LANZAROTE 2 CD SANTA ÚRSULA 0
LANZAROTE 2 CD SANTA ÚRSULA 0, December 23rd 2017,
The Rojillos put in an excellent team performance beating their playoff rivals in clinical fashion early on Saturday afternoon.
Unexpected defeats from teams above added to the Christmas joy which sees Lanzarote remain in fifth spot but have narrowed the gap to fourth place to just four points and only a further three points from the new league leaders Las Palmas C.
The starting XI with plenty of mascots.
It was a smaller crowd than normal because of the Real Madrid versus Barcelona match but the 250 plus crowd with the majority being of foreign descent enjoyed quality football played on a beautiful 25 degree sunny afternoon in Arrecife.
Not so many fans today but whilst baking in the sun they were highly entertained.
The Tenerife side also have aspirations of a playoff finish and began the day just one position and one point from Lanzarote in the league table. They had a couple of early chances to take the lead with striker Arturo being denied by keeper Alejandro.
Lanzarote then sprang into action and even without their injured inspirational Captain Ayoze Pérez looked solid in midfield and extremely threatening going forward.
A Conejero (local chap) now living in Gran Canaria with his sons but red and blue will always be his true love.
In the 16th minute an excellent quick throw from Alejandro set Josito on the charge down the left hand side. If there is a better left back in this league I have yet to see him and his superbly weighted pass down the left wing found Fede Manzi who had already read the script. All that was needed now was a deadly low hard ball along the six yard line and that is exactly what he produced. Running onto it was man of the match Miguel Gómez who coolly side footed the ball wide of the keeper into the right hand corner to give Lanzarote a 1-0 lead.
A great goal finished off by Miguel Gómez.
On the half hour Fede tried his luck with a 20 yard left footed swerving strike destined for the top left hand corner until the Tenerife captain produced a wonder save tipping the ball over the bar.
Another fine performance from Josito
Miguel Gómez who is a player with undeniable talent and on his day will always be the best player on the park but if his mind is not concentrated he can be a liability. Today he was absolutely bang on his game.
Man of the match number 9 Miguel Gómez celebrating with his teammates from the bench.
In the 44th minute he kept possession of the ball over on the right wing and patiently waited to play the right pass, Gastón Cedrez supplied the run and Miguel put the 19 year old winger in on goal, his strike was saved from 10 yards and unfortunately Rosmen didn’t connect cleanly with the follow up strike.
Nine minutes into the second period and Lanzarote found the goal to give them breathing space. Gastón surprised the defence with a quick free kick to centre back Kamara who crossed from the right wing to the far post and Miguel Gómez made no mistake from close range to score his second goal giving his team a 2-0 lead.
British fans supporting the Rojillos.
Ten minutes later and Captain for the day Javi Betancort came so close with two headers in the space of three minutes. The first was an excellent cross from the right by Borja and Javi rose at the far post with a thundering header but the keeper who had a great game made a fine reflex save tipping the ball over the crossbar.
Captain Javi Betancort coming close to extending his sides lead on two occasions.
The second was another deep cross from Enrique Castaño and Javi got the power on his header from the penalty spot but saw the ball narrowly go past the left hand post.
The Rojillos defence remained solid and dealt with everything that the visitors could throw at them, then after soaking in the pressure Lanzarote tried to hit their opponents on the break to find that third goal and seal the win.
Christmas came early in Arrecife.
In the 82nd minute Miguel Gómez picked the ball up in defence and skipped a couple of challenges before releasing Borja through the middle with just the keeper to beat. The midfielder struck from the edge of the box with a great low strike but his shot flew off the right hand post.
Not only is Antonio our greatest fan but also received a big cheer when he received the bib to be the ballboy.
The home side comfortably saw off the final few minutes to record their first win in four matches.
Manager Maxi Barrera will be delighted with his team’s performance especially as he used the depth that he has in his squad with every player performing admirably.
Rojillos manager Maxi Barrera must now finally be happy with his teams performance.
Next Saturday 30th December at 12.30pm Lanzarote are once again playing at home against SD Tenisca. The manager of the La Palma side is Adolfo Pérez who had been in charge of the Rojillos for the past five years so I am sure it will be a spicy affair.
Merry Christmas to you all from Paradise.
GOALS
1-0 min 16 Miguel Gómez
2-0 min 54 Miguel Gómez
