1-0: Deserved and hard-fought victory for UD Almería B against runners-up
Joan was the match winner who earned three huge points and the third back-to-back victory to remain comfortably in the Group IX play-off zone
UD Almería 'B' edged past Huétor Vega 1-0 on Matchday 10 at the Power Horse Stadium Anexo; a more than well-deserved and hard-fought victory over the current Group IX runners-up, who arrived in Almería on the back of six wins on the spin. However, the good performance of Alberto Lasarte's boys rewarded them with all three points to remain comfortably in the play-off zone.
It was a spirited first half for UD Almería 'B' as they took the initiative and had possession of the ball against a very well structured opposition, physically strong and skilled. The Academy Rojiblancos passed the ball effectively looking for their opportunity against a defensive Huétor Vega that did not make it easy at all. With 33 minutes gone, Aarón's cross from the left wing was headed into the box by striker Rachad, but the goalkeeper excelled by clearing the ball next to the right post of his goal. It was a great opportunity that could have put the hosts ahead, who shortly after, following a corner, squandered a new chance to have beaten their opponents. Deadlocked at the break in a closely contested match (0-0).
In the second half, the UDA Academy products played with more fluidity in their game, with more direct and faster-paced football. They soon began to make their presence felt in the attacking third until the 69th minute, when a long ball over Luis Lara allowed him to cross into the area and Joan slotted home after a rebound (1-0).
Huétor Vega went all out for an equaliser, but the youthful Rojiblancos did a good job in defence, in addition to Bruno Iribarne also making a couple of brilliant saves. The home team could have been extended their lead with quick transitions, yet they were not successful and for this reason, there was uncertainty until the final whistle.
Match information:
UD Almería 'B': Bruno, Alex Méndez, Paco Sanz, René, Aarón, Marcos Peña, Joan (Abel, 87'), Cantón (Marsu, 66'), Valen (Luis Lara, 31'), Rachad (Ballestero, 87') and Hugo Neves (Loren, 66').
CD Huétor-Vega: Donaire, Pedro, Lozano, Rafa, Rafilla (Vela, 45'), David (Molina, 8'), Robert, Mario, Aarón (Prieto, 74'), Ibu (Jose Carlos, 74') and Kiko (Kevin, 82').
Referee: Jorge González Sánchez, from the Malaga Referees Association. He sent off Rafa with two yellow cards, from Huétor Vega, in the 86th minute. He showed a yellow card to hosts Paco Sanz and Aarón, as well as visitor Jose Carlos.
Goals: 1-0 (69'). Long ball over Luis Lara, he crosses into the area and Joan, after a rebound, slots home.
Observations: Matchday 10. Group IX of the Tercera RFEF. Game played on the Anexo pitch. Around 200 fans. First team head coach Gaizka Garitano and his coaching staff watched the match, as well as several players from the senior squad, including Luis Suárez and Ramazani.