2-0: UD Almería 'B' beat direct rivals to go level on points with teams in play-off spots
The Academy prospects outclassed CD El Palo FC until they end up winning with goals by Kevin and Fermin
UD Almería 'B' won again, this time they did so by outplaying direct rivals CD El Palo FC in the race for promotion to Segunda Division RFEF through the play-offs. In fact, the Rojiblancos were the ones to boss things until they made it 2-0. They could have extended their lead due to the numerous chances created by the hosts. The goals by Kevin and Fermín kept all three points at the Anexo Juegos Mediterráneos, also allowing the homegrown players to reach the necessary number of points to enter the play-offs.
It didn't take long for UD Almería 'B' to make their presence felt in the final third aiming to beat keeper Kellyan. So much so that after five minutes Rafa Núñez entered the box, dribbled past the goalie with a self-passing move, yet he could not shoot before the ball was kicked past the byline. This action by the Dominican will serve to make it clear that the hopeful Rojiblancos were applying themselves to try and win the game
With quarter of an hour, there was some goal-mouth activity. The fans had already witnessed several clear goal-scoring opportunities and Kevin Bautista was in charge of scoring the 16-minute opener without having to wait too much. The midfielder received the ball following a reflection on the edge of the box. He kicked confidently to the far post but skimmed the post. The UDA Academy lads went into half-time leading 1-0, although they could have been two up thanks to a shot by Raúl Caballero but Kyllian averted danger.
UD Almería 'B' put in an invigorated performance over the second period too. El Palo were trying their best to supply deliveries into the box that were blocked without too many difficulties for the defenders of the youthful Rojiblancos. With 56 minutes on the clock, the visitors went down to 10 men when Lulu was dismissed for a hard tackle on Rojas when he was left alone with the goalkeeper. This action resulted in a free-kick in favor of UD Almería 'B' that Fermín converted (2-0).
With the extended advantage there would be even more clear chances for the young Indalicos but they were squandered unfortunately. Óscar Fernández's boys knew how to seal victory again with two goals without much difficulty within Group IX of the Tercera Division RFEF. The homegrown players managed to go level on points (41) with other teams in the play-off spots for promotion.
Match information:
UD Almeria 'B': Diego Fuoli; Vertiz, Alex Mendes, David Cuenca, Fermin, Andrei, Kevin Bautista (Avelino, 85'), Rojas (Hugo Neves, 70'), Rafa Núñez (Marciano, 70'), Gilbert (Jean frame, 85') and Raúl Caballero.
CD El Palo FC: Kellyan; Lulu, Sergio Diaz, Juan Manuel Vega, Vela (Calatayud, 65'), Toni Rabbit (Juan Aroca, 65'), Lucas Ligio, Víctor Martínez, Darío Hidalgo (Durán, 65'), Falu Aranda and Jon Aparicio.
Goals: 1-0, 16': Kevin Bautista. 2-0, 58': Fermin.
Referee: Martínez Tirado, from the Andalusian Referees School. Álex Mendes and Marciano by UD Almería 'B', as well as Toni Conejo and Lucas Ligio, from El Palo were booked. Also, he sent off visitor with a straight red card.
Observations: Matchday 27. group IX of the Tercera Division RFEF. The match was played at the Anexo Juegos Mediterráneos and was attended by approximately 200 supporters.