Match report by: Chris Darwen
A season high of nearly 300 people watched CD Almuñécar City take all three points in El Clasico and do the double over their local rivals Juventud Sexitana.
In a game that Juve needed to win to keep themselves in the race for the title, or at the very least second spot, form suggested they would have a chance, having won their previous six outings.
City came into the game giving a first start to Nick Hibbeler in midfield, seeing Tomas Basualdo
move into central defence alongside Ivan. Esteban, a new signing from Torrox and Shadi, an Academy player were included among the substitutes for the first time.
CDAC started brightly, taking the game to Juve from the first whistle. A poor backpass from the Juve left back let in Thiago, who rolled the ball past the goalkeeper only to see his shot cleared off the line.
Another early chance fell to Assandri and then Morris, whose hammered volley was this time blocked on the line.
City couldn’t turn the early pressure into a first half lead, but it was clear they went into the break the stronger side.
The second half was possibly the most professional performance of the season, if not then certainly of 2018 so far.
A double change saw Jiminez replace Jermy on the left wing and Esteban come into midfield for Hibbeler. CDAC stepped up the tempo, and with Spinks now pushing on much more from the right back position Juve were being penned back in their own half for long spells.
Finally, the goal came. Ivan found Morris who saw Spinks sprinting forward once more. A fine pass from Morris released the full back and his cross to the far post was headed home by Assandri. City had the breakthrough with 20 or so to play.
Juve tried to find a way back into the game but were unable to trouble the goal of Nacho. City continued to control possession and the much needed second goal arrived.
Mikkelsen’s corner sailed to the far post where Tomas Basualdo, due to head to a National League club in England today on trial, headed home to make the game safe.
With Arenas withdrawing from the league and Puntalon drawing 1-1 with Alhendin, CD Almuñécar lead the table by 13 points with 7 games to go. Promotion has openly be the aim and it gets closer by the week.
Credit has to be given to the manner in which the game was played. It was competitive but fair, and refereed very well resulting in no yellow cards for either team, a miracle considering the history of the first encounter. Juve were gracious in defeat and City were humble in victory and hopefully the local rivalry will continue to play out in this tone in future seasons.
City now have a week off from league duty and will return to the Estadio Municipal Francisco Bonet in two weeks time against Club Futbol de Motril. However, they have two midweek showcase matches against Tercera sides to boost the profile of the players looking for their chance at a higher level.
The Motril match will be confirmed in due course.