1-1: UD Almería 'B' end first half of season winless at the Anexo
The UDA Academy prospects draw against UD Melilla, increasing Survival struggles
UD Almería 'B' will conclude the first half of the season winless at their Anexo home ground after a 1-1 draw against direct relegation rivals UD Melilla on Sunday. This result has made the team’s battle for survival all the more challenging.
Since José María Salmerón took over as head coach, the UDA Academy side has played 3 home matches. The first, in Huércal de Almería ended in a victory over Yeclano, but two subsequent home games at the Anexo have produced only draws against At. Antoniano and UD Melilla. In total, Salmerón’s tenure has seen 5 defeats at home, underscoring the team’s struggles to make their mark in front of their own fans.
With the safety zone now sitting 9 points away, the fight for survival has become even more difficult. A few weeks ago, the gap was a more manageable 5 or 6 points, but the situation is now more precarious. With the second half of the season yet to unfold, the team will look to reverse their fortunes when they face Estepona next Saturday, with both sides battling for similar objectives.
In the match against UD Melilla, UD Almería 'B' got off to a strong start. They controlled possession, dictated play and took an early lead through Iker Burgos in the 8th minute. The team looked set for a positive result, but their momentum faded.
UD Melilla equalised in the 32nd minute, and despite efforts to regain the lead, UD Almería 'B' struggled to break down a resolute Melillense defence. Even the substitutions made in the second half failed to improve the situation. Though there were a few chances, the home side could not find the breakthrough and had to settle for a draw.
Match Details:
UD Almería 'B': Jesús López; Luis Martins (Hou, 46'), Agulló (Torres, 90+1'), Josema, Miguel Operé, Martim Alberto; Romera (Hugo Martín, 69'), Joan Gázquez; Marciano, Iker Burgos (Nico Fernández, 80') and Marsu (Asirón, 80').
UD Melilla: Franganillo; Pelón Cabrera, Antón Quindimil, Samu Gomis, Iván Robles; Álex Claverías (Dago, 69'), Álex Ortolá (Ayoub, 80'), Juan Antonio Segura; Alvarito, Martín Chavarría and Mohamed (David Alfonso, 80').
Goals:
1-0 (8'): Iker Burgos
1-1 (32'): Juan Antonio Segura
Referee: Román García (Castile-La Mancha Referees Association). He booked Iker Burgos and Josema (UD Almería 'B') as well as Álex Claverías, Quindimil, and Samu Gomis (UD Melilla).
Additional information: Matchday 15. Group 4 of the Segunda RFEF tier. The game was played at the UD Almería Stadium Anexo, attended by just over 100 spectators on a dreary morning.