2-0: UD Almeria ‘B’ extend winning streak by beating direct rivals
The UDA youth squad rack up their third victory on the spin after beating Atlético Malagueño courtesy of goals from Marciano and Lokosa
UD Almería ‘B’ racked up their third victory in a row to extend their winning streak by beating direct rivals Atletico Malagueño with goals from Marciano and Lokosa in the race to participate in the play-offs. In essence, the Almerienses were superior in an encounter with both teams creating chances until the Rojiblancos doubled their lead to claim victory (2-0) and beat the Malaga-based side on goal average, which could be a decisive factor in the table at the end of the season.
UD Almería ‘B’ showed more intentions than their adversaries to take the initiative in the opening minutes. With quarter of an hour gone, the Indalicos started creating goal-scoring opportunities through Marciano’s shot going wide and Lokosa missing a goal afterwards. The visitors reacted with a strike by Larrubia that goalie Fuoli denied.
There was plenty of end-to-end activity during the first half with countless vertical passes by both sides. The ‘B’ team custodian blocked a shot from the edge of the box, while 23 minutes in, the ball went inches wide from the crossbar when Marciano looked to net into the top corner. The attacker, within 39 minutes, could not hit the target as he finished off a delivery from the flank at the near post.
At that time, the Almería ‘B’ prospects were being more superior than Atlético Malagueño and the reward came before the break when Lokosa scuttled into the area and his reverse pass found compatriot Marciano who picked up the brilliant assist and opened the scoring (1-0).
The second half kicked off and a football play designed by the visitors after 49 minutes ended with a shot hitting the crossbar. Then, the hosts breathed easy as they continued on the lead, being able to return to domain control with an eye to slot home their second.
A few minutes later, Lokosa was left alone in front of the keeper, following a quick build-up play from the back, the Nigerian did not miss this opportunity to put his name onto the scoresheet (2-0).
The UDA Academy team knew how to perfectly manage the times of the game to rack up their third victory on the spin and beat the Malaga ‘B’ team on goal average, direct rivals in the fight for the play-offs, which is a decisive factor to achieve the objectives at the end of the campaign.
Match Information
UD Almeria ‘B’: Diego Fuoli; Vertiz, Álex Mendes, David Cuenca, Fermin; Avelino (Andrei, 72’), Kevin Bautista, Rojas (Hugo Neves, 84’), Marciano (Rafa Núñez, 84’), Gilbert (Jean Marco, 88’) and Lokosa (Caballero, 72’) .
Atlético Malagueño: Carlos López; Dani Lorenzo (Fomba, 77’), Murillo (Alberto, 55’), Quintana, Larrubia (July, 46’), Moussa (Aitor, 69’), Vicario, Álex Rico, Juanmita, Víctor Olmo (Javier Parada, 69’) and Bilal.
Goals: 1-0, 44’: Martian. 2-0, 61’: Lokosa.
Referee: Casas Martínez from the Andalusian Referees School. He booked hosts Kevin Bautista, Rojas and Gilbert as well as visitors Larrubia, Bilal, Víctor Olmo and Javier Parada.
Observations: Matchday 29 Tercera Division RFEF (Group IX). The match was played at the Anexo Juegos Mediterraneos with around 200 supporters in attendance.