LANZAROTE 3 ATLÉTICO UNIÓN DE GÜÍMAR 0
LANZAROTE 3 ATLÉTICO UNIÓN DE GÜÍMAR 0, 22nd April 2018,
With three games remaining and Lanzarote seven points clear of their nearest rivals, the Rojillos have just about assured themselves of a playoff finish.
The biggest shock of the day was probably the weather as the rain poured down in Arrecife just before kickoff which is the first time this season that the sprinklers were unused.
The first shot of any danger fell to Rojillos defender Dani García in the 17th minute. As the visitors defence cleared a corner the ball fell to Dani and he let rip a 30 yard drive which whistled a foot over the crossbar.
Soon after striker Javi Trujillo and defender Raúl both had opportunities to put their side in front but their headers couldn’t hit the target.
A group of German lads joining in with some locals and making plenty of noise.
On the half hour mark the visitors had a great opportunity to go in front when centre forward Yosimar had a free strike at goal from the right and only 12 yards out, his effort missed the far post by six inches.
A few minutes later a great cross from Dani García saw captain Ayoze Pérez head narrowly over the crossbar then Trujillo and the lively Alex Cruz both had good chances to open the scoring.
Seconds before the break a corner whipped in by Enrique Castaño was powerfully headed home by Javi Betancort as Lanzarote headed into the interval with a deserved 1-0 advantage.
Javi Betancort heading home just before the half time break.
The Tenerife side in their debut season in this division came out for the second half and had two chances to draw level. The closest of which was a free kick that hit the top of the crossbar. With this fright in mind Lanzarote began to move up a gear.
In the 52nd minute the hosts should have doubled their lead. A great run down the left by Miguel Gómez ended when he brought the ball back from the by line to set up Alex Cruz for a free strike at goal from 10 yards. The Rojillos striker angled his body well but his side footed effort went wide of the left hand post when really he should have extended his sides lead.
A good game for striker Alex Cruz despite missing one great chance.
Ten minutes later and a great move by Lanzarote involving Miguel Gómez, Alex Cruz and Castaño led to the ball to be given to Ayoze Pérez on the right. The Lanzarote captain then hit a perfect ball low and hard across the face of the goal and Javi Betancort slid in at the far post to score his and his side’s second goal of the match.
Javi Betancort sliding in to send the Rojillos 2-0 up.
Midfielder Marcos Cabrera has had a difficult season with some injuries but he immediately put his stamp on the game when he was introduced in the 73rd minute dictating the play.
It was he who released Ayoze Pérez in a clever quick free kick in the 76th minute and the captain stuck the ball home from 12 yards for a well deserved goal after another inspired performance.
Another Captains performance from Ayoze Pérez.
Late on and the visitors were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty box. Midfielder Eduardo must have believed his super effort destined for the top right hand corner was going to give his team a consolation goal but the Lanzarote keeper Sasha made a top class save palming the ball over the crossbar to keep a clean sheet.
Just coming back down to earth after a wonder save from the young Rojillos keeper Sasha.
The Rojillos will be delighted with this comfortable performance especially as regulars Rosmen, Borja and Josito were all rested. With just three games remaining Lanzarote are flexing their muscles going into the playoffs with terrific form having taken 29 out of a possible 33 points in their last 11 outings.
You can still vote for your Player of the Season by choosing your favourite five players on Facebook Lanzarote Football Club. Voting ends on the 29th of April at 6pm.
The Tenerife side will be happy with their season especially the last ten games where they have only suffered two defeats. This has brought them up to 14th position and five points clear of the relegation places.
Next Sunday Lanzarote travel to Tenerife to face 13th placed side CD Marino. A win, draw or even a loss for Lanzarote could confirm the playoffs for mid May.
Fellow island club Yaiza drew at home to Las Zocas 1-1 and are in 9th position whilst Haria lost away to league leaders CD Tenerife B 5-1 and are certain to finish at the foot of the table.
GOALS
- 1-0 min 44 Javi Betancort
- 2-0 min 62 Javi Betancort
- 3-0 min 76 Ayoze Pérez
