Second division, day 37

Second placed Nàstic kept up the five point gap over the chasing pack with a 1-0 win over Almería on Sunday lunchtime. Pinilla got the only goal early on to leave their opponents virtually out of the promotion chase. Ciudad Murcia kept themselves in the hunt though after coming from behind to beat Poli Ejido 2-3 later in the day, Luque scoring twice before Piti got the winner in the last minute. Ciudad stay two points behind Lorca and Levante, and move away from Xerez, who lost 1-0 at Elche, and Numancia, who were beaten 3-1 by Real Murcia.

Down in the lower reaches of the table, Lleida missed out on a chance to close up on Tenerife after they were held to a 0-0 draw by bottom club Málaga B. They are now three points behind the Canary Islanders, who themselves see the gap above them open up to four points after Castellón managed a 1-1 draw at Albacete. Eibar could be mathematically down by next weekend after losing 0-1 against Valladolid, and with Málaga B already out as well due to the relegation of their first team, the two remaining relegation spots would appear to be between Racing Ferrol, Lleida and Tenerife. (14.05.06)

Leaders Recreativo moved six points clear of second placed Nàstic pending their game on Sunday after beating Castilla 4-1. By half time the Andalusians were three up with strikes from Cheli, Uche and Rosu, and although Oscar Diaz got one back after the restart, Rosu wrapped things up soon afterwards. Lorca held on to third place after beating Sporting Gijón 1-0, Ramos getting the only goal on the stroke of half time, but Levante stay just behind them on goal difference after a last minute Ian Harte penalty gave them a 1-0 win over Tenerife. The Canary Islanders themselves are still only one place above the relegation spots, although Racing Ferrol's 1-1 draw against Hércules takes some of the pressure off them. (13.05.06)