UD Almería 'B' drew 2-2 with Atlético Marbella at home on Matchday 8. The result sees the 'B' team drop one place to 3rd in the table, although they remain firmly in the promotion play-off positions. Pacesetters UD Melilla have extended their advantage to 4 points. However, there is still a long way to go, and plenty can happen between now and the end of the season, as this match showed.

To begin with, UD Almería 'B' head coach Pablo Nozal had to contend with numerous absences due to injuries and the presence of several players with the first team. Promoting Academy players to the senior squad is one of the objectives of the Club's youth development programme, but it can also pose a challenge for the 'B' team, particularly when promotion is the target. Mr Nozal made up the numbers with players from the youth team. Then, things got off to the worst possible start for the hosts: a penalty was awarded against them in the first minute and the score was 0-1.

The youthful Rojiblancos were forced to chase the game and were unsettled by the early goal. To make matters more difficult, their opponents, despite being newcomers to the division and sitting in the lower reaches of the table, showed plenty of quality and attacking ambition. Gradually, the UD Almería 'B' boys settled into the game and drew level in the 31st minute. The sides went into half-time at 1-1.

The second half saw chances at both ends, with the momentum shifting back and forth. UD Almería 'B' were determined to complete the comeback, but Atlético Marbella proved a stubborn opponent. The visitors created several clear chances and were even awarded another penalty in the 63rd minute. This time, however, Jesús López produced an excellent save to deny them.

The young Indálicos continued to push forward, and in the 84th minute Houssam scored to make it 2-1. The hosts had completed a hard-fought comeback through determination and effort. Just when it looked as though all 3 points would stay at home, Atlético Marbella struck an equaliser in the 93rd minute, refusing to give up until the very end. UD Almería 'B', who had won their previous 3 home matches at the Anexo pitch were left to rue 2 points dropped in the dying moments.

Match information:

UD Almería 'B': Jesús López, Dani Sánchez (D. Sánchez Tomás, 58'), Axel, Vicen Lerma (Ramón Martos, 46'), Radic, Josema, Curro, Tomasevic (Luis Morales, 58'), Tomazinho (Viktor Lesjak, 71'), Pablo (Iván Parra, 71') and Houssam.

Atlético Marbella: Marco, Antonio, Pedro Paulo, Mario, Gerardo, Montaño (Shun, 78'), Ronan (Pedro, 46'), Cacho, Caballero (Besart, 86'), Juanpe Heredia (Gabriel, 72') and Diop (Juanfri, 72').

Goals: 0-1 (1') Juanpe, penalty; 1-1 (31') Houssam; 2-1 (84') Houssam; 2-2 (93') Besart.

Referee: Nieves Delgado Beltrán  (Granada). Booked UD Almería 'B's Ramón Martos and head coach Pablo Nozal, as well as Atlético Marbella's Mario.

Added information: Matchday 8 fixture in Group IX of the Tercera RFEF. Game played at the Anexo pitch.