1-0: Almería Women clinch first victory of 2022
The Rojiblancas edged their way past Granada CF ‘B’ Women to remain third and keep up with the top of table
UD Almería Women remain third in Group IV table of the Primera Nacional Women's division after beating the girls from the Granada CF ‘B’ team on the Emilio Campra Youth Stadium pitch. An own goal sealed the 1-0 victory for the girls in red and white striped jerseys who created the most big chances. This is their first victory of 2022.
As a result of the absences, on the one hand, the recovery of footballers and the decisions of the head coach, on the other hand, there would be some new faces in the starting XI compared to the previous line-up. Carmen Belmonte between the sticks; Eva, Esther, Mati, Flores, Mireya, Anita Paris, Marta Paz, Paqui, Jessi and Fatima featured in the home game.
The encounter began with two sides evenly matched, although little by little the UD Almería Women players grew into the game. So much so that, the most outstanding goalscoring opportunity of the opening 45 minutes was created by host Marta Paz in the 30th minute, who sent a cross into the box and it was peer Paqui with her towering header, who put keeper Rosa to the test.
The opener would not arrive until the second half (1-0). With 51 minutes on the clock, Esther took a corner-kick. The centre-back was daring and fired a brilliant finish towards the goal. The ball went past the goalkeeper and defender Coral tried to clear it, but it hit her wrongly and the ball ended up crossing the goal line to later give victory to the hosts.
With the 1-0 on the scoreboard, Granada’s defence opened up more spaces that would lead to clear-cut chances in favour of the home team ladies. Jessi's strike went over the crossbar, Rosa made a great save on a fine attempt by Ana Carrascosa and a powerful shot by Fátima grazed the post. At the same time, UD Almería Women were very well organised as they did not leave any spaces. Whenever there was the slightest danger, goalie Carmen Belmonte got rid of it straight away.
Good news for the team following Pilar's comeback who entered the field within 71 minutes and thus, putting an end to her long-term recovery…And even better news is UD Almería Women’s first victory of 2022 to remain third at the top of the table.
Match information:
UD Almería Women: Carmen Belmonte; Eva, Esther, Mati, Flores (Ana Carrascosa, 52’), Mireya, Anita Paris, Marta Paz (Marisa, 85’), Paqui, Jessi and Fátima (Pilar, 71’).
Granada CF ‘B’ Women: Rosa; Bolívar (Miriam, 82’), Cristi (Paula, 82’), Ainhoa, Lucía, Irene (Carmen, 82’), Africa (Calero, 46’), Noa, Coral, Vero and Carla.
Goal: 1-0, 51’: Coral (OG)
Referee: Marta Viciana Fernández from the Almería Referees School. She booked host Ana Carrascosa, as well as visitors Ainhoa and Vero.
Observations: Matchday 16. Primera Nacional Spanish women’s league (Group IV). The match was played at the Emilio Campra Youth Stadium and was attended by approximately 200 supporters.