U.D IBARRA 2-1 U.D LANZAROTE
UD IBARRA 2 LANZAROTE 1, 23rd April 2017,
As if we didn’t know it already but UD Lanzarote have now made it mathematically impossible to reach the playoffs this season with still three games remaining.
UD Ibarra has had a strong finish to the season and began the day in fourth place, the final playoff position. A gap has opened up to fifth spot but nevertheless it was extremely important that the Tenerife side won this match as they have a very good chance of finishing in second place. This would enable them to play a fourth placed mainland side in the playoffs.
The Rojillos took the lead on the half hour against the run of play when Rosmen crossed for striker Javi Melian to head home to give his side an unlikely 0-1 lead.
Only a few minutes later and the second yellow card for striker Balduino for protesting reduced the home side to ten men. This looked as though it could be Lanzarote´s day but just as this season has panned out disappointment followed.
U.D Ibarra stadium.
The hosts levelled via the penalty spot in the 63rd minute to make the score 1-1 then with ten minutes remaining scored the winner to make the final score 2-1 and move up to third spot just one point behind second placed San Fernando.
To add extra misery Louis Kennedy received his marching orders in the 88th minute. Lanzarote remain in eighth spot but could still have plenty to say on which team will snatch the all important fourth place finish.
The only team who has realistically any hope of catching fourth placed side UD Villa Santa Brígida is U.S. Yaiza. The other island side trail fourth spot by seven points but do have a game in hand, they also have to play Santa Brígida as well as playing hosts to UD Lanzarote.
It is a big task for Yaiza but the match that is due to be played in Yaiza versus UD Lanzarote on the 7th May could be huge for our southern neighbours. The following week and the last game of the season Yaiza will travel to Gran Canaria to play Santa Brígida which could be the fourth placed decider.
Obviously Lanzarote will want to end Yaiza´s hopes the week before. It could be the game of the season.
Whilst Las Palmas B won the league months ago they have still not slowed. A 7-0 home win against ninth placed side SD Tenisca has moved them 23 points clear at the top of the league. Some of the Las Palmas B squad have already played for the first team this season and without a doubt there will be more to follow.
Down the bottom things are interesting. CD Santa Úrsula winners against Lanzarote last week 2-5 beat third placed side UD Villa Santa Brígida 3-2 which not only helped Yaiza but also pushed them just one point short of safety. Santa Úrsula were doomed to relegation months ago but after taking 17 points out of a possible 21 they are on the heels of Tenerife side CD Vera.
Next Sunday 30th April at 12 noon Lanzarote are at home to mid table side CD Tenerife B. The visitors are in a good run of form taking 14 points in their last seven outings whilst Lanzarote will be trying not to make it four losses on the bounce.
There may not be lot to play for but watching the game in or out of the shade with a beer for one Euro and a steak, cheese and garlic roll for two Euros whilst watching our legendary 75 year old fan Antonio giving the officials hell makes it all worth it.
Antonio does smile.
I spoke to Antonio down the Puerto Del Carmen market on Friday and expressed to him how disappointed everyone is with this season. He said “we haven’t been relegated so it’s really not that bad”.
There is no doubt that come next season Antonio will carry on banging on those advertising hoardings urging our island side to put that little more extra in.
GOALS
- min 30 0-1 Javi Melian
- min 63 1-1 Pedro Manzi (penalty)
- min 80 2-1 Raúl Barcos
