Date: Friday 16th July 2021
Competition: Pre-season Friendly
Venue: Marbella Football Center
Real Balompédica Linense took to the pitch for the first time under new manager Romerito and although they ended up losing 4-2 to English Championship side Bournemouth there were positives to take from the performance.
The game took place at the Marbella Football Center, behind closed doors. Thankfully, the visitors were live streaming through their website so fans from the Dorset Coast to the Playa Santa Barbara could tune in.
Romerito’s first selection saw both Koroma twins selected to start a match for La Balona for the first time. New signings Lavela, Bandaogo and Jauregui also made their debuts in the starting XI with Momodou Cham stepping up from the B team.
There was also a new manager in the opposing dugout as Scott Parker took charge of the Cherries for the first time.
It was the English visitors who took the lead with former Arsenal player Jaidon Anthony using a defender to guide his finish past the outstretched Nacho Miras.
Miras was called into action twice more as Bournemouth started the assert control. On both occasions Miras showed what a top-class goalkeeper he is. The second save saw him dive at the feet of Dominic Solanke as the ex-Liverpool striker tried to round him. Nacho Miras was one of the key players in Balona achieving their aim last season of taking their place in the inaugural Primera RFEF this season.
Then we saw a sight we the fans of La Balona will want to see again and again this season. Alhassan Koroma teed up his twin and Alusine Koroma struck with power from just inside the box to level the scores. The goalscorer dropped to his knees and placed a kiss on the Marbella turf in celebration
Bournemouth pushed to regain the lead and Gavin Kilkenny drilled a low effort which whizzed past the post much to the relief of the Balona defence who had afforded him too much space.
As is standard fare in pre-season friendlies half time brought with it a swathe of changes on both sides as the new managers aimed to get a good look at as many players as possible.
Bournemouth adjusted faster and fired two goals in quick succession. Stacey’s cut back from the by-line was smashed home from close range by Dominic Solanke. Moments later Kyle Taylor picked up the rebound from a save by new keeper and drilled the ball back into the goal for 3-1.
La Recia regathered themselves and fought back against the side who last season missed out on promotion to the Premier League in the play-offs. Referee Dominguez Cervantes awarded a penalty to Balona. Luis Alcalde stepped up confidently and despite the keeper guessing the right way his penalty was too good and nestled in the bottom corner.
The substitutions continued with the visitors introducing several young players keen to impress. Fatigue was certainly a factor for the Albinegros and after only four days of training with the new coach they found themselves conceding a fourth. It was Kyle Taylor once again adding his name to the scoresheet for a brace. Taylor swept home a cutback which found him all alone 12 yards out.
Next up for Balona, it’s the visit of Cadiz CF to the Estadio Municipal on Wednesday evening. This will be another stern test for the squad and a chance to shine in front of the fans for the first time under former player Romerito’s stewardship.
Whilst this match may have ended in defeat there are positives to take and lessons to learn. The fitness gained from this fixture can only help the side as they work towards that all important first league game on 29th August.
We are still to see what new signings Borja Lopez and Gerard Oliva will bring to the team.
Cádiz had a phenomenal season in La Liga last season in which they beat both Barcelona and Real Madrid on their way to a 12th place finish some 10 points clear of relegation.
They started their pre-season by fielding a strong side against Barbate and running out victors 6-0.
Copy: Les McKee | Images: Real Balompédica Linense
PEÑA PICHIGÜEY 