Lanzarote Football

The 400 or so fans that turned up in the scorching heat would have been better sticking to the beach rather than the 15 minute journey into Arrecife. True, the Rojillos were without some of their automatic first team choices notably in midfield, Ex Real Madrid player Jotha out for a one game suspension and Captain Rubén Rodríguez out with a leg injury. The ball simply flew over the midfield and then straight back. It wasn’t pretty.

The opening stages were even with the Gran Canarian side first threatening after seven minutes. A free kick on the edge of the area was struck by striker Alex who saw his effort scrape the left hand post of the Lanzarote keeper, Ruymán. The game then began to become a strain on the eyes with both sides seemingly being unable to string a set of passes together.

The best opportunity of the first half fell to the home side with an unexpected set of passes starting with Toñito with a short touch to Rosmen who then found Javr Betancort and with his neat back heel gave Javier Morales the chance for a clear strike at the target. Unfortunately the midfielder blasted into the side netting. The away side that are 14 places below the Rojillos in the league table began to grow in confidence. Nearing the end of the first half they had sensed Lanzarote were on an off day but as their position suggests they were unable to muster up any sort of opening.

If the fans believed the second half was going to be any better they were sorely mistaken. No real rhythm developed as the away side defended with ease and on the hour mark the visitors had a great chance to go in front. Following a quick break, striker La Orden cut inside his defender and from six yards struck his shot straight into the arms of a grateful Lanzarote keeper.

Five minutes later and Rosmen lost his marker and his powerful header again ended up in the arms of the keeper. The game began to improve and 15 minutes from time Lanzarote´s best player this season Toñito latched onto a pass down the right wing and from a narrow angle made the keeper work with a fine save with his feet.

The arrival in the latter stages of January signing Pedrito from Fuerteventura boosted the attacking force but it wasn’t till the 93rd minute of play that the female official blew to end the disappointing match. Ironically it was the official Hirahí Hernández who was the only person who could leave the field of play with their head held high.

The Rojillos still remain in second place but now trail leaders Las Palmas B by four points. Tenerife B was unable to gain ground on Lanzarote as they were also held at home to lowly Las Zocas. Next week the Rojillos travel to Gran Canaria and face 15th placed side Teror Balompié.

TEROR BALOMPIÉ 0 LANZAROTE 3

22nd January 2011

What A great weekend for the Rojillos. A tidy 0-3 away win and with leaders Las Palmas B losing their first match in eight games Lanzarote close the gap to just a single point.

Firstly I do apologise for the late reports but my computer has had to visit the computer hospital. Hopefully it is a minor illness and all should be restored shortly.

The home side dominated the match for the opening 25 minutes and would of taken the lead but for a superb save from the Lanzarote keeper Ruymán. Gradually Lanzarote began to dictate the play and in the closing stages of the first half the Gran Canarian goalkeeper Raúl produced two fines saves both from the Rojillos central midfielder Jotha.

Seven minutes after the restart a corner was floated in and Jotha´s strike at goal went wayward but first to react was the ever alert Rosmen who wasted no time blasting the ball home and giving his side a 0-1 lead.

The Rojillos defended well not allowing the locals to have any opportunity at a strike at goal and even with a double substitution 20 minutes from time did not alter the tempo of the match for the home side.

Not only did Lanzarote win with three second half goals but the fantastic news that last seasons club Captain and Lanzarote legend Oscar Vladimir will be returning to the island and will be sporting the red and blue colours of his hometown club U.D. Lanzarote.

Vladi had been playing with Madrid club Puertollano in the Segunda B (third tier) of Spanish football but with the club in financial disarray the players had not been paid. He has left the club after appearing in all but two of the clubs games this season and with the club in a mid table position.

The opening stages were even with only one deflected shot on target as both sides fought for possession. In the 19th minute Lanzarote´s first strike on goal was to prove successful. A quick thinking headed cross from defender Guayo was superbly taken down on his chest by the in form Rosmen. The striker powerfully volleyed the ball into the roof of the net leaving goalkeeper Alberto with no hope and in doing so man of the match Rosmen notched up his 12th strike of the campaign.

Suddenly the game opened up. On the half hour mark midfielder Rayco sent in a fierce drive from the edge of the box for the visitors but the Lanzarote keeper produced a fine save to maintain the Rojillos advantage. A couple of minutes later and Rosmen caught the centre back in possession and raced onto to goal with just the keeper to beat. The keeper narrowed his options and in hindsight he would have chipped the keeper but he chose to blast the ball low and Alberto saved well with his feet. The quality striker really should have done better.

A minute before the break and good work in midfield led to the Tenerife side with a clear opportunity but Jordan’s strike failed to hit its target.

The opening 10 minutes of the second half and the Rojillos should have killed the match. Vladimir with a clear sight at goal from 10 yards chose to feed Ayoze who simply planted the ball into the open net but the linesman’s flag ended the celebrations. Two minutes later and Ayoze struck a dipping volley from 20 yards with enough venom to put down King Kong but the ball thundered off the crossbar.

In the closing seven minutes of added on time the Tenerife side pressured Lanzarote´s back four but Lanzarote´s shot stopper Ruymán was not tested.

The Rojillos find themselves back on the summit of the league table. Only a couple of weeks ago Las Palmas B had opened up a four point gap at the top but now Lanzarote are clear by a point.

Next week Lanzarote travel to Tenerife to face 13th placed side C.D. Laguna.

GOALS
1-0 min 19 Rosmen

The visit to Club Deportiva Laguna was never going to be an easy trip. The Tenerife side had a terrible start to the season losing their opening two home matches but since then they have obtained maximum points in all of their home games.

The match began at a good pace with the home side having a good chance in the opening couple of minutes though Iván Arzola´s strike was wide of its target. In the 5th minute defender Guayo hit a fierce strike which beat the Tenerife keeper but the ball struck the bottom of the post and away to safety.

The Rojillos then began to get their passing game together and with the return of Vladi partnering ex Real Madrid player Jotha in the centre of the midfield moving the ball around at pace making their opponents chase the game whilst tiring the opposition in the process. This combination is going to prove critical to Lanzarote in their attempt to return to Segunda B (league 1) at their first attempt.

Toñito created problems for the defenders with his weaving runs down the right flank. On one of these runs he teed up a strike for Rosmen but unfortunately Lanzarote´s top marksman fired skywards. The Rojillos upped the tempo even more in the final minutes of the first half but could not find a passage through the stubborn Tenerife defence.

Laguna came out for the second half with a more positive approach and if it was not for the poor finishing of the front man Pablo the hosts would have taken the lead. With the game opening up this created holes in the Tenerife defence and in the 52nd minute the Rojillos scored that all important opening goal.

A free kick from the impressive defender Guayo was only parried away by the Laguna keeper and striker Echedey reacted instantly like all good strikers and slid the ball home giving the Rojillos a 0-1 advantage.

The home side had little alternative but to try and attack the enemy. The clearest chance fell to striker Nata but Lanzarote´s number one was equal to the danger and seemed determined to hold on for his fourth consecutive clean sheet.

In the final seven minutes of added on time the home side launched all they had into the Rojillo danger zone in a desperate attempt to draw level but Lanzarote held firm and flew home with the knowledge that they were still league leaders.

The next three games are massive. The Rojillos will be playing against clubs lingering around the foot of the table whilst Lanzarote´s main competitors Las Palmas have one home match before starting a sequence of three away games. The Rojillos will be looking to at least maintain their one point lead at the top and possibly increase their eight point lead from the fourth and last play off spot when fourth from bottom C.D. Mensajero visit Arrecife this Sunday.

GOALS
0-1 min 52 Echedey

All clubs at some point in the season have to deal with an injury crisis and for Lanzarote their time had come. Eight of the squad were injured and a further two out due to suspension. The four outfield players sitting on the bench were either carrying knocks or returning from long term injuries.

Drafted into the squad was Cadete player (under 16´s) Wilson. The shocked 15 year old debutant started the match on the right side of midfield.

Neither side dominated in the opening stages however the first good chance of the match fell for the Conejeros (locals). Ironically it was the youngster Wilson who was going to taste his first strike at goal in Spain’s fourth tier of football. The under 16´s star was put through with just the keeper to beat but with the knowledge that the defender was rapidly closing him down he rushed his attempt and the keeper saved with ease.

Meanwhile the La Palma side were making a mockery of their poor league position confidently passing the ball around and were a constant threat to the Rojillos back four.

In the 25th minute the visitors had an unbelievable chance to take the lead. Striker Yeray muscled his way past the last central defender but with the ball positioned perfectly for a clean strike, he somehow hooked his six yard shot wide of the left upright.

The reprieve didn’t last long. Less than a minute later the La Palma side got the goal they deserved. Midfielder Joel lashed the ball low and hard from 12 yards which whistled past the Lanzarote keeper Ruymán ending his run of five games without conceding.

Just after the half hour a terrific run from Toñito down the right flank was finished off with an inch perfect cross into the centre, striker Yaco arrived on cue but his powerful header flew a foot over the bar. The visitors could have extended their lead just before the break but the header from Borja Martín flew straight into the arms of the grateful Lanzarote keeper.

The visitors came out for the second half not looking to sit back and guard their slender lead; on the contrary the first opportunity fell to them in the 52nd minute. The hard to handle front man Yeray fed Borja Martin but the midfielders second clear cut chance of the game was fired wide from just in front of the penalty spot.

Lanzarote began to match the tempo of the away side with Jotha orchestrating the attacks from the centre of midfield. The visitors organized defence made life difficult for the Rojillos and to break through this stone wall was not going to be an easy task. In the final 10 minutes the home side was firing on all cylinders. Sub Rosmen still nursing an injury was brought on and so nearly the gamble paid dividends.

In the 42nd minute Toñito raced to the byline and pulled the ball back for Rosmen, Lanzarote´s top marksman blasted the ball goal bound but incredibly keeper Kevin saved with his toe sending the ball high and over. Two minutes later and a good header from Rosmen from 2 yards was smothered on the line by the impressive keeper.

The match could have gone on for another twenty four hours but it just seemed it was one of those days where the high flying Rojillos were not going to score.

Las Palmas B now open up a two point lead at the top. Tenerife B also won and move back into third position seven points behind Lanzarote.

The Rojillos will travel to Tenerife next week and face another in form bottom club Las Zocas. Whilst spending a large part of this season in the bottom four a nine game run with only one loss has pushed the Tenerife side up to 16th spot three points off the drop zone. Meanwhile Las Palmas B begin their three consecutive away matches including the tough derby game against arch enemies Tenerife B.

GOALS
0-1 min 26 Joel

The game began at a slow pace with the local side defending and with Lanzarote dominating possession in midfield. In the 19th minute Lanzarote opened the scoring. Javi Betancort robbed the home side of possession in the centre and fed striker Yaco who made no mistake beating goalkeeper Dani to send the visitors 0-1 up.

Less than a minute later and Toñito had a fantastic opportunity to double his sides lead but his shot fell straight into the arms of the Las Zocas keeper. Gradually the home side began to control their nerves but it was the Rojillos who controlled possession and looked the more threatening but were unable to extend on their lead in the remainder of the first half.

Las Zocas did pose more of a threat in the opening of the second period but were restricted into firing long balls into the Rojillos danger zone. Lanzarote dealt with the pressure with ease waiting to hit their opponents on the break.

In the 74th minute Lanzarote found the all important second goal. A defensive mistake allowed Javi Betancort to get through the last line of defence, he then squeezed the ball past the Tenerife goalkeeper to give his side a comfortable 0-2 lead.

Deep into stoppage time the Lanzarote goalkeeper Alejandro brought down striker Alejandro and the official pointed to the spot. You’ve guessed it! Alejandro picked himself up from the floor and blasted past Alejandro to reduce the deficit to 1-2. No time remained for the home side to draw level as the Ref blew full time straight after the restart.

Las Palmas B lost the day previous so Lanzarote knew that if they won in Tenerife that they would regain top spot. Lanzarote´s home form has been jittery as late but away the Rojillos have not tasted defeat since the 14th November. Lanzarote lead the table by a point from Las Palmas B but Tenerife side Atlético Granadilla look set to gatecrash the party by moving into third place after picking up 13 points out of a possible 15 and now trail the Rojillos by six points with a game in hand. Lanzarote still have to visit both Las Palmas B and Atlético Granadilla on the run in.

Next Sunday Lanzarote host second from bottom side C.D. Victoria. The Tenerife side will be boosted by a 2-0 win over the weekend and know three points against the league leaders could see them move out of the relegation places.

GOALS
0-1 min 19 Yaco
0-2 min 74 Javi Betancort
1-2 min 93 Alejandro (penalty)

The first half was a poor affair with Lanzarote edging possession and with the two best chances. In the 32nd minute Toñito cut inside his defender and unleashed a powerful low drive which was saved by the feet of veteran keeper Antonio.

Two minutes later and defender Angel Gil saw his strike from the edge of the box clip the woodwork with the keeper well beaten. The La Palma side replied in the 36th minute with a well worked move down the right which led to midfielder Závan to have a clear strike at goal. His effort from 10 yards was miss hit and comfortably saved by the Rojillos keeper Alejandro.

The beginning of the second period did not fair much better in terms of action. In the 12th minute Toñito went on one of his tantalizing runs beating several defenders and unleashed a strike which beat the keeper but unfortunately beat the far post by a couple of inches.

The second from bottom side spurred on by last weeks win did not seem in awe of the league leaders and proved this by taking the lead on the hour. A quick and clever one two on the edge of the box released striker Alamo Oliver and from a narrow angle he powered in a drive beating the Lanzarote keeper to the far side and give his team a surprise 0-1 advantage.

Five minutes later and Lanzarote were awarded a generous penalty by the official. A cross blasted into the defender from only two yards struck his arm and shockingly the Ref pointed to the spot. Jotha sent the keeper the wrong way and thought that he had leveled the score. Correctly the official ordered the spot kick to be retaken as a host of Lanzarote players entered in to the area before the ball was struck. Jotha then opted for the other corner and the keeper read his intentions and tipped the ball onto the post and away for a corner.

In the 77th minute the away side should have doubled their lead. The small, fast and impressive front man Alexander outpaced the Rojillo defence and found himself with just the keeper to beat. The keeper stood tall till the last and Alexander’s chip was well read and palmed away to safety from the Lanzarote shot stopper.

This was the last chance of the match for the La Palma side as Lanzarote dominated. The breakthrough came six minutes from time. A cross from the right by sub Ayoze was expertly controlled by Yaco with his left foot and on the turn from eight yards he fired in a volley into the far right hand corner with his right foot leaving the keeper motionless and leveling the score at one apiece.

Five minutes into stoppage time and Lanzarote were awarded a free kick in a seemingly non dangerous position. Defender Guayo swept in a low and meaningful cross which found its way through a host of players and the ball trickled past the unlucky Victoria keeper earning Lanzarote maximum points.

As soon as the restart began the Ref whistled for full time. The hosts celebrated as they might but the poor away side looked dejected as they definitely felt they were worthy of at least a point.

Whilst Las Palmas B was not playing this victory increased the Rojillos lead at the top to four points and is their fifth win in their last six outings.

Next week is set to be a tough encounter away against third placed side Atlético Granadilla. The Tenerife side has also been in wicked form of late unbeaten in their last six games, winning four of them.

GOALS
0-1min 61 Alamo Oliver
1-1min 84 Yaco
2-1 min 95 Guayo

A draw looked odds on in this tight affair with both sides being in excellent form of late. The Tenerife side began the match the better of the two sides and in the 12th minute striker Carlos was put through but Rojillos keeper Alejandro read the danger and smothered the ball.

Lanzarote gradually settled and in the 20th minute had their best chance of the afternoon when midfielder Rubén Rodríguez saw his effort come crashing off the Tenerife bar and away to safety.

The half ended with a chance for either side. In the 33rd minute a strike by Iván Reverón was comfortably saved by the Lanzarote keeper Alejandro, and then a few minutes later a free kick by Jotha flew inches past the right hand post for the visitors.

The Rojillos had their backs to the wall the entire second half and didn’t threaten Grandillas´s keeper at any moment. A sturdy defensive display and some moments of brilliance from the Lanzarote keeper kept the hosts at bay.

In the 50th minute a long range effort from midfielder Iván Martín whistled off the crossbar and ten minutes later the same player would have given his side the lead if it wasn’t for a superb save from the Lanzarote number one.

For the rest of the match the Rojillos seemed content to sit behind the ball and restricted the home side to long range efforts.

This draw halts the three match away winning streak, nevertheless the Rojillos should be extremely content with their point which keeps the gap to third place to eight points. Ten matches remain for Lanzarote and eleven for title rivals Las Palmas B. Lanzarote next game is a tasty affair against local rivals Marítima. The game has been brought forward and will be played Friday 11th March at 8.45pm. Las Palmas B will also have a tough task on their hands when they visit their bitter rivals and fourth placed side Tenerife B.

Once again this game will not be remembered as a classic but with just one defeat in the last 14 games Lanzarote are in the prime position with just nine matches remaining. No team in this league are guaranteed automatic promotion but the league Champions would only have a two leg one match play off with the winners of that being promoted to Segunda B (league 1).

Even if a team loses this match they would still have another opportunity by joining the three other teams in the play offs. Another incentive for finishing top is that you automatically qualify for next seasons Copa Del Rey (F.A.Cup) and if you wish to see Lanzarote´s love affair with the Cup just click onto History.

The opening 20 minutes were fought mainly in the centre of the pitch with both sides showing each other a little too much respect and with neither side forcing the play.

In the 26th minute Lanzarote´s first attack of any meaning was to prove fruitful. Toñito raced down the left wing and cut the ball back to an unmarked Rubén Rodríguez. The Captain back in form following his two month injury absence calmly planted the ball wide of the Marítima keeper Kevin into the bottom right hand corner giving his side a 1-0 advantage.

On the half hour the Rojillos should have doubled their lead. Danger man Toñito set up Rosman, his initial strike was well saved but the rebound fell back in the path of Lanzarote´s top marksman and his second effort was brilliantly beaten away to safety by the Marítima keeper.

The Rojillos had settled and were dominating proceedings whereas the Rojinegras (red and blacks) lacked ideas and were fortunate to go into the break with just a one goal deficit.

Five minutes after the break and the Rojillos had another opportunity to strengthen their grip on the match. A cross from the right was controlled by Ayoze but the normally ever reliable midfielder scuffed his shot wide.

The away side then entered into their best stage of the match though were restricted to long range efforts all of which failed to test the Lanzarote keeper Alejandro. In the 65th minute Rosman was put through but again the Marítima keeper kept his team in the match by saving with his feet.

With the game not yet won the away side pushed a defender up front leaving a skeleton defence. In the 92nd minute a fierce drive from sub Francis Torres found its way through a host of players but the Lanzarote keeper had his eye on the ball all the way and saved with ease.

Moments later and with the last action of the match Ayoze set up Rosman. The Marítima keeper once again excelled producing a brilliant save with his feet to deny the Lanzarote striker for the umpteenth time.

It proved to be a great weekend for the Rojillos as their closest rivals Las Palmas B lost 0-1 against their fiercest rivals Tenerife B. Lanzarote open up a five point gap though Las Palmas B do have a game in hand and are yet to host Lanzarote. For both teams the fight for the Championship lies in their own hands.

Lanzarote will cross the 10km stretch of water to Fuerteventura next week as they take on mid table side Playas Jandia.

GOALS
1-0 min 26 Rubén Rodríguez

First up was the Fuerteventura side Corralejo which ended in an entertaining goalless draw played in intense heat then it was a trip to Gran Canaria to face fellow league favourites Las Palmas B. The home side went in front early in the second half but striker Echedey levelled the scores in the 72nd minute earning the Rojillos a fine away point.

This season Lanzarote have qualified for the Copa Del Rey (F.A.Cup). In Spain the only teams who automatic qualify for the Copa Del Rey are Primera (Premiership) and Segunda A (Championship) clubs as well as the top five from each league of Segunda B (League 1) and the Champions of the Tercera Divisions (fourth tier), Lanzarote thus qualified as Champions of the Canarian Tercera Division. This is a competition where Lanzarote have had remarkable success over the years with wins and narrow losses against some of Spain’s finest teams.

The draw for the first two rounds took place early August and the Rojillos had lots of luck, all of which was bad. In the first round they were drawn away against the Champions of the Tercera Division in Madrid; Alcobendas Sport. Should the Rojillos win that then they would again be playing away in the second round against either Segunda B clubs Burgos C.F. or Eibar, certainly not an ideal draw.

As ever, in all the Cup matches i have seen Lanzarote involved with over the years no one gave them any hope. The first match was played on the 31st August. Alcobendas Sport were in buoyant mood having gone top of their division at the weekend with a thumping 5-0 win but Lanzarote humbled the Madrid outfit stealing victory (0-1) through winger Toñito in the 72nd minute.

Eibar beat C.F. Burgos, therefore next Wednesday Lanzarote once again travel to the top north of Spain as the underdogs. Only a few seasons ago Eibar just missed out on an automatic promotion to the Primera Liga and also was a whisker away of gaining promotion in the play offs. The game will be settled in Eibar and should Lanzarote pull off another great result then the Rojillos would be in the draw for the third round with the Barcelona´s and Real Madrid´s of this world.

The game couldn’t have begun any better for the Rojillos. Seconds before the first minute had passed Gustavo García teed up Ayoze Pérez from a short free kick and the midfielder let rip with a powerful dipping beauty from 25 yards to score Lanzarote´s first home goal of the campaign.

A minute later and the Rojillos should have been celebrating their second. Captain Jonathan Torres broke free of his marker at the back post but unfortunately his accuracy wasn’t as good as his awareness as his shot failed to hit the target.

Lanzarote were in control of the game with the visitor’s only effort in the half coming in the 18th minute from a free kick by Striker Borja which was neatly palmed away for a corner by keeper Santi Lampón.

Lanzarote´s second goal came in the 39th minute. Jonathan Torres laid the ball back to Gustavo García. The well travelled local boy saw the keeper just off his line and wonderfully chipped him from 20 yards to give his side a 2-0 advantage to go into the half time break.

The only concern for the new manager Fabián Rivero during the half time cuppa was that his side had not killed off the match with a third goal such was the dominance.

Only three minutes into the second half and the La Palma side were back in the game. Following a corner, the Rojillos failed to clear the ball and defender Iván Rodríguez pounced on the hesitance in defence to blast the ball home from close range to make the score 2-1.

The home side still made all the running but mid way through the second half left back Javi Morales picked up his second yellow card and the Rojillos were forced to end the match with 10 players. It was only in the dying minutes that Tijarafe threatened as Lanzarote deservedly held on to a victory which keeps them unbeaten in all league and cup matches this season.

Next Sunday Lanzarote travel to Tenerife to face the league leaders and the only side in the league with a 100% record this season Atlético Granadilla.

Before that, the Rojillos face another hugely important match in the Copa Del Rey second round. This Wednesday Lanzarote travel to the North of Spain to fight for the right to be in the draw when the Primera Liga clubs get involved. They will be massive underdogs against Segunda B (league 1) side S.D. Eibar but never write the Rojillos off in these cup matches as their history in the cup proves. Eibar have spent 17 of the last 20 seasons in Spain´s Segunda A (Championship) and were Champions of their Division last season but still failed in the Play off final to a return to the Division where they really belong. Ironically it was Lanzarote´s former and most famous manager Jose Luis Mendilibar who took Eibar to within inches of the Primera Liga a few seasons ago.

S.D. EIBAR 4 LANZAROTE 0

8th September 2011

U.D. Lanzarote´s dream of another cup upset is over. Two goals in two minutes late in the first half effectively ended the Rojillos chance of progress into the third round. Eibar now have the chance to be drawn against the Real Madrid´s and Barcelona´s of this world.

The game began well for the Rojillos and there was little to separate each side in the opening half hour. In the 38th minute Lanzarote had the opportunity to clear from a corner but instead gifted the Bilbao side a goal with Iñigo Ros blasting home from a couple of yards. Two minutes later and Rojillos defender Ángel Gil was skinned down the right flank with the winger sending in a peach of a cross in between the two Lanzarote centre backs and striker Altuna bravely dived in with a powerful header in which the Lanzarote keeper Rúyman will be disappointed that he could only palm the ball into the corner of the net. The Rojillos held on for the final few minutes of the half but those two quick goals demoralized the team.

Again the game was well balanced during most of the second half but with time running ou,t the Rojillos had to take risks. Good work from Sub Jonathan Torres led to a good half volley from Striker Rosmen but the keeper dived and pushed the ball away for a corner.

Eight minutes from time and it was curtains for the Rojillos. A cross swung in from the right found Altuna and he powerfully nodded home his second of the match and his team’s third. Deep into stoppage time and a lovely delicate chip over the Lanzarote keeper from Tornero rounded off a deserved win for Eibar.

Lanzarote travel again on Sunday to Tenerife to face league leaders Atlético Granadilla.

GOALS
1-0min 38 Iñigo Ros
2-0min 40 Altuna
3-0min 82 Altuna
4-0min 92 Tornero

The first action in a tight match fell to Lanzarote after five minutes. Vladi centred a ball to Rosmen and the tall striker’s effort was deflected away by a defender for a corner.

As the game progressed so did the dominance of the home side, however the Rojillos defence and midfield stood firm as the only moments of danger came from set pieces.

Lanzarote´s best moments came in the final third of the first half. In the 33rd minute defender Ángel Gil reached the by line and crossed for Rosmen whose header was well saved by ex Lanzarote keeper Marino. Seconds later the keeper who had spent 13 years with the Rojillos showed his reflexes were still intact as he saved superbly denying Rosmen once more. The Rojillos finished the half on the front foot but realised it was going to be difficult to break the deadlock.

The home side began the second half the better of the two sides but the Rojillo defence was equal to the task as the Lanzarote keeper Santi Lampón was rarely threatened. The league leaders then ended the game with a flurry during their best spell of the match but Lanzarote dug deep and earned a well deserved away point.

The home match this week against C.D. Vera has been moved forward and will now be played on Saturday 16th at 4pm in Arrecife.

The game had been moved forward to Saturday because of the islands most famous fiesta de los Dolores. Fifty thousand locals (third of the island) walked to a village to pay their respects to ´´Our Lady of sorrows´´ who as folklore says stopped the flow of lava destroying the fertile lands.
Anyway if the game had been played on the Sunday there would have been fifty thousand hangovers and as the game was put forward I am sure one or two of our boys would have joined in the festivities after this thrilling win.

Lanzarote began the game with total domination. In the seventh minute Rosmen missed a glorious chance to end his goal drought but failed to hit the target from close range.

In the 33rd minute the referee missed a hand ball incident which should have given Lanzarote a penalty but five minutes later the Tenerife side had a goal ruled out for offside. The game remained stalemate as the first half ended.

Rosmen the Rojillos top marksman last season is having a tough time finding form at the moment and in the opening minute of the second period was found guilty again of not hitting the target from a clear chance.

Just before the hour, winger Armiche centred in a cross from the left and sub Amray was first to react nodding home at the far post giving the visitors a 0-1 advantage against the run of play.

The game continued with Lanzarote with the majority of possession. Rojillos coach Fabían Rivero gambled by pushing up a defender leaving Lanzarote with three at the back. The gamble almost paid immediate dividends in the 62nd minute but the luckless Rosmen fired over with just the keeper to beat.

With ten minutes remaining and after a flurry of chances defender Ángel Gil fired in a volley finally levelling the score at one apiece.

The visitors must have expected a bombardment in the closing minutes and that is exactly what they got. Three minutes into stoppage time and Toñito fired in a shot from the edge of the area, his effort was finger tipped onto the post and Ayoze Pérez blasted home starting his and his team mates ´´Dolores´´ celebrations with a 2-1 winner.

The Rojillos will be travelling to La Palma next week to play mid table side C.D. Mensajero. To the many tourists and expats who all rung me up on Sunday morning from Arrecife stadium expecting the game to be played on the Sunday please always check the top right home page confirming the day and time of the match or better still click onto Lanzarote football club on Facebook to avoid disappointment.

GOALS
0-1min 58 Amray
1-1min 80 Ángel Gil
2-1 min 93 Ayoze

The home side began the game much better than their visitors, dominating possession and looking the side most likely to score. In the 14th minute Tenerife midfielder Rayco lashed in a shot from the edge of the area beating the Rojillos keeper Santi Lampón and sent the home side into a well deserved 1-0 lead.

The Rojillos reply to this set back was weak with the only danger moments coming from limited set pieces. Three minutes before the break and the home side doubled their lead. A free kick by Rayco was met by the head of Kevin Herrera and he nodded home sending the Rojillos into the half time break trailing by two goals to nil.

During the interval Vladi was replaced by the in form Ayoze Pérez and a few minutes into the second period Alex Rojas made his first team debut replacing the injured Gustavo García.

The quality of football improved and Lanzarote dominated possession but were met by a well organised and stubborn defence as the Rojillos were unable to reduce the deficit.

Lanzarote´s big problem this season is scoring goals. Frontmen Jonathan Torres and Rosmen have yet to open their accounts and Lanzarote have only found the net five times. The Rojillos sit mid table two points off the play offs and seven points from top spot.

Next week Lanzarote will fly to Gran Canaria to take on bottom club Villa Santa Brígida who have also scored five goals but have conceded double to that of Lanzarote.

GOALS
1-0 min 14 Rayco
2-0 min 42 Kevin Herrera

The majority of the first half was played in midfield with neither side wanting to commit players forward which resulted in both teams sitting back and defending. All this changed in the final minute of the half, striker Héctor Figuero received a pass that looked as though it had been backwards leaving him alone with just the Rojillos keeper Santi Lampón to beat. The official raised his flag for A dubious offside. The home side had reason to protest which resulted in their manager receiving a red card and sent to the stands. The game remained goalless at the break after a lacklustre 45 minutes.

Three minutes into the second half and the Gran Canarian side were in front. Strike partners Humberto and Héctor Figuero combined well with the latter firing in a fierce drive beating the Rojillos keeper to give his side a 1-0 lead.

In the 55th minute Héctor Figuero came close to doubling his sides lead but he saw his headed effort rebound off the post. A few minutes later and Lanzarote had a great chance to draw level. A good cross by Toñito from the by line found the head of Rosmen, the striker must of thought he was off the mark for the season but the goalkeeper produced an outstanding save preserving his sides narrow lead.

The local side then completely took any rhythm out of the game by committing fouls and wasting time. In the 87th minute Toñito was involved in a scuffle with defender Carlos Rosa which resulted in both players being dismissed. To round off a bad day, striker Echedey received his marching orders from the Referee in the 93rd minute as the Rojillos dismal day got worse.

Lanzarote have slipped to 16th position, a distant 10 points off top spot but still only three points from the play off places. Next Sunday Lanzarote are at home against U.D. San Andrés y Sauces. The Tenerife side are in good form picking up seven points out of the last nine available. The Rojillos need a good result to avoid the alarm bells ringing.

The problem is quite simple and that is the Rojillos failure to score. Out of the seven matches played the Rojillos have failed to score on four of those games and only the two bottom sides have scored less. This Sunday won’t be any easier with strikers Toñito and Echedey out through suspension.

GOALS
1-0 min 48 Héctor Figuero

The game was delayed 15 minutes due to the late arrival of the flight for the Tenerife side as both teams set foot on the astro turf amid blistering heat.

The match began with Lanzarote dominating possession but this just showed the real problem of the lack of firepower. Without the suspended front men of Toñito and Echedey and the resignation of fellow strike partner Jonathan Torres the Rojillos lacked ideas and the all important clinical finish in the final third of the pitch.

The Conejeros (locals) squandered numerous opportunities in the opening 30 minutes and San Andrés then realised the threat was minimal and began to impose themselves as they enjoyed their fair share of possession.

In the latter stages of the half Lanzarote regained the ball and midfielders Alex Yunes and Ayoze Peréz both came close to opening the scoring. The breakthrough finally came two minutes before half time. Right back Ángel Gil curled in a delightful cross from the wing and Lanzarote B team player Alex Rojas glanced the ball neatly home with a majestic header for his first goal for the senior side and more importantly taking his club into the half time break with a 1-0 lead.

The second half began as a carbon copy of the first with the Rojillos dominating and fluffing their chances. Ayoze struck a post with a header and Rosmen fired wide.

As the game headed into the latter stages the visitors began to push forward but the Rojillo defence looked comfortable and Santi Lampón in goal was rarely threatened. In the final minute of added on time the Rojillos had a glorious chance to double their lead. Rosmen and Ayoze both broke following a corner for San Andrés and found themselves with just the keeper to beat. Rosmen still lacking in confidence had far too much time to think and offloaded the ball to Ayoze who had drifted offside and needless to say it all ended pear shaped.

Still, three welcome points sends the Rojillos back into 10th place. This week the Rojillos travel midweek to Tenerife to take on 7th placed C.D. Marino.

GOALS
1-0 min 43 Alex Rojas

Funnily enough the Rojillos began the match the much better of the two sides by controlling possession and looking the most likely to score.
All this changed in the 11th minute when the Tenerife side broke into Lanzarote´s danger zone for the first time. Keeper Santi Lampón brought down striker Bauldino and from the resulting spot kick Alberto Noah made it 1-0 to the home side.

The Rojillos began to look nervous as things began to fall apart with the locals running their visitors ragged. In the 19th minute ex Rojillo Guayo centred in a cross which the Lanzarote defence failed to clear and Bauldino punished the back four without mercy giving his side a healthy 2-0 advantage.
Lanzarote then shut up shop as they tried to avoid further damage, the defence managed to hold firm for the remainder of the half giving themselves half a chance to reorganise during the interval.
The Rojillos offered a much better performance during the second period but the Tenerife side were content on seeing the game out with the blistering heat slowing down the pace of the game. The Rojillos best chance came in added on time when Ayoze, Lanzarote´s only player who is playing to his potential this season saw his free kick saved by the Marino keeper.
Lanzarote are playing at home this Sunday against one of last season’s promoted sides who will be confident following their fine home 2-0 victory last Wednesday.
GOALS
1-0min 11 Alberto Noah (penalty)
2-0min 19 Bauldino

It is true to say that Lanzarote have yet to fire on all cylinders this season but with 13 points taken at home out of a possible 15 it is just a matter of time until points are taken on their travels and the Rojillos threaten the play off positions.
The Gran Canarian side seemed content in the opening stages to sit back and contain the pressure as the Rojillos looked to improve on their poor goal scoring record with just six goals from the nine games played. Whilst the Rojillos dominated, once again poor finishing let them down. Alex Rojas missing the target and Alex Yunes was just inches away from converting a cross from Jotha were the highlights of otherwise a poor first half.
The Rojillos were much more positive in the second period as they forced their opponents to defend. In the 58th minute a superb run down the left wing by Toñito followed by a wonderful low powerful cross was met by the hardworking Alex Yunes, the Venezuelan timed his run to perfection and rifled the ball home scoring his first of the season and giving his side a 1-0 lead.

The game then opened up as the visitors were forced to go forward but the Rojillos were also looking threatening on the break. In the 75th minute the away side had a great chance to level matters. Sub Jacinto struck the ball from eight yards and it looked as though the ball would creep into the far left hand post until that is, keeper Rúyman stuck his foot out at the last moment and saved the day for the Rojillos.
In the final minute Alex Yunes outpaced the right back and unleashed an unstoppable half volley into the left hand corner scoring his and his team’s second goal of the game and guaranteeing three vital points. This leaves Lanzarote exactly in mid table just three points from the play off places and seven points from top spot.
Next Sunday Lanzarote have a real test on their hands as they travel to Gran Canaria to face fourth placed side U.D. Telde. The Gran Canarian side have not drawn a match this season having won six and lost four. Two of those wins have come in the last two matches.
GOALS
1-0 min 58 Alex Yunes
2-0 min 89 Alex Yunes

The Rojillos began the match the much better of the two sides pressing their opponents back into their final third. As early as the 22nd minute Lanzarote were reduced to ten men following the second yellow card for the Rojillos star player Ayoze Peréz.

The sending off didn’t seem to change the rhythm of the game, in fact it seemed to spur the Rojillos on. Just before the half hour, Toñito curled in a corner kick and central defender Carlos Rosa connected with an unstoppable header giving the Rojillos a deserved 0-1 lead.

The Rojillos were looking good and minutes later they should have scored a second when Toñito´s shot straight into the goalkeepers arms when he should have done better. The home side looked nervous of the 10 man Lanzarote team but even with all the possession the Rojillos were unable to extend the lead.

All the good work from Lanzarote was undone in just one minute. In the 42nd minute and on a rare attack striker Pedro turned inside the box and beat keeper Ruymán with a fierce drive to level the scores at one apiece. Only moments after the restart Lanzarote lost possession in the centre of the park, the pass to feed Pedro was perfect and he stuck the ball away turning the game on its head by incredibly giving his side a 2-1 lead to take into the half time break.

Despite the demoralising two goals at the end of the first half the Rojillos still looked upbeat and should have had a penalty early in the second half when defender Chino handled the ball inside the penalty area but the offence was missed by the official who waved play on. This clearly was not going to be Lanzarote´s day.

The home side then began to look more comfortable on the ball as Lanzarote began to pay the price for their one man disadvantage. The legs began to tire as their opponents made the Rojillos chase shadows.

Nevertheless only a single goal was the difference and midfielder Vladi came close to levelling the scores but his shot was deflected wide by a Telde defender.

In the 84th minute it was curtains for the Rojillos as Sub Borja made it 3-1 and four minutes later midfielder Echedey rubbed salt in the wounds as he netted his teams fourth pushing his side up to third spot in the league table whilst Lanzarote slip one place to 11th.

Next Sunday Lanzarote are at home to Real Sporting San José and the kick off time will be confirmed later in the week.

GOALS
0-1 min 29 Carlos Rosa
1-1 min 42 Pedro
2-1 min 43 Pedro
3-1 min 84 Borja
4-1 min 88 Echedey

The Conejeros (locals) began the game positively creating the best chances with the highlight being a shot from Javi Morales which hit the post.

The breakthrough came in the 8th minute. After 12 matches the Rojillos top scorer last season Rosmen finally opened up his account for this term. After receiving the ball on the left he beat his defender and with the keeper committed he neatly chipped the ball over his body into the left hand corner giving the Rojillos a 1-0 lead.

Lanzarote looked as though they could win this match comfortably but football has this knack of turning the tables upside down in an instant. In the 23rd minute a free kick from Vladi was met powerfully by Rosmen but somehow the keeper reacted brilliantly saving from three yards.

Two minutes later and Javi Morales reacted angrily to a challenge from a Real Sporting defender, the Ref deemed his reaction to be aggressive and with the help of his opponent rolling around the floor as though he had been punched down by a heavyweight Javi Morales was off and Lanzarote had to play the majority of the match with only 10 men as they did last week.

The visitors who have not won away this season or even scored a goal still played cautiously knowing they had plenty of time to get something out of the game. The Rojillos still looked the more dangerous of the two sides as they went into the half time break with their one goal lead.

The Rojillos were still showing their superiority in the opening stages of the second period. In the 54th minute Rosmen fed fellow striker Alex Yunes on the right, the Venezuelan unleashed a powerful strike which was well saved by the Sporting keeper Isaac.

Ten minutes on and Echedey released Rosmen, the tall centre forward fired in a wonder drive only to see his effort fly off the bar.

In the 72nd minute catastrophe caught hold once again. On a rare attack a shot for the Gran Canarian side hit the hand of Rojillos centre back Adrián Martín and not only did the Ref award a spot kick but he also showed a red card to the defender.

Striker Domingo made no mistake from the penalty by sending the Lanzarote keeper Santi Lampón the wrong way to level the scores at 1-1. Six minutes later and with the Rojillos defence stretched to the maximum with just their nine players left on the field, struggled with a cross from the right. The ball travelled to the far post and was met by the lonely figure of striker Ayoze who gratefully tucked the ball home giving his side an unlikely 1-2 advantage.
It would be a cruel person to deny the Rojillos players lacked passion. The nine men forced their opponents to defend and had two good opportunities to level the match. The tireless Jotha struck from the edge of the box only to see his effort inch past the upright and Yunes saw his strike saved.

The players from Sporting picked up a string of yellow cards for time wasting and fouls but still held firm and claimed their first away win of the season whilst the Rojillos suffered their first home loss.
On Tuesday Lanzarote travel to Tenerife to face bottom club CD Charco del Pino and Sunday the Rojillos are playing at home against ninth placed side Las Zocas.
GOALS
1-0min 8 Rosmen
1-1min 73 Domingo (penalty)
1-2min 79 Ayoze

Lanzarote dominated the majority of the match but the Tenerife side almost took the lead in the 10th minute. A corner was met by defender Airám whose header was goal bound until Rojillos midfielder Sixto cleared the danger on the goal line.

Lanzarote then began to pile on the pressure; striker Rosmen forced a good save from the keeper then in the 35th minute the Rojillos found a way through. Echedey passed a short corner kick to Ángel Gil, the defender curled in a cross into the six yard area which was met by centre back Carlos Rosa who stroked the ball home via a deflection off a defender giving his side a 0-1 advantage.

In their last two matches the Rojillos have taken the lead only to lose on both occasions so the Lanzarote manager Fabián Rivero, was still unable to breathe a sigh of relief. Lanzarote pressed for the remainder of the first half but could not find the second goal cushion. The teams headed into the interval with Lanzarote just a single goal to the good.

Ten minutes into the second half and Rosmen struck a post with an effort. The Lanzarote striker broke his goal scoring drought a few days earlier but the jinx seems to continue as last season’s leading goal scorer hit the woodwork for the umpteenth time in this campaign.

Nevertheless, the Rojillos dominated as the visitors posed little threat but the game was only put to bed in the second minute of stoppage time. The Rojillos broke from a Charco del Pino attack and striker Alex Yunes tucked the ball away to guarantee all three points making the final score 0-2.

A welcome victory for the Rojillos but again the problem of not finishing off their chances was evident. Centre forward Alex Yunes is now the clubs top scorer this season with just three goals following his injury time strike. The two top clubs in the league have both scored more than double what the Rojillos have managed though defensively only two other teams have a better record than the Lanzarote.

This Sunday Lanzarote are at home with a 12 noon kick off against Las Zocas. The Tenerife side are in 8th place, three points above the Rojillos.

GOALS
0-1min 35 Carlos Rosa
0-2min 92 Alex Yunes

Prior to the match the Lanzarote squad had been pushed to its bare minimum. With only 18 registered first team players and with three out due to suspension as well as Toñito being disciplined by the club for doing a Tevez the week before and another two players injured, the Rojillos were forced to draft in regional and junior players. The makeshift team produced a solid display and deservedly claimed all three points.

The Rojillos began the match positively controlling possession and looking to break down the five man Tenerife defence. Rosmen forced Las Zocas goalkeeper into a good save in the 11th minute but even with the lion’s share of possession the Conejeros failed as they have done all season to turn their domination into goals.
The visitors slowly began to enter into the game and in the 37th minute striker Kike tried his luck from 25 yards with a wonder strike, the ball seemed destined for the top left hand corner as soon as it left his boot but the 39 year old Lanzarote keeper Santi Lampón produced an amazing finger tip save at full stretch which pushed the ball onto the bar and away for a corner. The first half ended as stalemate with the Rojillos just edging the match.

Las Zocas began the second half the much better of the two sides and had two clear opportunities to take the lead within the opening five minutes. Midfielder Manu had a clear strike at goal in the second minute but saw his effort fly straight into the body of the Lanzarote keeper. Two minutes later and the same player delivered a fine cross from the right to the far post and Cristo Marrero´s header flew off the top of the crossbar and away for a goal kick.

After these opening second half minute scares the Rojillos restored their control of the match and with the introduction of the talented Ayoze Pérez were looking the most likely to open the scoring. In the 64th minute Lanzarote striker Echedey was clearly brought down and the Ref did not hesitate in ordering for a spot kick. Ayoze who had only been on the park two minutes stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way by firing low into the bottom left hand corner giving his side a 1-0 lead.

The balance of play did not alter after the goal as the Rojillos remained in charge. It was only in the final minutes when Las Zocas went in search of a leveller but were met by a stubborn and well organised Rojillo defence that kept their visitors at bay.

Next week Lanzarote travel to Tenerife to take on fifth from bottom side Club Atlético Victoria.

GOALS
1-0 min 65 Ayoze Pérez (penalty)

Some 0-0 draws don’t tell the full story with near misses, goal line clearances thrilling the paying public. This was not one of those games. The Rojillos will see this match as two points lost but in reality Lanzarote didn’t deserve any better after participating in a dour 90 minutes of football.

The balance of play in the opening 45 minutes was evenly balanced. The Rojillos were first to threaten from Venezuelan Alex Yunes whose strike was brilliantly tipped onto the post by the Tenerife keeper. The only other notable part of the first half was a counter attack by the home side in the 15th minute. Lanzarote´s defence was stretched which resulted in defender Tello forcing a good save from the Rojillos veteran keeper Santi Lampón.

If the supporters thought they had already seen the worst half of the match they were sorely mistaken as both teams managed to put on a worse performance in the second half. Ten minutes from time the locals dominated possession but didn’t create one clear chance. Finally the Ref blew for full time to the relief of what was left of the tired crowd.

Lanzarote host league leaders S.D. Tenisca next Sunday. The La Palma side are flying high with their in form striker Dani López amassing the same amount of goals as the entire Lanzarote squad and are sitting a full 10 points ahead of Lanzarote in the league table.

The Rojillos did not ease up on their visitors with Ayoze creating huge problems for the Tenisca left back. Almost every match tourists constantly come up to me asking who is number 21. The Lanzarote attacking midfielder Ayoze Pérez is most definitely playing his football in a league inferior to his capabilities.

Just after the half hour and Rosmen shot from the edge of the area only for his effort to inch past the post.

At the end of what was a hugely entertaining first half, defender Adrián Martín had two efforts saved by goalkeeper Oliver Vega both from corners.

The opening stages of the second half were evenly balanced but it wasn’t long until the Rojillos picked up the pace and had their opponents defending. The La Palma side were forced to retreat following wave after wave of Rojillo attack but defend they did and saw off everything Lanzarote were throwing at them.

In the 60th and 69th minute saw the introduction of Toñito and Gustavo García respectively. This upped the tempo and forced the visitors to defend desperately in their final third. The Rojillos were getting closer and closer as their opponents began to tire.

Ten minutes before time and a quick counter attack forced Lanzarote keeper Santi Lampón to make a fine save from a low drive at the near post from midfielder Jeffrey.

With two minutes remaining winger Toñito did what he does best by racing towards the by line and chipping in a teasing cross which could only be palmed away by the keeper. The ball fell to Javi Betancort at shoulder height and he somehow managed to wrap his foot around the ball and blast it into the net at the same height he had received it and sent the supportive crowd into a frenzy of delight.

The visitors then threw caution to the wind as they desperately went in search of an equaliser. Two minutes into stoppage time and defender Jordan let rip with a beauty from 30 yards. 39 year old Santi Lampón threw himself to the ball and tipped it wide for a corner showing why he has the best goalkeeping record in the league.

The Rojillos held on and deservedly claimed all three points which moves them up to eighth spot and four points off the play offs. Lanzarote have now taken 10 points out of their last four games but will face a tough test next Sunday when they visit Tenerife B who are just one play below the Rojillos in the league table.

The Rojillos began the match in positive fashion dominating possession and creating the clearer chances. In the eighth minute a cross from the right by the Rojillos outstanding number 21 Ayoze Pérez was met by striker Rosmen, the tall centre forward once again saw his header hit the woodwork for the umpteenth this season.

Ayoze and defender Ángel Gil combined superbly down the right flank but their crosses were defended by a well organised back four. The visitors were fast on the break and with the league’s best strike force of Dani López, Memo and Adrían Gutiérrez who have bagged all but two of their teams 30 goals this season meant Lanzarote had to be on their guard.

One of the few opportunities for the La Palma side came from a free kick in the 27th minute. Defender Cabrera cleanly struck a free kick from 30 yards which whistled through the air aided by the breeze and goalkeeper Santi Lampón did well to dive and palm the ball away for a corner.

The game began at a fast pace with chances for both sides, the best of which fell to the Lanzarote Captain Rosmen but his effort went narrowly wide.

The home side took the lead in the 23rd minute from midfielder Saúl but only seven minutes later and Lanzarote were level. Rosmen won the ball well in the air and fed fellow strike partner Alex Yunes and the 22 year old fired home.

Tenerife finished the half on the front foot with two good opportunities from Joshua and Saúl but the Rojillos held on and went into the break with the score 1-1.

Lanzarote were much more positive in the opening stages of the second half and pinned their opponents back into their final third but their inability to find the net was evident to see.

As the game entered into the final minutes both teams had good chances to win the match but the contest ended fairly in a draw. Next Sunday the Rojillos will be looking to extend on their five match unbeaten run when they host second from bottom side C.D. Laguna.

The Rojillos began the match with a better tempo than their Tenerife opposition. Only two minutes had past when defender Ángel Gil crossed from the left to find Rosmen. The Lanzarote captain who has been struggling to find his goal scoring form of last season rushed his shot and fired into the side netting.

Lanzarote piled on the pressure with a succession of corners and free kicks but the all important goal was not to come from a dead ball situation. After some neat passing Alex Yunes crossed the ball from the left to the far post, winger Toñito timed his run to perfection and headed home from six yards giving the keeper no chance and made the score 1-0 to his side.

The temperamental winger looked in sparkling form after returning to the starting eleven following his absence through internal misconduct. Unfortunately a few minutes later Toñito tweaked his groin with a defensive clearance and had no alternative but to be subbed.

The visitors realised that they could be in with a tough afternoon after conceding an early goal so sat back and defended as Lanzarote were looking to extend their lead. Rosmen and Alex Yunes came close but the lack of strikers in the squad was evident as the Rojillos ended the half with a minimal advantage.

Lanzarote began the second half in similar fashion as they did in the first period by dominating possession desperate to find the goal that would give them some breathing space. In the 56th minute a run to the by-line and a chip to the far post by Rosmen found the head of Alex Yunes but his header narrowly flew over the bar.

Laguna defended well but offered very little in attack. Still with the game at only 1-0 nothing was guaranteed for the Rojillos. In the final few minutes the visitors began pressing as the Rojillos were sensibly holding on with what they had got. The visitors even sent their goalkeeper up for a corner which led to a bit of panic in the Rojillo defence but in truth Lanzarote´s goalkeeper Santi Lampón was rarely threatened over the 90 minutes as his team successfully claimed all three points and move within a win of the play offs.

The Rojillos final two games of the year are both away, first up is this Tuesday against Gran Canarian side and runaway leaders of the division C.F. Estrella followed by a derby match against C.D. Corralejo of Fuerteventura on the 18th Dec.

Goals
1-0 min 8 Toñito

The league leaders began the day on the back of five consecutive wins and six points clear at the top of the Tercera Division (fourth tier). The Rojillos were also in good form unbeaten in their last six outings.

Lanzarote got off to a terrific start. The ever impressive Ángel Gil crossed the ball in from the left and the ball struck defender Omar on the hand, the ref did not hesitate pointing to the spot and Rosmen finished the job giving Lanzarote a 0-1 advantage.

In the matter of four minutes Lanzarote went from joy to despair. Defender Adrián Martín was adjudged to have pulled the shirt of striker Rául and the ref again did not hesitate awarding a penalty.

To make matters worse Adrián was given a red card and the Rojillos were forced to play over 80 minutes with just 10 men. To add to the controversy keeper Santi Lampón saved the spot kick but the linesman flagged as players had entered the box so the ref ordered that the penalty had to be retaken. Striker Eneko made no mistake on his second attempt as the score was levelled at one apiece.

Even with a player less the Rojillos were looking good and creating the better opportunities. In the 22nd minute Vladi´s free kick found Rosmen who neatly fed Ángel Gil but unfortunately the defenders strike hit the post and was cleared.

The game was being played at a fast and furious pace as both sides were trying to dominate possession but the score remained at 1-1 at the break.

The second period wasn’t as dramatic as the first with the home side lacking ambition against a 10 man Lanzarote side. Ten minutes from time and a mistake by Rojillos defender Sixto let in striker Borja. Goalkeeper Santi Lampón may be knocking on with his 39 years but was brilliant with his reflexes saving from Estrella front man.

A couple of minutes later the on field playing staff was levelled as Borja also received his marching orders for a dangerous tackle on defender David Dorta.

Both sides fought for the three points in the closing minutes with Echedey and Ángel Gil coming closest but the game ended fairly in stalemate.

The next and last game before the Spanish Christmas break is on the 18th December against C.D. Corralejo of Fuerteventura.

GOALS
0-1 min 4 Rosmen (penalty)
1-1 min 10 Eneko (penalty)

The Majoreros (Fuerteventurians) began the game the better of the two sides but rarely troubled the League´s best goalkeeper Santi Lampón. Midfielder Isaac had the best chance of the half in the 9th minute but failed to hit the target for the hosts. Lanzarote best opportunity was a free kick from Gustavo García but the ex Las Palmas player saw his strike fall into the arms of the Corralejo keeper.
Before the half was up Rojillos manager Fabían Rivero was forced into making a double substitution. Echedey and Aythami limped off and were replaced by the experienced Jotha and defender Jesús but the game remained goalless going into the break.

If the fans thought the first half lacked entertainment then they were not going to be impressed with an even poorer second period. The majority of the match was played in midfield and it wasn’t until the final few minutes that either side threatened.

In the 87th minute Toñito fed Alex Yunes, his strike was well saved by the Fuerteventura keeper then his follow up shot was deflected away by a defender. In the final minute a header for striker Dino went narrowly wide for the home side but this was a day when neither side deserved to score.

The Rojillos remain in ninth spot but have drifted to three points off the play off places as we head into the National Spanish football break. The chase for a playoff position resumes with a tasty home match on the 8th January against fifth placed side Las Palmas B.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all.
Ian, Anna, Jessica and Oscar.

The Rojillos got off to a flying start dominating the opening stages. Javi Betancort came close in the eighth minute only to see his strike deflected away to safety.

In the 12th minute the Rojillos took the lead from a corner with a header from David Dorta. His team mates were quick to congratulate the Tenerife defender after speculation that he was about to follow goalkeeper Santi Lampón and leave the club in the January transfer window.

The Gran Canarian side restored the balance of possession but it was the Conejeros (locals) who looked the more dangerous of the two sides. On the half hour and in the space of two minutes winger Toñito created two good opportunities for team mates Gustavo García and Ayoze but both were unable to complete the good work created from Toñito.
In the 38th minute the course of the game began to favour the yellow and blues of Las Palmas when Sixto was harshly awarded his second yellow card of the day and the Rojillos were forced to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Two minutes before half time and Lanzarote had a marvellous opportunity to double their lead. A deadly cross from the by-line across the six yard box by Ayoze found defender Ángel Gil on the far post but somehow from three yards the defender missed the target and only managed to fire his shot into the side netting with the goalkeeper caught in no man’s land.

It was hard to notice that the Rojillos were a man short as they pressed forward in search of the second goal cushion though the score remained 1-0 at the break in favour of the Conejeros.

The visitors were fired up at the beginning of the second half but the league´s best defence stood firm and in the 58th minute Lanzarote caught their opponents on the break which allowed Ayoze a free strike at goal from inside the box but his effort sailed high and over towards the scorching sun.

In the 65th minute Lanzarote deservedly went 2-0 up from a 25 yard strike by Jotha which eased the tension among the fans. This tension returned only three minutes later when striker Omar struck an absolute beauty from a free kick just outside the box reducing the deficit to 2-1.

This goal gave the visitors a major boost and Lanzarote were forced to defend in numbers. In the 89th minute Lanzarote keeper failed to deal with a corner and the ball hit defender Adrián on the thigh and trickled over the goal line to give Las Palmas B a share of the spoils.

The Rojillos weren’t finished yet as they desperately went in search of the full three points. As Lanzarote launched the ball deep into their opponent’s territory late in stoppage time Rosmen connected firmly with a header only to see the ball bounce off the bar for the umpteenth time this season for the tall striker.

The game may have ended as a draw but even the Las Palmas coach stated in the post match press conference that his side were fortunate to travel back to Gran Canaria with a point.

Lanzarote should be boosted by this performance which possibly was the best game they have played this season. Next week the Rojillos travel to La Palma to play 16th placed side U.D. Tijarafe.

GOALS
1-0min 12 David Dorta
2-0min 65 Jotha
2-1min 68 Omar
2-2min 89 Adrián (own goal)

The La Palma side had the better of the opening exchanges and deservedly went in front midway through the first half from a strike by centre forward Borja.

This set back seemed to be what was needed to get the Rojillos into gear. In the 28th minute defender David Dorta powerfully headed towards goal only to see the ball glance back off the crossbar and away to safety. Four minutes later and Ayoze had a great chance to level matters but the goalkeeper produced a brilliant reflex save to maintain his side’s 1-0 advantage.

In the 36th minute Lanzarote were awarded a penalty for a foul committed by defender Mutasi. Ayoze fired in the resulting spot kick only to see goalkeeper Heimann guess correctly and produce another inspired save which gave his side the one goal advantage to take into the break.

Lanzarote dominated possession in the opening stages of the second period but created few chances. In the 53rd minute Toñito had a clear strike at goal but his effort flew disappointingly wide.

In the 71st minute Lanzarote were rewarded for their dominance. A strike at goal from the edge of the box was only semi cleared by the La Palma defence and Rosmen picked up the pieces by firing the ball home to level matters.

The home side then stepped up their defence which evened up the balance of play but then darkness fell in Tijarafe as the players tried to find their way to the dressing room.

With this none event Lanzarote has slipped to 10th and are 6 points from the play offs with eight minutes in hand. Next Sunday Lanzarote are at home against sixth placed side Atlético Granadilla. Kick off time will be confirmed in the latter part of the week.

GOALS
1-0min 22 Borja
1-1min 71 Rosmen

The Rojillos fell behind seconds into the second half but a wonder header from Vladi and a penalty from Jotha moved Lanzarote to within three points off a playoff spot.

The Conejeros (locals) began the game the most dominant. Shots from Jotha and Ayoze were well saved by ex Lanzarote keeper Marino and in the 14th minute Ayoze´s powerful drive came thundering off the crossbar.

As the half passed by Lanzarote´s opportunities became fewer as the Tenerife side demonstrated why they were serious contenders for a playoff spot. With four wins in the last five matches Atlético Granadilla were in sixth place and just two points from the playoffs.
The first half ended goalless as the visitors began to hold some possession and managed to weather the initial Rojillo storm.

Twenty four seconds into the second half and the Tenerife side went 0-1 up. Striker Javi received the ball on the edge of the box and with the Lanzarote back four still digesting their half time cuppa the Tenerife striker turned and hit the ball with such force that if the net had been removed the ball would still be rising.

The Rojillos responded well and immediately went in search of a leveller. Four minutes later and ex Las Palmas star Gustavo García curled in a free kick from the left. The ball arrived around the penalty spot and Vladi directed his header superbly into the bottom right hand corner beating his former team mate Marino to level the score at 1-1.

The game was now electric as Lanzarote pushed on however Granadilla looked dangerous on the break with Carlitos firing in a good drive which was well saved by Rojillos keeper Ruymán.

The 73rd minute proved to be the time the match was controversially won. Toñito, causing havoc switching flanks most of the afternoon went on a chase for the ball down the left wing. The goalkeeper flew off his line and failed to make contact with the ball and the Ref adjudged that the Granadilla keeper caught Toñito as the Lanzarote winger lay sprawled out on the floor.

Marino´s protests were in vain as the Ref awarded a spot kick and brandished a second yellow card to the Granadilla keeper. What wasn’t in doubt was the resulting penalty as Jotha fired home sending his side 2-1 up.

The ten man Tenerife side fought back, just five minutes after Lanzarote had gone in front centre back Airam came close to restoring parity when his header bounced off the bar.

The Rojillos had plenty of chances to bury the match but failed to do so and when the official held up five minutes of added on time you could feel the nervousness of the home fans.

Fortunately Lanzarote defended well and hung on to secure a massive victory. The Rojillos join three other clubs in sixth spot in the table and three points from the playoffs. Next week Lanzarote will find it tough to defend their eleven game unbeaten run when they travel to Tenerife to face the club that lies three points above them and sitting in the final playoff position C.D. Vera.
GOALS
0-1min 46 Javi
1-1min 49 Vladimir
2-1 min 73 Jotha (penalty)

The home side started the match decisively. After only five minutes winger Óliver flew past Rojillos defender Taja and centred in a perfect cross which was struck home in off the post by striker Jony leaving the Lanzarote keeper no chance in preventing a 1-0 advantage to the Tenerife side.

C.D. Vera immediately looked to extend their lead and was dominating possession however Echedey came close to restoring parity but his effort rebounded off the post and away to safety.

Lanzarote defended well and keeper Ruymán made two good saves in the final ten minutes of the first half to keep his side in with a shout as the Rojillos struggled to see out the first 45 minutes.

The second half and Lanzarote finally reacted to the pace of the game. As the minutes passed by so did the confidence and with the home side stepping back the Rojillos pressed forward. In the 58th minute Toñito struck the ball well though only saw his effort rebound off the crossbar.

In the closing minutes the Rojillos were all out attack and when Ayoze squared a pass to Toñito in the danger zone it seemed certain Lanzarote were going to draw level but the Lanzarote winger pulled his shot wide as did the hopes of the Rojillos salvaging what would have been a priceless point.

Lanzarote have slipped back to ninth spot in the table but with successive home games against clubs lower down the league and then it’s an away trip to fifth from bottom side San Andrés, all is still possible. First up on Sunday is the home match against C.D. Mensajero.

GOALS
1-0 min 5 Jony