Astra Giurgiu II
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- Romania Liga III 81
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Wikipedia - FC Astra II
Fotbal Club Astra II, commonly known as Astra II Ploiești (Romanian pronunciation: [ˈastra doi ploˈjeʃtʲ]), Astra II Giurgiu, or simply as Astra II, is the reserve squad of Romanian second league side, Astra Giurgiu. The team was founded in 2013 to serve as a "launch pad" to the first team, for the young players from the club's youth center.
History
The first Astra II
The history of Astra's reserve team began in 2010, when Ioan Niculae, the owner of Astra Ploiești, purchased Dunărea Giurgiu, a club founded in 1963 and competing in Liga II at the time. Following the acquisition, Dunărea was renamed Astra II Giurgiu, becoming the reserve squad of Astra Ploiești. In the summer of 2012, the club was dissolved after the owner decided to reduce expenses.
Ploiești-Giurgiu route
In September 2012, the first team moved from Ploiești to Giurgiu and was renamed Astra Giurgiu. The relocation applied only to official matches, while the youth academy and training sessions remained in Ploiești. Meanwhile, the reserve team, Astra Ploiești III, competed in Liga IV – Prahova County.
During the 2012–13 season, the reserve team established its camp in Ciorani, Prahova County, approximately 40 km from Ploiești, and was renamed Astra II Ciorani through the involvement of the local municipality and businessman Ion Mihai. The team attempted to avoid relegation with the help of former top-division players who had previously played for Petrolul Ploiești – Laurențiu Dumitru, Florin Pancovici, and Valentin Iordache – along with Valeriu Aristan, serving as player-coach. Later in the season, Adrian Peiu took over as head coach in April 2013, guiding the team to a 13th-place finish.
Astra II achieved promotion to Liga III at the end of the 2013–14 season under Valeriu Aristan’s leadership, after winning the Prahova County title and the promotion play-off against FC Aninoasa, the Liga IV – Dâmbovița County champions. The squad for the decisive match comprised A. Catană – R. Catană, I. Neagu, Iordache, Zegheru – Bărăgan (cpt) – Petculescu (61’ Chiși), Butufei, Munteanu (83’ Răileanu), Petrescu (51’ Aristan) – Ciobanu.
After the promotion Astra II moved to Ploiești, on the Astra Stadium and started to be known as Astra II Ploiești, even if in some situations media refers to the team, as Astra II Giurgiu, due to name of the mother club, Astra Giurgiu. In the Liga III Astra II finished last in the first season and relegated. After one season in the fourth league, where it finished 9th of 16, Astra II entered back in the Liga III at the start of the 2016–17 Liga III season, taking advantage of the new rule through which the first league teams could enroll their reserve squads directly in the third tier. Further, with managers such as Constantin Schumacher, Marius Măldărășanu or Adrian Senin, Astra II obtained comfortable results: 10th (2016–17) and 4th (2017–18).
During the 2017–18 season, Astra II had the opportunity to bring back to life the Ploiești derby, against Petrolul Ploiești. The matches ended with two draws, 0–0 on Ilie Oană Stadium and 2–2 on Astra Stadium.
The squad is typically composed of promising youth players, as well as those who may be looking to regain form or gain valuable match experience. Astra Giurgiu II serves as a vital stepping stone for players aspiring to make their mark in the first team, allowing them to showcase their abilities in a competitive environment.
With a commitment to developing homegrown talent, Astra Giurgiu II emphasizes a strong work ethic, discipline, and a passion for the game. The team's matches are an opportunity for fans to witness the future stars of Romanian football, as they strive to uphold the club's rich tradition and values. The club's colors and emblem reflect its connection to the main team, creating a sense of unity and pride within the community.