RCD Mallorca B will remain in the Tercera División following a 2-1 loss to UD Poblense in the Segunda B Play-Off final at Poliespotiu de Santanyí.
The express play-off system introduced following the COVID-19 outbreak concluded with our youngsters just falling short at the final hurdle having previously beaten Ibiza Islas Pitiusas in the semi-final and recording a third-placed finish in Group 11 earlier this season.
Julián Robles made two changes to the side that had overcome Ibiza Islas Pitiusas 1-0 in the previous round, replacing the suspended Raùl Parra with Alberto Redondo and swapping Adrián Montalban for Javier Albin.
The opening exchanges were played at a frenetic pace and it took just five minutes before Jaume Tovar forced Imanol into a fine reflex save with a powerful header from close range.
The warning signs were there for UD Poblense as Karim and then Josep went close, but it was ultimatly the in-form Tovar who opened the scoring the for second consecutive game when he latched onto Carlos Gilbet’s through ball and kept his composure to beat the on-rushing Imanol.
While Jesús Ruiz found himself busy as UD Poblense searched for an instant reply, we went into the break with the advantage.
We remained on the offensive upon the restart as we looked to put a bit of daylight between us and the opposition. Javier Albin first came close, before Carlos Gilbert and Thomas Giaquinto were left frustrated in front of goal.
Substitute Dani Ribelles had our best chance of the second half in the 72nd minute when he raced through on goal but fired just inches wide of the far post.
We would eventually pay for missed opportunities eight minutes later as Tià Sastre levelled matters when he was first to react to an earlier save made by Jesus Ruíz among a crowded a box.
Things went from bad to worse in the 83rd minute as Josep Gaya received his marching orders for a second bookable offence. Aitor Pons got the winner moments before the final whistle, as an encouraging season for our academy side ended in disappointment.
RCD Mallorca B: Jesús, Alberto, Ocaña, Gayà, Andreu, Thomas (66’), Javier (57’), Óscar (57’), Tovar, Carlos (74’), Karim (74’)
Substitutes: Enric (57’), Elías, Dani (66’), Jaime (57’), Luka (74’), Fran, Bravo, Erik, Fode (74’)
UD Poblense: Imanol, Mateo, Damià (68’), Lucas, Mateu Ferrer (80’=, Aitor, Javi Moreno (55’), Pep Vidal (55’), Dani Benítez, Tià Sastre, Álvaro
Substitutes: Calonge (55’), Amengual, Víctor (55’), Jaime, Saúl, Cape (68’), Oller, Pau Cendrós (80’), Xisco
Goals: Tovar, 0-1 (30’); Tià Sastre, 1-1 (80’); Aitor Pons, 2-1 (90’)
