0-0: UD Almeria ‘B’ lack penalty-box precision against Marbella FC
The UDA Academy prospects, who whipped in the best chances, were close to snatching a play-off spot after a goalless draw. Electric atmosphere
UD Almeria ‘B’ were close to snatching a play-off spot after a goalless draw against visitors Marbella FC at the ‘Francisco Pomedio’ ground located in the town of Huércal de Almería. There was a great atmosphere thanks to 400 supporters in attendance. In general terms, the youthful Rojiblancos whipped in the best chances throughout the full 90 minutes, although they lacked penalty-box precision. As a result, they had to settle for a share of the points, even though they beat their rivals on goal average. Next Sunday, the UDA Academy players are again playing host to Torreperogil at the Anexo Juegos Mediterraneos (KO 12 noon CET).
There was an electric atmosphere on the football pitch located in Huércal de Almería before the game kicked off. The ‘B’ team Rojiblancos were the ones who commanded from the beginning of it, enjoying possession of the ball and the most outstanding shots on goal against rivals who were ahead of them in the table. With 11 minutes gone, Carlos Gilbert and Núñez combined for a shot that unluckily skimmed the post.
Óscar Fernández's boys also felt fairly safe in their defensive third, so they would not suffer in the first of the halves. In addition, each ball recovery was translated into gaining possession and heading towards the final third with plenty of confidence. So, after 20 minutes, the one who squandered a clear-cut chance was Kevin Bautista with a strike missing the goal.
The warnings followed one another, but without any success. For instance, within 27 minutes, Lokosa had the opportunity to open the scoring, after a good action initiated by his team-mate Aitor Puñal, driving the ball from the back, with a pass to Rojas. Later, in the 33rd minute counter-press, Núñez and Gilbert combined to tee up Rojas who took advantage of it, but goalie Lejárraga deflected over for a corner, in the last play before half-time (0-0).
As the minutes passed teams seemed to have lost strength. Suddenly, Núñez was about to put the UD Almeria ‘B’ team ahead with a shot taken from a wide position that was denied by the goalkeeper. Later, Fuoli appeared for the first time amid the encounter to block a very dangerous free-kick taken by opponent Isuardi. It would be the only time the home team goalkeeper had to snuff out the danger.
In the final minutes, more fine attempts took place. A great move by Rojas ended in assisting Núñez who failed to test the sharp reflexes from the Marbelli keeper and, 91 minutes in, David Cuenca’s midfield-kick grazed the crossbar.
It was all square at the final whistle with UD Almería ‘B’ and Marbella FC sharing the points (0-0). On the bright side, the hosts beat the visitors on goal average at the Francisco Pomedio ground in the town of Huércal de Almería with an electric atmosphere in the stands.
Match Information:
UD Almeria ‘B’: Fuoli; Vertiz, Aitor Puñal, Cuenca, Fermín; Avelino, Kevin, Rojas, Rafa Núñez (Marciano, 82’), Gilbert and Lokosa (Raúl Caballero, 67’)
Marbella FC: Lejarraga; Marcos Ruiz, Franco Ramos, Ortuño, Guito, Pato (Jean Luc, 64’), Iván Sánchez, Isuardi (Rufino, 82’), De Lerma (Juanpe, 82’), Segura (Boateng, 64’) and Diego Dominguez.
Referee: Fernández Rodríguez, from the Granada Rferees School. Kevin, Aitor Puñal and Rojas from UD Almería ‘B’, as well as Marbellis Iván Sánchez, Franco Ramos and Guito were cautioned by the ref.
Observations: Matchday 20 Tercera Division RFEF (Group IX). The game, which had been postponed, was played at the Francisco Pomedido ground located in the town of Huércal de Almería. Approximately 400 supporters were in attendance.