The Academy Rojiblancos picked up a valuable point away against direct rivals but have slipped to 4th place in the table ahead of Sunday's clash with league pacesetters UD Melilla
UD Almería 'B' were held to another draw making it 3 consecutive stalemates. This time, the draw came away from home, on Matchday 10, against tough opponents Motril CF, one of their direct rivals in the promotion race. Their previous 2 draws came at home, where they were held by Atlético Marbella and Churriana de la Vega.
The failure to claim all 3 points in recent games has seen the Academy prospects drop to 4th place in the standings. They also missed the opportunity to close the gap on pacesetters UD Melilla, who were unable to win this weekend either. The Melillenses remain top of the table and will travel to Almería city next Sunday to face UD Almería 'B', holding a 4-point advantage over the youthful Rojiblancos. It promises to be a crucial encounter for UD Almería 'B's promotion ambitions.
As for the match in Motril, the point was a valuable one in an evenly-contested encounter that saw chances at both ends, although the hosts created the clearer opportunities. As has become customary, the youthful Rojiblancos were solid defensively, with goalkeeper Jesús López producing a assured performance and making several good saves.
UD Almería 'B' once again demonstrated why they boast the best defensive record in Group IX of the Tercera RFEF. However, they lacked the cutting edge and clinical finishing needed in the final third.
Match information:
Motril CF: Leo Mendes, Andy, Javi Martínez, Mauro Lucero, Isra, Álvaro Díaz, Carlos Camacho (Raúl García, 72'), Mike (Fran Hernández, 84'), Marcos Corral (Nacho Buil, 72'), Baeza (Cristian López, 62') and Iván López.
UD Almería 'B': Jesús López, Dani Sánchez Gonell, Popović, Ayouba Koné, Radic (Tomazinho, 62'), Josema, Kassoum (Hodei, 44'), Curro, Pablo (Dani Sánchez, 62'), Luis Morales (Bajramović, 77') and Houssam (Tomasevic, 84').
Referee: Ildefonso Enrique Cóza (Málaga). Booked Motril CF players Baeza, Carlos Camacho and Nacho Buil, as well as UD Almería 'B' players Josema, Radić and Tomazinho.
Added information: Matchday 10 of Group IX of the Tercera RFEF. Game played at the Escribano Castilla Stadium in Motril.