Gary Neville finally has his first La Liga win as Valencia coach, 10 games and two months into his reign, as goals from Alvaro Negredo and Denis Cheryshev brought a badly needed victory which should ease the pressure for at least a while on the former Manchester United defender.

Things did not seem to be going too well when, after a goalless first half low between two teams lacking in confidence, Espanyol defender Oscar Duarte headed his side in front just seven minutes into the second half.

Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves, returned to the team after nine months injury absence, was at fault for Duarte's goal. But without the Brazilian keeper it could have been much worse for Neville's side -- as he made two point blank stops in either half to keep his team in the game.

For the 10th time in Neville's 10 La Liga games Valencia were 1-0 down. The former Manchester United defender sent on Negredo to partner Paco Alcacer up top, and 11 minutes later the veteran striker had the equaliser. It came with a stroke of good fortune as his shot deflected into the net after an excellent driving run from right-back Joao Cancelo.

Duarte had another free header from a corner -- but missed this time -- and seconds later Valencia were ahead. Cancelo was involved again down the right wing, with the cross being headed to the net by a diving Cheryshev at the back post.

Before the match, Neville denied that this was a "must-win" game for him, but he must have breathed a huge sigh of relief as he finally got that first victory.

-

Follow Joy Sports on Twitter: @JoySportsGH. Our hashtag is #JoySports