Academy
2-0: Jesús López gets injured in remarkable victory for UD Almería 'B'
The UD Almería prospects emerged victorious at home to remain in the play-offs zone comfortably. The goalkeeper had to be taken by ambulance to a hospital with an ankle injury
UD Almería 'B' earned a remarkable home victory over Club Atlético Antoniano, from the Sevillian-based town of Lebrija, who are fighting to enter the promotion play-offs. The UD Almería 'B' boys won 2-0 to remain 4th in the play-offs zone with a 4-point gap with 6th-placed FC Águilas, outside the promotion zone. Next Sunday, the Rojiblancos visit 5th-placed Xerez CD... but that will be another story. UD Almería 'B' have 40 points, which means being one step away from practically ensuring automatic promotion in their fourth-tier Segunda RFEF debut. Fighting for promotion is not nonsense; quite the opposite. Against the Sevillian outfit, the lads priced their might, and not only because of the victory, but also because of the way they achieved it. UD Almería 'B' controlled the encounter at all times, knew how to play their tricks and set the pace.
Although in the first half there were was plenty of end-to-end activity and the rivals did not lower their guard, the UD Almería prospects created greater danger and had more of the initiative. After 3 big chances to put themselves in front, shortly before half-time Lorenzo opened the scoring 1-0 by converting a penalty committed on Houssam, the youth forward who played at the start with an important contribution. If the opening goal came at a good time, so did the second; as soon as the second period kicked off, two minutes after the restart.
Perovic, who had dropped out of the first team to play for the 'B' team, finished off a perfect cross kicked by Ballestero at the far post. It was 2-0 that put the game on track. Atlético Antoniano pushed hard in search of getting back into the game, but the Rojiblancos not only had the situation under control at all times, but also on the counter-attack they were able to increase their advantage. In the end, 2-0 and 3 more points.
Match information:
UD Almería 'B': Jesús López (Juanmi, 71'); Ballestero, Paco Sanz, Álex Mendes, René Pérez, Marko Perovic (Peñalver, 71'); Hugo Martín, Martin Svidersky (Edu Plá, 85'), Marsu; Lorenzo (Valen, 85') and Houssam (Yago Paredes, 61').
Antoniano Athletic Club: Diego Barrios; Álvaro Caro, Fromsa, Guille Campos (Guti, 81'), Cobo (Néstor Serna, minute 64); Joao Paulo, Jaime (Nacho, 36'); José Mari, Raúl Rojas (Mike, 64'), Ayán (Javi, 81') and Óscar Jiménez.
Goals: 1-0 (45'). Lorenzo, from a penalty committed on Houssam. 2-0 (47'). Perovic finishes a cross from the right flank at the far post.
Referee: Castell Orozco, from the Castilian-La Mancha Referees Association. He booked host Paco Sanz and visitor Guille Campos, who ended up sent off in the 91st minute after kicking the bench.
Observations: Matchday 24. Group IV. Segunda RFEF. Game played on the Anexo UD Almería Stadium. Around 300 spectators with the presence of some Atlético Antoniano travelling fans.