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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Date: Wednesday 21^st July 2021

Competition: Pre-season Friendly

Venue: Estadio Municipal

Football came home for fans of Balona as they played on the hallowed turf of the Estadio Municipal for the first time under the management of Antonio Ruiz.

The opponents were Alvaro Cervera’s Cádiz C.F. and as the team sheet dropped it showed that Cervera meant business fielding the likes of Jose Mari, Alex, Negredo and Lozano.

OH OH OH OSMAJIC

After the game the name on everyone’s lips was Milutin Osmajic. The 21-year-old Montenegro international scored one and assisted the other in a virtuoso performance after coming on as a second half substitute. It safe to say with the box of tricks he displayed Osmajic is magic! It remains to be seen what impact he will have in La Liga this season. After this performance I’m sure those in attendance will be keeping a close eye on this developing talent.

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Alvaro Negredo it was who had the first big opportunity of the game he latched onto a square ball from Nano. He lifted the ball over the onrushing Nacho Miras. With the ball goal bound Jesus Muñoz who had sprinted back headed to safety to the relief of the Balona players and fans.

The midfield battles between Coulibaly and Bandaogo for Balona and Jose Mari and Alex Fernandez for Cadiz were fiercely fought considering this was a friendly game and whilst there were some nice touches from Alhassan Koroma Balona didn’t create too many chances against their La Liga opponents.

Nacho Miras for many the player of the year last season at Balona was once again in fine form. Firstly, diving a full stretch to tip Nano’s curling effort out for a corner. Then Negredo bullied his way to the by line he cut the ball back to Jose Mari who’s shot was expertly saved by Nacho Miras who palmed it away to safety. That one will have stung the palms. Miras was back in action before the break this time diving and collecting at the feet of Nano. The linesman had flagged for offside but Miras was unaware, so it was another excellent piece of goalkeeping from him.

The second half brough with it the introduction of Osmajic and many more substitutes including a debut for Cadiz for new signing Tomás Alarcón. The Chilean another young starlet with a big future under the tutelage of Cervera.

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A change in goal for Balona saw new signing Mateusz Kania take over between the sticks. Like Miras he was busy, and he did not disappoint. He pulled off some excellent saves of his own. 

On 78 minutes Osmajic picked up the ball wide and with a real turn of pace he got to the goal line. He clipped the ball back towards the penalty sport where Ivan Chapela steamed in and headed into the goal.

Osmajic was on the charge again soon after this time Kania did fantastic to save his shot. He was not to be denied his goal though and with a ball floated over the top Osmajic ghosted in between two defenders. He plucked the ball out of the air with his right foot and in one motion prodded it past the on rushing Kania into the back of the net. He took the adulation of his team mates for a cracking goal.

All in all, both sides will have been happy with their evening’s work. It’s very early to read too much into what the friendlies played so far mean longer term for Balona. There are more new players yet to pull on those famous black and white stripes. The early indications are that Romerito’s promise of a team that will never quit and keep fighting seems to be ringing true.

Players like Nacho Miras, Alhassan Koroma and Aly Coulibaly look like they will be key to the success of La Recia once again this season.

Copy: Les McKee | Images: Real Balompédica Linense