of goal.

Time stood still as the second half kicked off and Marino were caught on the hop as Hector Simon showed that he too could lob a ball, his target was closer and Alberto nearer his line but his accuracy reduced the arrears. Balduino had another good chance after 63 minutes when he turned and fired near the goal but Barrios made a strong stop. Oviedo thought they were back in the game when the ref harshly ruled that Dorta had fouled their goalie, Xavi More took the spot kick. Alberto read it brilliantly and dived to turn it onto the post, it pinged back along the goal line before being scrambled away.

Marino with Noah joining the attack, pushed for another goal as Mantovan continued to nibble at Sandro’s legs, eventually getting the booking he deserved. Four minutes of added time went slowly, Alberto again defied the visitors and eventually the whistle blew signaling jubilant scenes around the Marino team bench.

The result should have meant an increased lead at the top of the table for CD Tenerife but over in Zamora they drew 1-1 to reduce their advantage to 6 points. There was a surprise call up for reserve defender Alberto in place of Tarantino and he did well – another for the future. Yeray grabbed a Tenerife lead in the second half just after comingg on for Ochoa. A corner was glanced on by Aridane and Yeray had a clear header for his first senior strike. Zamora shared the points with a carefully curled shot from Sergio Garcia after 71 minutes.