A point that will continue to build liberation in Algeciras. Alcoyano resolved a difficult match with a draw against an opponent looking for a chance to continue their promotion play-off campaign. There wasn’t much football; both teams took the only clear opportunity they had, and the penalty for Vicente Parras’ men was not being able to complete the comeback. After playing with the advantage for half an hour, they return home with three points.
Alcoyano tests transfer market impact in Algeciras
Neither Alcoyano nor Algeciras fans will remember the first half. While there were hardly any opportunities to highlight, the most notable thing was the strong wind that made the game difficult for both players.
In this lull, the visitors’ only offers of attack came from Imanol, who shot well above the crossbar from the edge of the area after a strike from Álvaro Vega, and near the break Nieto with a well-taken free kick that failed to hit the target. The best option for the Indians came from Zequi after a superb cut with no follow up on a weak shot.
Returning from the locker room, Algeciras took the lead for the first time. More precisely, the second one. The goal came from a throw-in on the right and Tomás fought his way to the crescent for his team. His cross from the left was finished by Turrillo from close range. Valens initially denied a goal but could do nothing when the local midfielder’s second attempt was disallowed.
Parras: “We are in the best moment of the season and it is important to keep adding”
With so many games ahead, Parras tried to spark a reaction with changes. The first of these, Sergi López, forced López-Pinto to be sent off. The decision was harsh for a referee who had handed out numerous yellows with more than half an hour remaining.
Healing with Ganet
Ganet returned to action after contributing to the African Cup of Nations and Lara found more freedom. Alcoyano increased their performance. This, coupled with numerical superiority, allowed them to control the rest of the match in Algeciras’ half. As a result of this dominance, it was only a matter of time before at least the equalizing goal arrived.
The equalizer came a quarter of an hour from the end after Lara crossed from Nieto’s side at the bottom of the penalty area, following a strong individual move from Nieto down the left. Armental appeared in the danger zone to finish in an unconventional fashion, almost with a different foot, yet effective as Marcos, despite touching the ball, could not prevent the score from rising to 1-1.
In this scenario, it looked like Parras’ men even had the chance to come back, though the Andalusians defended possession well. The final clear opportunity for the Alicante side came from Ganet, who tried to surprise the opponent’s goalkeeper with a free kick in front, but the shot was read perfectly, resulting in a corner.
Alcoyano had little time to organize as protests to the referee and Algeciras’ discipline limited the visitors from testing Marcos again. The team led by Parras sits with 29 points, mid-table in Primera RFEF group 2, and will host Murcia at El Collao next week.
Alcoyano’s starting 11 in Algeciras
MATCH COMMITTEE
ALGECIRAS: Marcos; Admonio, Borja Fernández, Eric Montes, Zequi, Turrillo, Tomás, Diori, López-Pinto, Mario and Juan Rodríguez.
ALCOYANO: Valence; Antón, Álvaro Vega, Primi, Nieto, Imanol, Juanan, Carrasco, Lara, Selma and Pradera.
GOALS: 1-0 (49) Turrillo. 1-1 (77) Armental.
REFEREE: Manuel Ángel Pérez Hernández. He scolded Tomás, Carrasco, Diori, Borja Fernández, Admonio, Primi and Antón. López Pinto received a red card (double yellow, 58).
STADIUM: Nuevo Mirador (Algeciras).