CD EL COTILLO 0 LANZAROTE 2, 18th November 2018,

CD EL COTILLO 0 LANZAROTE 2, 18^th November 2018,

Another hugely enjoyable and succesfull trip over to Fuerteventura both on and off the pitch for UD Lanzarote and their travelling fans.

Players and fans all having a great day in Cotillo.

The Majoreros (Fuerteventurians) were equal if not better than the Rojillos in the opening 55 minutes then Maxi Barerra had three ace cards up his sleeve being able to bring on the quality of Ayoze Pérez, Fran Gil and the quite superb Miguel Gómez.

Rojillos manager Maxi Barrera (furthest) discussing tactics with his right hand man Aday Gil.

The day didn’t really start to plan with buses turning up half an hour late, lost passports as well as missing some tickets for the ferry but as always on Lanzarote it all turned out great.

Two buses loaded with fans joined the many who came by car and others that also live on our neighbouring island helped make the atmosphere memorable.

Unfortunately this joy off the pitch wasn’t shared on the pitch as both sides rarely pushed forward and both keepers could have met in the centre and had a chat with a nice cup of tea during the first half.

This chap arrived at 5pm on the Thursday and went straight to the club to book his seat.

It was only on the half hour mark when striker Alejo forced Rojillos keeper Alejandro into an excellent two handed diving save to his left preventing the hosts taking the lead.

Lanzarote did look much better at the close of the first half with Nico González and Rosmen causing problems for the Cotillo defence but the half was disappointing and ended goalless.

The locals did begin the second half the better of the two sides but in the 54^th minute the first of the three master strokes were played. Ayoze Pérez was introduced and decided to own the midfield and began dictating play.

Jane Hayden holding the flag and Julie Buck to her left did a great job selling out of raffle tickets.

Fourteen minutes later saw the arrival of Miguel Gómez. He was put in the position that he does most damage attacking from midfield terrifying defenders running at them.

Within five minutes of coming on Miguel picked up the ball in midfield, rode a couple of challenges, looked up and from 20 yards hit an absolute scorcher into the top left hand corner, a pure moment of brilliance from Lanzarote´s most versatile player.

A cracking strike from Miguel Gómez to open the scoring.

Rojillos manager Maxi Barerra then played his final hand bringing on defender Fran Gil to bolster up a now solid defence that kept another clean sheet.

The Rojillos played out the final few minutes with an air of confidence and were rewarded with a tap in from Miguel in added on time to seal the 0-2 victory.

From left, Alex Yunes, Josito and Pedro Viera.

This second consecutive win sends Lanzarote up to ninth spot and six points from the playoffs. Next Sunday 25^th November at 12 noon at home the Rojillos will be looking for a hat trick of wins when they face 17^th placed side CF Panadería Pulido.

All the players and fans were in good voice on the return ferry. Many thanks to Carole Spendley who couldn’t make the trip but once again donated plenty of prizes and was the original person who organised the first raffle years ago.

Great fun on the return ferry.

Her substitutes Jane Hayden and Julie Buck were highly motivated and potential raffle buyers didn’t stand a chance as the girls scoured the boat with their money belts and tickets refusing to take prisoners.

A record 425 Euros was made with all proceeds going to the club. Thanks to everyone who donated over 40 prizes and this just added to a special day.

This fella overjoyed with the perfect fit of his winning shirt.

A few prizes were not collected; 94 blue (6D or mini golf tickets), 1037 orange (a club mug), 58 blue (a signed ball) and shockingly enough nobody was brave enough to admit they had 1052 orange and collect the bogey prize of four toilet. This is the second year that this prize has not been collected but it could be third time lucky in January when we face the other Fuerteventura side Unión Puerto.