LANZAROTE 1 CD MENSAJERO 0
LANZAROTE 1 CD MENSAJERO 0
30th March 2014
Lanzarote keep on getting good results over the league’s best teams. The fourth placed La Palma side who were desperate for points as they occupy the last playoff position were undone by a committed Rojillo side.
The kick off should have been at 1.15pm rather than the traditional noon kick off to assist the La Palma side with their connecting flights in Tenerife. Unfortunately the plane from Tenerife was delayed so they arrived at the ground at kick off time to a hostile reception from the Lanzarote faithful. Nobody seemed to mind as it was a lovely sunny afternoon and the bar was fully stocked for the thirsty fans.
From the opening whistle both teams showed their intention by not backing out of any challenges and it was easy to see this was going to be another entertaining match.
Mensajero looked sharp following back to back wins and knew that a win today could see them go top of the table. Lanzarote are around mid table and had nothing to play for except pride which they showed an abundance of.
The first half hour was at a great pace largely thanks to the referee as he let many challenges go unpunished but in the end to prevent all out war he was forced to show his yellow card on nine occasions such was the commitment between both sides.
The Rojillos knew they were going to have to work hard against a side that has only conceded 15 goals in 31 games this season. Wingers Toñito and British lad Louis Kennedy were causing problems on either flank and striker Rosmen looked dangerous anytime the ball fell around the box.
In the 17th minute fantastic work from Toñito on the right wing beating his defender and then getting completely upended by another earned the Rojillos a penalty kick.
Rosmen made no mistake emphatically blasting the ball into the top right hand corner to give Lanzarote a 1-0 lead.
Ten minutes later and the Conejeros (locals) had a great opportunity to double their lead, Rosmen headed down for midfielder Falo but his effort flew just over the bar.
As the half came to a close the visitors piled on the pressure but with some brave defending and excellent goalkeeping Lanzarote went into the break a goal to the good.
The La Palma side came out for the second half angry and were determined to level the score. In the 53rd minute striker Borja fired from the edge of the box but Lanzarote´s ever consistent goalkeeper refused to be beaten.
Only a minute later and a cross from the left found the head of striker Yeray but fortunately for Lanzarote the ball rolled inches past the left hand post.
There was no doubt the Rojillos were riding their luck. In the 64th minute Mensajero had three strikes at goal inside the six yard box and each one was blocked by a formidable Rojillo defender with the final shot flying over the bar by defender Juanda.
The visitors could not break down the Lanzarote red wall and were frustrated; this allowed Lanzarote more time on the ball and with Jotha easing the game to his preferred pace Lanzarote looked confident. As soon as Lanzarote lost the ball midfielder Falo went all out to get it back and had an inspired match.
The visitor’s next and final chance to grab a point was in the 89th minute from striker Borja but his header went narrowly wide.
Lanzarote remain in 12th spot but with 42 points have guaranteed themselves Tercera Division (Fourth Tier) football next season.
Lanzarote are away next week against Unión Viera. The Tenerife side are in the final relegation position but will be boosted by an away win on Sunday. Next home match is on the weekend of 12/13th April versus Gran Canarian side UD Vecindario. Time and date will be confirmed later.
GOALS
1-0 min 20 Rosmen (penalty)
