El Palo - An Englishman Abroad

Last Sunday saw the penultimate home game of the season, ‘El Derbi’ against Málaga B. Who are in reality their youth/U23 team. The game was played pretty much in the central third for the first with Málaga having the best of the game but without actually creating any chances that need a save. The most exciting moment was when I received a text saying I had won a prize for entering a QR code competition in the ground! Shortly before the descanso I met Manu and he explained that I would be going into the pitch to take three shots at the goal and whatever happened I would win a prize!

Duly I casually stroked home the 35 and 20 yard shots from the right midfield section of the pitch. I will leave you to guess what happened to the chance from the right hand corner of the six yard box!

Second half was similar to the first except that we had the best of it and I was saying to a companion that a draw would be a fair result when a good ball in from the right was chested over the line by a Málaga player. Sums up the season of transition. We need to find a system that creates more opportunities and goals! One game left at home next Sunday, tomorrow we are away at Real Jaén, who have played in the Primera Liga, in their 12,500 capacity stadium.

I really hope the lads can get a win or two, or at least a couple of points to end the season on a positive note, Duds.

I don't think you gave yourself much to go on with that angle, Duds, you should check back there and slot it in with your, erm, swinger!

Did you manage to score?

Erm….. no!

And so my first season as a season ticket holder draws to a close. Playing against Motril, yes that place which is twinned with Marple, who were sitting in the final play off place it was interesting to see how the game would flow, where we pitched up against them. A fairly quiet first 10 minutes, probably due to the temperature being around 30 degrees even though it was a 7pm kick off!

A dangerous ball from the right for Motril was palmed away by the keeper, unfortunately into the chest of an attacker lurking nearby. As we bemoaned the misfortune I felt that maybe this was how the season was going to peter out. Five minutes later a quick break down the left saw us get into the Motril box. The winger checked back and then threw himself to the floor. As I laughed at his acting skills the referee pointed to the spot. I think only one person in the ground thought it was a penalty. Boom one all!
Nothing much more of note happened during the first half and as the third beer was being consumed we discussed the likely hood of the game finishing with no more goals as no one seemed to actually want to score! Anyway after sixty minutes or so we threw a simple ball into the box and hey presto. Two one.
I went to the bar (still in view of the pitch) and as I turned back with more liquid refreshment, it had been a hot day, we unleash a screamer for twenty five yards into the top corner. Three?
On comes our striker as a substitute with his first touch yep four! Five minutes later the incredible happened. Five minutes afire coming on Faloooooo gets his second and our fifth!! With the final kick of the game Motril scored a consolation goal. Literally no one reacted they didn’t celebrate with even a shout. Very eerie indeed.

A very enjoyable end to the home season obviously and I know why! For the first time in a few of months I remembered ‘the scarf’. Obviously being thirty degrees is perfect for wearing an aged football scarf but I decided this was the reason why our season fell into decline!

Nice one, Duds. Have really enjoyed your reports - and as for El Palo, there is, as we say, always next season...

Playoff update. Almería B ‘won’ the playoffs but not yet promotion! They have a further match away against Utebo (from Aragon - close to Zaragoza) next Saturday.