U.D.LANZAROTE 1-1 C.D.UNIÓN PUERTO

UD LANZAROTE   1   CD UNIÓN PUERTO   1,     21st August 2016,

The Conejeros (locals) began the season in disappointing fashion after completely dominating the match but unable to breakdown a well set out defence.

Lanzarote’s midfield took control of the game from the beginning. In the 7th minute a strike from Rosmen from 12 yards was parried away from the Unión Puerto keeper Julio but only into the path of new boy Dani López who had the easy job of passing the ball into the net, unfortunately on what was a close call the linesman waived his flag for offside.

New boy Dani López stroking home but adjudged offside.

New boy Dani López stroking home but adjudged offside.

A couple of minutes later the ref ignored the pleas from the Lanzarote players for a penalty when the quick feet of Dani López on the edge of the box beat the defender and he seemed as though he was upended however the ref thought differently as play continued.

In the 13th min a Rosmen header from a corner was powered goal bound but only directly into the hands of the keeper. The Fuerteventura side had suffered a difficult pre season were showing lots of character against a side aiming to beat last season’s second placed finish.

In the 26th minute Louis Kennedy had an excellent opportunity to give the Rojillos (The Reds) the lead but his effort from eight yards cleared the bar by around a yard. The British boy had a very good game, involved all the time and has seemed to have muscled himself up and looks great for the forthcoming season.

Winger Louis Kennedy coming close on two occasions and looking sharp throughout the match.

Winger Louis Kennedy coming close on two occasions and looking sharp throughout the match.

Only two minutes later and Lanzarote were in front. The Fuerteventura keeper fisted the ball out a good 30 yards and on the volley another new boy and former Unión Puerto player Borja hit the ball sweet leaving the keeper stranded and giving his side their first goal of the campaign and a 1-0 lead.

The game did begin to go a little flat after the goal but in the 38th minute midfielder Javi Betancort saw his volley clear the bar from a Kennedy cross. The Fuerteventura side had the first crack on goal moments later but a tame effort from the edge of the box was easily dealt with by Lanzarote´s player of last season Agoney with some ease.

Six minutes into the second half and Lanzarote´s veteran defender Ángel Gil was adjudged to have brought down winger Machín and the ref ordered a spot kick. Midfielder Ángel sent the Lanzarote keeper the wrong way to level the score at 1-1.

On the hour mark a great leap by Rosmen beat the keeper but came back off the right hand post and away to safety. Moments later and Javi Betancort again came close but his effort was blocked.

In the 66th minute Louis Kennedy beautifully side stepped a couple of defenders cutting inside from the right wing and from 12 yards struck low and hard into the far corner but the Fuerteventura keeper produced a stunning save to keep the score level.

As Lanzarote increased the tempo the majoreros (Fuerteventurians) fancied stealing a winner on the break and with three minutes remaining and with the Rojillos on the back foot it was only a good save from Agoney with his feet preventing the visitors going in front.

Deep into stoppage time and one of Lanzarote´s quality players Miguel Gómez took a free kick from 20 yards which flew inches over the bar.

The talented Miguel Gómez with a gorgeous admirer.

The talented Miguel Gómez with a gorgeous admirer.

A point on home soil was not ideal from one of the favourites to at least clinch a playoff spot though this draw did extend Lanzarote´s run of 42 home matches since defeat.

Another bonus for manager Adolfo Peréz was the return of British midfielder Brad Cockerill. The 20 year old suffered an awful cruciate knee ligament injury nine months ago and has only played a bit part in pre season. His fitness is now back to full strength and he was picked in the 16 man squad and was an unused sub.

He is back, the other British boy 20 year old Brad Cockerill.

He is back, the other British boy 20 year old Brad Cockerill.

GOALS.

  • 1-0 min 28 Borja Vera
  • 1-1 min 52 Ángel (Penalty)