Alhassan steals the headlines again as friendly ends in a draw.
Real Balompedica Linense 1-1 Atletico Baleares
Having had the glamourous experiences of seeing Balona test their skills and strength against the likes of Bournemouth, Cádiz and Granada there was a different feel amongst the fans ahead of this encounter.
Atlético Baleares were the visitors to the Estadio Municipal, a side that will be in the same division as Balona this season. This would give us a clearer indication of how Romerito’s plans are being put into action and what we can expect to see moving forward.
There was a lot to feel positive about when this one was done and dusted. Although a lapse in defence with 10 minutes remaining allowed Atletico Baleares to gain a share of the spoils, there was enough to give hope that Balona can create the perfect storm so that when Real Madrid Castilla come to town in the opening fixture of the new season they leave with nothing.
A bigger concern than the goal conceded will be the condition of Loren after he went off injured close to the final whistle. During the game the local lad had worked tirelessly up and down the right flank. Tracking back to support the right back and getting several crosses into the box. There is a saying “it is not about the size of the dog in the fight but the size of the fight in the dog”. As Loren squared up against the huge striker Vinicius Tanque he showed his passion. Words were exchanged and whilst only Loren and Tanque know what was said it was hard not to be impressed with the local lad’s passion and desire to fight for everything and to protect his teammates. Transferring his love for the club into the new signings will be imperative this season. Loren is like having a second captain on the pitch.
In the first half Nacho Miras was twice called into action and twice he showed us exactly why he is adored by players and fans alike. His first save from Carlos Delgado’s header towards the top corner had the fans standing to applaud. There is no doubt that Nacho Miras would not look out of place playing at a higher level. Let’s hope he gets to do this with Balona. He had departed when the goal was conceded. Young Polish keeper Mateusz Kania has shown he has talent, but he was powerless to stop the close-range header.
The Albinegros goal came in the first half from Alhassan Koroma and it was a rocket. On this occasion he popped up on the edge of the box proving to be the calm to a frantic situation. Baleares headed clear and as the ball ping-ponged around the little magician took over. He brought the ball down using his body to shield, with one touch he moved the ball to the side and let fly. The ball flew high into the net sending all the fans in the stadium to their feet
Koroma is fantastic. As he hugs the touchline, he is the outlet, when he drifts inside, he is a goal threat. In the early part of last season, he seemed to lose confidence and get a little shy after taking a kick from the opposition full back. In the latter part of the season he had grown and become a lion. Absolutely tenacious and wanting the ball constantly. He will take people on and leave them on their backside and bring others into play. It will be great to see his development continue with Balona this year. The downside is Koroma is no longer a surprise and he was often double teamed by the Baleares side and on one occasion in the second half, as he set off on yet another dribble, he was chopped down with a tackle that was at best mistimed. We’ll put that one down to it being pre-season, but it would be naïve to expect anything less than forceful treatment from all opposition this season.
Another positive was the leadership and organisation shown by Fran Morante at the back. The 29-year-old has a world of experience and his organisational skills and take charge attitude is needed in a much changed side for the new season ahead.
A player entering his second season with the club that will be pivotal is Aly Coulibaly. Balona didn’t look as good after a treble substitution on 63 minutes with saw Coulibaly, Miras and Dorrio depart. Coulibaly is a box to box midfielder and always plays with his head up. Loren and Koroma on the flanks must be delighted when they see the Frenchman pick up possession in the middle of the park as it means they will be getting in behind the defenders in the next few seconds due to Coulibaly pace of pass and vision.
Ultimately, Balona could and maybe should have gone on and won this game. However, it is pre-season and the team are not at peak fitness yet, there are many new signings and it would be impossible for everything to have gelled at this early stage. With games against El Ejido and Cordoba to come before the league opener there is lots to build on.
I’ve said before and still believe that Romerito’s Balona side will surprise a few people this season.
PEÑA PICHIGÜEY 