LANZAROTE 3 CLUB ATLÉTICO TACORONTE 1, 9th December 2018,

LANZAROTE 3 CLUB ATL TACORONTE 1, 9^th December 2018,

The Rojillos are buzzing. Maximum points in their last five games has lifted Lanzarote into the final playoff position, fourth spot. They are now just five points adrift of the new league leaders CD Santa Úrsula.

It is incredible to think that less than a month ago Lanzarote were just three points off the relegation positions and were getting slated by some of the local press. Half of the squad this season are new and it has taken time to gel but it was once again the old boy Miguel Gómez who scored twice making it six goals in his last four games.

It didn’t take Lanzarote long to get into the swing of the game with front duo Rosmen and Alex Yunes causing problems for the Tenerife defence.

In the 11^th minute Miguel Gómez showed his array of talents by flying down the right, skipping past a couple of challenges then firing in a powerful shot which was blocked at the last moment. Nevertheless you knew Miguel was going to be another huge influence on this wonderful 26 degree sunny day.

Dito the dog enjoying his day out with the Trifulka fan club. You wont see this in the Stretford End or at the Kop.

Only three minutes later and out of nowhere Miguel from 20 yards managed to wrap his left foot around the ball and with a technique that few possess fired in a scorching half volley low into the bottom right hand corner to give his side a 1-0 lead.

The fabulous left foot of Miguel Gómez.

The hosts looked confident but the newly promoted side have had a decent start to life in the fourth tier of Spanish football and just before the break had a chance to level but defender Josito managed to clear the danger.

The game was put to bed within the opening five minutes of the second half. New signing Juanma Pérez who was instrumental throughout the match doubled Lanzarote´s lead with just 45 seconds played in the second period with a strike from the edge of the box.

A delighted Juanma with his arm raised scoring the Rojillos second goal.

Four minutes later and Miguel picked up the ball on the right, cut inside his defender and released another belter of a strike goal bound, the keeper was at fault as he couldn’t cope with the swerve and power as he spilled the ball and agonizingly saw it roll into the goal giving Lanzarote a comfortable 3-0 lead.

The Rojillos did take their foot off the gas and in the 55^th minute the visitors saw a glimmer of hope when midfielder Semidan fired home from 10 yards on the second attempt.

There was going to be no way back for the 12^th placed side as Lanzarote upped a gear. Nico González and Alex Yunes both worked tirelessly and this was the benchmark of the whole team performance as they commanded the match till the final whistle.

The crowd enjoying another win in wonderful weather.

Defensively Lanzarote look so much stronger and will be devastated conceding their first goal in over five hours of football but to concede when your 3-0 up at home I am sure the pain won’t last long.

British boy Brad has been given more of a defensive role this season and is beginning to give us a glimpse of the true potential that he has. His fitness, passing and most importantly decision making have improved tenfold.

Brad finding his form.

Manager Maxi Barrera has helped to restore his confidence and must be delighted as the 23 year old has cemented his position over the last couple of months in the starting eleven.

The players and management went out early evening to celebrate their Christmas meal to strengthen in what is already a great camaraderie.

Josito in a party mood with Alex Yunes below completely getting wrong his use of a napkin.

Next week Lanzarote travel to Tenerife and face 11^th placed side CD Marino and will be looking to continue this fine run of form.

Unfortunately I will not be able to write any reports on this website until the 10^th January but if you go onto Facebook, Lanzarote football club I will still be able to confirm kick off times and match results with a shortened report.

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

GOALS