LANZAROTE 0 CD SANTA ÚRSULA 0, 7th October 2018,

LANZAROTE   0   CD SANTA ÚRSULA   0,   7^th October 2018,

The Rojillos missed out on climbing up to 6^th spot despite being awarded a penalty with 11 minutes remaining on another scorching day in Arrecife.

Lanzarote were looking for their first win in four games but instead were met with a solid Tenerife side who occupy that 6^th spot as Lanzarote now slip to 13^th but are still just two points from the playoffs and a further three points from top position in this incredibly competitive league.

The home side began well by keeping possession but rarely threatened in their opponents final third. It wasn’t until the 20^th minute that Lanzarote created their first opening. Captain Rosmen laid the ball onto winger Miguel Gómez but his effort powered into the side netting.

Left winger Alex Cruz looked the liveliest for the Rojillos in the first half and in the 29^th minute he latched onto a great ball splitting the defence but chose to cut inside and strike with his right when his best option following a good first touch would have been to struck with his left. The Tenerife defence read the situation and smothered his effort.

Three minutes later and striker Sebas turned well inside the box for the visitors and fired low but the Rojillos 19 year old keeper Salva saved well with his foot to deny the big centre forward.

The biggest talking point of the first half occurred in the 37^th minute when Alex Cruz low cross was deliberately handled by the defender. The officials must have not had a clear view because from in the stands this was an undisputed penalty.

Santa Úrsula dominated the early stages of the second period but couldn’t find their way through an ever improving Rojillo defence that stamped out anything that looked dangerous.

Lanzarote once again began to look threatening and in the 66^th minute a delightful through ball from Rosmen put Alex Cruz clean on goal but unfortunately the ball would not come down quick enough which allowed the defence time to block his effort from ten yards.

The pressure was now mounting on the Tenerife side and in the 73^rd minute Miguel Gómez was inches away from breaking the deadlock from a free kick but his effort went narrowly past the left hand post.

The most debatable incident of the match took place in the 79^th minute. Sub Alex Yunes cut inside his defender inside and went down under a challenge in the box. The referee ordered a spot kick which was in no way as clear as the first half incident but the Rojillos were grateful for the opportunity.

Miguel Gómez stepped up but one felt with his body language that his left footed shot was going to the right and the keeper guessed this correctly and saved well low at his post. Rosmen and Miguel got in the way of each other from the rebound and the chance was gone.

The game really came to life as Lanzarote pinned back their opponents. Alex Yunes cut in well on the left and had a clear strike on goal from the edge of the box but his shot went well wide.

The Tenerife side could have won the match in added on time when they broke quickly leaving striker Yeray with a clear chance but once again the finishing was poor as his strike cleared the crossbar with distance.

Twice every season Bob Campbell and his friends from Club Las Calas in Puerto Del Carmen come to support Lanzarote and this season they kindly donated some money to the club to buy balls. It’s great to see such support and this is particularly welcomed by the locals.

Next Saturday Lanzarote travel to Tenerife and face 7^th placed side UD Ibarra.