1-1: Almeria ‘B’ settle for a draw as youngsters fail in key moments
The Rojiblancos created many scoring opportunities including a penalty, but they rued missed chances. Fans returned to the stands 344 days later
The UD Almería ‘B’ team had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Antequera at the Juegos Mediterraneos Stadium after failing in key moments. The homegrown talents created more goal-scoring opportunities than their Andalusian neighbours and even they missed a penalty. The visitors went ahead just before half-time but Jordi Escobar managed to cancel out the adversaries’ opener in the second half in front of their fans who were welcomed back into the stadium 399 days later.
Almería ‘B’ began very brightly in the opening forty-five minutes. In general terms, the Indálicos enjoyed the clearest goal-scoring opportunities from the start, to the point that Vertiz’s missed shot could have been the opener inside 2 minutes, while, Cristian Olivera’s strike was denied by the goalie.
Time was ticking away with the visitors having more ball possession, but the homegrown players continued to fire warning shots. Dani Albiar was fouled inside the box and the ref awarded a penalty in favour of the Rojiblancos. Unfortunately, Fermín did not convert from the spot.
UD Almería ‘B’ had done their very best to have scored, yet it was Antequera who were the lucky team to make it 0-1. It was in the 41st minute when a mismatch between the youth defenders ended with Carlos slotting it home.
After the restart, Jordi Escobar came on with the firm intention of boosting his team’s attack. It seemed that the goal was not meant to be, so head coach Fernando Santos decided to bring on Jean Marco and Juan Gutiérrez for Siles and Caballero.
The changes strengthened the Almeria second-team. So much so that Jordi Escobar made a run in behind the defence to get in the best possible position to receive the ball and score the equaliser on 68 minutes (1-1).
Almeria ‘B’ were the side that looked to get ahead in the final stretch. Not surprisingly, Antequera were worth a draw to continue sitting third in the table within the mini-league for promotion to Segunda Division RFEF. The Rojiblancos were about to clinch a victory, however Robles’ shot hit the woodwork when he finished off Fermin’s free-kick.
The Rojiblancos had to settle for a draw to remain in fourth place in the table standings before visiting Vélez on Wednesday and hosting El Palo at the Anexo Juegos Mediterraneos on Sunday.
Match facts:
UD Almería ‘B’: Wellington; Vertiz, Aitor Puñal, Ricardo Carvalho, Fermín; Tomás (Jordi Escobar, 45’), Robles, Dani Albiar, Siles (Jean Marco, 57’), Cristian Olivera (Manu, 70’) and Caballero (Juan Gutiérrez, 63’).
Antequera CF: Iván; Carlos, Alberto (Crespo, 81’), Joaquín (Ridge, 66’), Corbacho (Joselillo, 66’), Fran, Sergio Díaz, Luismi (Narbona, 81’), Rafa, Mauro (Sergio Molina, 81’) and Sergio García.
Goals: 0-1, 41’: Carlos. 1-1, 68’: Jordi Escobar.
Referee: Montijano Linde from Jaén. He booked Joaquín, Carlos, Luismi, Sergio Díaz, Joselillo and Rafa, from Antequera.
Observations: first game of the mini-league for promotion to Segunda Division RFEF. The match was played at the Juegos Mediterraneos Stadium with 240 fans in the stands.