U.D LANZAROTE 2-1 C.F UNIÓN VIERA

U.D LANZAROTE 2 C.F UNIÓN VIERA 1, 2^nd April 2017,

Just when the fans of U.D Lanzarote had just about given up all hope of a playoff finish the Rojillos win a tough match played in scorching heat, they then see their rivals drop points so the deficit to fourth place the final playoff spot is now just four points with six games remaining.

Starting XI.

To make things even more interesting U.D Ibarra who are in fourth position play C.D Marino who are sitting in fifth place next week. Lanzarote also still have to play U.D Ibarra and also U.S Yaiza who are nestled in sixth spot.

The Rojillos began the day trailing fourth position by seven points so nothing but a win was acceptable if Lanzarote were going to be serious about mounting a challenge for the playoffs.

Lanzarote got off to the better start but it was the Gran Canarian side that had first sight of goal. In the seventh minute good combination play by the front two allowed striker Cristian Barrios to strike though Rojillos keeper Alejandro was not tested as the ball sailed over the woodwork.

The Conejeros (locals) dominated possession and in the 18^th minute Ayoze Pérez fed Borja on the left inside his own half, his quick pass sent Rosmen on his way flying past the Gran Canarian left back. The Lanzarote captain found Marcos Cabrera in the centre with space and the Rojillos midfielder hit a great low strike from 20 yards which beat the keeper and went in off the left hand upright to give his side a 1-0 lead.

Lanzarote looked very comfortable and went in search of a second goal. In the 26^th minute Louis Kennedy received the ball on the left wing and cut inside his defender before releasing a cracking drive from the edge of the box but the Gran Canarian keeper pulled off a fine save. The ball was still live and as Quintero tried to pounce he looked as though he was bundled over but the Referee waived away the appeals as play continued.

The Gran Canarian side did begin to show signs of getting back into the game as they began to keep hold of the ball better but it was Lanzarote who looked the more threatening.

In the 33^rd minute a clever free kick from Marcos Cabrera to Kennedy was moved on to the excellent Lanzarote number ten Borja. The ball was chipped in by the pint sized dynamo and Quintero fired narrowly wide of the left hand post.

Another good performance from Borja, Lanzarote’s number 10.

Five minutes later and Lanzarote had another opportunity to extend their lead. Louis Kennedy dummied the ball on the right allowing space for Quintero, the club’s top goal scorer took a good touch then side stepped his defender and blasted the ball from 12 yards but again the Unión Viera keeper saved well.

Only three minutes into the second half and the mid table side were level. Winger Héctor came in from the right flank and waltzed around three Lanzarote defenders before firing home from six yards to make the score 1-1.

Things could have got worse for Lanzarote as a long ball over the top was chased down by striker Aranas. The 19 year olds pace was too much for defender Fran Gil. Fortunately Keeper Alejandro narrowed the angles and made an excellent save with his feet to deny the former Atlético Madrid junior.

An enjoyable game was getting better by the minute and just two minutes after Unión Viera almost went in front Lanzarote then took command and restored their lead.

A free kick from the edge of the box was blocked by the wall; the ball fell to Marcos Cabrera who chipped it wide to Borja. He then beat two players before putting in a fine cross whilst off balance to the far post and Javi Betancort powerfully headed home from six yards to send Lanzarote in front 2-1.

The winning goal from Javi Betancort.

Unión Viera were far from out of this match and gained confidence as the match progressed. A free kick in the 72^nd minute was palmed onto the crossbar by Alejandro and as the ball bounced along the line it was too high for the Tenerife side to score and eventually Alejandro gratefully gathered the ball into his arms.

In the 79^th minute defender Krispy jinxed his way through the centre of midfield and as he reached the defence he span around doing the Maradona turn and was almost through to just the keeper to beat but a defender stopped him with a last ditch challenge.

Two minutes later and as Lanzarote were looking to make a substitution Krispy then stopped play thinking it was going to take place, the ref then booked him and moments later the same thing happened again and Krispy was shown his second yellow and harshly sent off.

It was all hands on deck for the remaining ten minutes and even striker Rosmen was on hand to defend. The Rojillos held on and still have the chance to fight for Segunda B (League 1) football next season.