2-0: Almeria ‘B’ clinch first victory in promotion phase to Segunda Division RFEF
The Rojiblancos’ youth team imposed their game on ‘El Palo’ to boost their confidence ahead of the next matches
The UD Almería ‘B’ team clinched a victory to boost their confidence on their pursuit of Segunda Division RFEF after beating El Palo 2-0. A flying start to the game was enough for the youth players to end up wrapping up their first win in the second phase of the campaign with goals from Raúl Caballero, who converted from the spot after a foul committed on Cristian Olivera, and Javi Robles. The Rojiblancos remain fifth, with a club coefficient of 1,58, but are approaching more advanced positions after catching up on postponed matches.
Fernando Santos ‘Nandinho’ rang the changes in the starting XI. Curro Harillo; Vertiz, Aitor Puñal, Ricardo Carvalho, Luna; Tomás, Robles, Juan Gutiérrez, Sergio Sanchís, Cristian Olivera and Caballero were handed starting spots in the squad.
The kick-off for Almería ‘B’ was absolutely spectacular. In fact, the youth team needed less than a quarter of an hour to put themselves in front and even double their lead until the end of the game. Cristian Olivera, who displayed a good performance, fell inside the box and Raúl Caballero unleashed a powerful strike from 12 yards to open the scoring (1-0).
The Almeria hopefuls piled the pressure on their opponents accompanied by a quick and vertical passing. Hard work pays off and that is why the hosts got their game reward since Olivera and Robles teamed up to double the Rojiblancos’ lead (2-0).
So that was it…two first-half goals inside 15 minutes condemned El Palo to defeat. The final whistle confirmed the first triumph of the UD Almería second-team in the promotion phase to Segunda Division RFEF. This home victory has given the youngsters a boost of confidence ahead of the future matches. Velez, virtually assured of promotion, will be visiting the Juegos Mediterraneos Stadium next Sunday.
How the table is shaping up? Current leaders and already-promoted Vélez have a club coefficient of 1,95; Mancha Real sit second (1,83); Torredonjimeno (1,60) —with one less game played— are third; the fourth place is occupied by Antequera (1,59); Almería ‘B’ are fifth (1,58) and El Palo, who are one game behind, are on the sixth spot (1,33).
Match facts:
UD Almería ‘B’: Curro Harillo; Vertiz, Aitor Puñal, Ricardo Carvalho, Luna, Tomás, Robles, Juan Gutiérrez (Siles, 56’), Sergio Sanchís (Manu, 56’ (Cerpa, 63’), Cristian Olivera (Fermín, 73’) and Raúl Caballero (Jean Marco, 73’).
El Palo CF: Juanfra; Lulu, Nacho Aranda, Antelo, Perico (Barrera, 46’), Durán (Javi López, 60’), Cala, Pablo Roca (Lester, 73’), Pepe, Vela (Roberto Sierra, 46’) and Balta (Víctor Martínez, 87’).
Goals: 1-0, 8’: Raúl Caballero (pen). 2-0, 13’: Robles.
Referee: Polaino Redondo, from the Andalusia Referees School. He booked Barrera from El Palo CF.
Observations: Third match. Promotion phase to Segunda Division RFEF. Postponed game due to Covid-19. The match was held behind closed doors at the Anexo Juegos Mediterraneos.