U.D LANZAROTE 0-0 C.D EL COTILLO

UD LANZAROTE   0   CD EL COTILLO   0,    19th March 2017,  

The Rojillos hopes of a playoff finish are in tatters following a goalless draw against the relegation threatened Fuerteventura side.

Starting XI.

Starting XI.

Lanzarote remain in ninth spot but a seven point gap has opened up between Lanzarote and fourth spot with just eight matches remaining.

The last time these two sides played was on the 23rd October which ended in a 1-1 draw over in Fuerteventura. At that time Cotillo were league leaders and Lanzarote were bordering on a playoff position however a terrible run of form has left the Fuerteventura side just two points off relegation.

Lanzarote looked edgy from the start, passes were wayward and a lack of ideas made it a frustrating afternoon for the home supporters.

Two Lanzarote fans showing there's always a reason to smile.

Two Lanzarote fans showing there’s always a reason to smile.

In the 6th minute a good ball in from Borja on the left found the Lanzarote captain Rosmen, the tall striker normally lethal from this position tamely headed his effort high and over from eight yards. This seemed to be a taste of what was to come.

The Lanzarote captain coming close hitting the woodwork with a strike on the edge of the box.

The Lanzarote captain coming close by hitting the woodwork with a strike on the edge of the box.

It wasn’t until the 22nd minute when the next goalmouth incident occurred. A corner floated over to the far post fell to Rojillos centre back Fran Gil but his quick strike from a narrow angle hit the right hand post and away for a goal kick.

Center back Fran Gil also coming close to scoring with a shot striking the post.

Center back Fran Gil also coming close to scoring with a shot striking the post.

Just a minute later and the Majoreros (Fuerteventurians) had their first opportunity of the afternoon. A quick counter attack saw midfielder Héctor create space on the edge of the box but his strike offered no danger to keeper Alejandro as he watched it clear his crossbar by a couple of yards.

In the 34th minute Lanzarote centre back Pele pulled up with a groin strain and he was replaced by winger Toñito with midfielder Javi Betancort dropping back into defence.

British boy Louis Kennedy trying his best to make things happen after scoring last week.

British boy Louis Kennedy trying his best to make things happen after scoring last week.

Only four minutes later Toñito hit an effort from 20 yards but failed to find the target. A minute later the visitors had a great opportunity to take the lead. Another break from defence and a super cross from the right found Héctor, he controlled the ball well and struck from six yards but a Lanzarote defender stuck out a leg clearing the ball off the line.

Toñito coming on in the 34th minute replacing injured center back Pele.

Toñito coming on in the 34th minute replacing injured center back Pele.

The Rojillos really did apply pressure late on in the first half, in the 41st minute a clever one two let in Toñito but from six yards out the veteran Lanzarote winger wasn’t able to slot the ball past the legs of the Fuerteventura keeper.

Just before the break another good cross from the right by the visitors found striker Peraza but he couldn’t guide his free header on target as Lanzarote breathed a sigh of relief.

Arguably a man of the match performance from the CD Cotillo striker Peraza alongside Lanzarote goalkeeper Alejandro having a great day at the office.

Arguably a man of the match performance from the CD Cotillo striker Peraza, alongside Lanzarote goalkeeper Alejandro having a great day at the office.

In the opening minutes of the second half Lanzarote looked more positive. Rosmen blasted from eight yards but his strike powered off the crossbar and away to safety.

Lanzarote kept on pressing but a combination of very good defending by Cotillo and a lack of ideas from Lanzarote kept the game goalless.

In stoppage time Lanzarote had two very good chances to win the game. Javi Betancort headed over the bar and in the final minute the Fuerteventura keeper produced a good save fisting the ball away to safety.

Marcos Cabrera receiving a second yellow for a clean tackle on the edge of the area.

Marcos Cabrera receiving a second yellow for a clean tackle on the edge of the area.

It will be a very welcome and deserved point from the visitors however they are still surprisingly in for a battle to remain in the Tercera Divison (fourth tier) but judging by the commitment they showed they look a good bet to do so.

Lanzarote have not looked convincing all season and were desperate for maximum points in this match to keep them in with a chance of a playoff finish. Stranger things have happened in football but the opportunity to play in the Segunda B (League 1) next season looks extremely remote.

Next Saturday Lanzarote will travel to Gran Canaria to face second placed side UD San Fernando.