2-1: Almeria ‘B’ close out 2021 beating the group leaders

It was a good showing from the lads. The UD Almería ‘B’ team beat table-toppers Juventud de Torremolinos CF in the last game of 2021 within Group IX of the Tercera Division RFEF. Carlos Gilbert and Raúl Caballero grabbed two goals that brought justice to a match in which the home team dominated. With the 2-1, the Rojiblancos also had to deal with a dubious referee’s ruling for 15 minutes in which two clear penalties were not awarded, Lokosa got sent off after a challenging tackle from a rival. In addition, Almeria ‘B’ had to endure an everlasting 8-minute injury time before going on Xmas hols with the great satisfaction of an all-important triumph to remain in the top spots.

Almería ‘B’ whipped in chances over the course of the first half, but lacking pinpoint precision. Gilbert’s shot grazed the crossbar after a counter-attack led by fellow Hugo Neves. Kevin sent a hit wide and Aitor Puñal put the keeper to the test.

Shortly after the restart, the second-half opener arrived (1-0). It was in the 53rd minute when a great breakaway by Carlos Rojas ended with a spectacular cross and subsequent strike from Gilbert, who beat the goalie. Once again, the Catalan attacker scored taking his tally to 13 goals this 2021/22 season.

It did not take long for the visitors to equalise. Only four minutes after the first goal, Amaya headed at the far post and made it 1-1. It was the first fine attempt between the three sticks from Juventud de Torremolinos CF.

Despite the setback of the goal against, UD Almería ‘B’ continued to play a great game increasing their presence in the opposing box and thus, in the 69th minute, Rojas delivered a free-kick to the heart of the area to find team-mate Raúl Caballero who broke the deadlock (2-1).

The UDA Academy products’ victory was not in danger until the final whistle. In fact, the only visitors’ goalscoring opportunity came from a direct free-kick which Diego Fuoli denied. However, some dodgy refereeing in the last 15 minutes could have spoiled the hosts’ win. Sub Lokosa was clearly tackled hard by the goalkeeper within the area 76 minutes in. The penalty was obvious, but the ref did not award it and Gilbert was shown a yellow card for protesting. 

Shortly after, the Nigerian attacker was affected by a decision by the match official, since after being booked for a foul, a rival faced him and the Rojiblanco ended up being sent off following a second yellow card. With 81 minutes on the clock, the supporters got even more upset as Gilbert received a challenging tackle from behind in a 50-50 contest in the box and another clear penalty was not indicated yet again. It was a game littered with fouls. 

On a positive note, Almería ‘B’ showed some dazzling skills and steel against the group leaders. Fuoli did not feel danger at any time, but most of all the difficulties that he experienced came from dubious decisions by the ref including an 8-minute injury time. The last game of 2021 saw Óscar Fernández's boys being the first side to defeat the group leaders this season! 

Match Information:

UD Almería ‘B’: Diego Fuoli; Vertiz, Ginés, David Cuenca, Fermín, Aitor Puñal (Andrei, 70), Kevin Bautista, Rojas (Víctor Blanco, 90’), Hugo Neves (Jean Marco, 70’), Gilbert and Raúl Caballero (Lokosa, 70’).

Juventud de Torremolinos CF: Amador; Urbina (Alexis, 85’), Ismael, Manu (Castillo, 61’), Gerrit (Nacho Lapieira, 67’), Amaya (Oñate, 85’), Javi López, Gato (Alberto, 61’) , Miguel, Dani and Vergara.

Goals: 1-0, 53’: Gilbert. 1-1, 57’: Amaya. 2-1, 69’: Raúl Caballero.

Referee: Sarmiento Núñez, from the Jaén Referees School. He booked hosts David Cuenca, Aitor Puñal, Hugo Neves, Vertiz, Gilbert, Kevin Bautista, Diego Fuoli, Rojas and Ginés, as well as visitor Castillo. In addition, Almeria ‘B’ Lokosa was sent off in the 78th minute as a result of two yellow cards and also visitor Dani for two yellow cards, the second after 91 minutes.

Observations: Matchday 17. Tercera Division RFEF. Group IX.