Almeria (Spain), Apr 2 (IANS): Real Sporting, thanks to its away 3-1 triumph over Almeria, took another decisive step toward ascending to Spain's First Division, while its rivals could not overcome their problems and remain close to relegation.

The Gijon team notched its sixth consecutive Second Division win on Sunday against an Almeria virtually devoid of offensive ideas and play-making, although the home squad also suffered from sheer bad luck and found itself unable to capitalise on the admittedly few scoring chances that came its way, reports Efe.

Just nine minutes into the match, it was Michael Santos scoring for the visitors but it wasn't until quite late in the game that Hernan Santana got Real Sporting on the board again in the 78th minute and Jony put a superfluous touch on the match in the 89th minute with a third tally, while Ruben Alcaraz scored the consolation goal for the home team in the 91st minute on a penalty kick.

It was Sporting all the way in the first half in terms of play quality and speed, although Jose Antonio Pozo showed some flash for Almeria near their rivals' goal with a left-footed shot that was stopped by Meriño.

In the second half, Sporting ceded the ball to Almeria to a greater degree, but the home team just couldn't seem to find the necessary combination, although Marco Motta could have scored in the 65th minute but for Meriño's handiwork in front of the net.

Referee Diaz de Mera expelled Almeria coach Chus Cañadas in the 69th minute for protesting a call.