U.D.LANZAROTE 2-1 U.D.VILLA SANTA BRÍGIDA

LANZAROTE   2   UD VILLA SANTA BRÍGIDA   1,    16^th October 2016,  

Many people believed that UD Lanzarote were in a mini crisis but the team showed plenty of spirit against the second placed side who were the only team in the league unbeaten. A goal from sub Javi Melian in the 88^th minute gave the Rojillos all three points and they are just two points off a playoff spot and a further point away from the league leaders.

Both sides were extremely competitive in the opening half hour which resulted in several yellow cards however the game still flowed, largely thanks to one of the best refereeing performances that I have seen in Lanzarote.

The official Señor Rayco from Las Palmas who has recently become a father laughed away players feigning injuries allowing both sides to compete fairly but forcefully.

Lanzarote took the lead in the 33^rd minute. Stand in Captain Toñito received a short corner from Borja on the left and then beat a player and cut inside and unleashed a powerful swerving shot that stunned the keeper and nestled into the top right hand corner sending his side 1-0 up.

In the 37^th minute striker Yeremy looked as though he had earned his side a penalty when he was looked to have been brought down after beating his defender on the left hand side of the penalty box however the Ref ignored his pleas.

The Gran Canarian side levelled on the stroke of half time. From a fast out swinging corner that beat Lanzarote´s defender on the near post centre back Héctor Marrero nodded the ball inside the bottom left hand post to send Santa Brígida into the break with the score 1-1.

Five minutes into the second half and for a moment the visitors had thought they had taken the lead. A cross from the right wing was nodded home but was cancelled out for a clear offside.

Last season’s champions did have more possession than Lanzarote however it was the home side creating the best chances in what was proving to be an absorbing game of football.

In the 57^th minute a free kick from Toñito was deflected high into the air and the skilful Miguel Gómez timed his flamboyant overhead kick to perfection but from the edge of the box he saw the ball just clear the bar, a wonderful attempt.

Five minutes later and Miguel Gómez fed sub Ayoze and from 20 yards he struck the ball with venom but unfortunately it was always rising and cleared in between the bar and post by a foot.

The visitors were still playing some great football and in the 65^th minute sub Alvaro found himself with a clear strike at goal from eight yards following a clever one two but the ball got stuck under his foot and Rojillos keeper Alejandro saved with ease.

With 15 minutes remaining Santa Brígida had a glorious opportunity to go in front. Captain Pablo Alvarez whipped in a pinpoint cross and defender Pedro Aleman rose well but from six yards he guided his header well wide of the left hand post.

In the 71^st minute Lanzarote introduced right back Krispy, he made a nuisance of himself terrorizing his opponents left back and created various opportunities. In the 77^th minute he raced to the by line pulling the ball back for Toñito but the winger fired wide.

Three minutes later he did the same again but this time for Javi Melian who took one touch inside the six yard box but a defender cleared the danger.

The Rojiilos were getting closer and closer and with four minutes remaining the Gran Canarian keeper Fermin pulled off a wonder save. Great team play involving Krispy, Pulido and Javi Melian led to Toñito firing a bullet of a shot from eight yards but the keeper produced a brilliant one handed save preventing the ball from going into the top left hand corner.

The winner came in the 88^th minute when a strike from Miguel Gómez deflected off the back of Javi Melian completely wrong footing the keeper and sending the ball inside the far right hand post.

It may be somewhat fortunate to win this game in this manner but the Rojillos pinned back their opponents in the final twenty minutes and got their reward.

Unfortunately in the closing moments Toñito picked up his second yellow card so will be unavailable for next week’s game. On a good note captain Rosmen has undergone minor surgery on his left knee and should return in about a month.

Lanzarote move up to eighth position in a league where no team is guaranteed a win. League leaders CD El Cotillo lost away to lowly CF Arucas 2-0 and next up for the Rojillos next Sunday 23^rd October are the league leaders.

The club is organising a trip across the pond to Fuerteventura including bus, boat and bocadillo (roll) for a terrific price of 20 Euros for residents who will need a copy of their Certificado de viajes which is available from your town hall for about one Euro and a copy of your passport. For non residents we cannot get a discount for the boat nevertheless the price is just 35 Euros. If your coming bring your passport.

All details of the excursion are on Facebook Lanzarote football club and all monies must be received to me by latest Wednesday evening or to the club secretary Davinia in Calle Isleño 4 (just up from the stadium and 50 metres down the road from the Sports Bar). The club is open every evening at 5.30pm to 7.30pm and the latest time to pay is Thursday.

GOALS.

1-0 min 33 Toñito

1-1 min 45 Héctor Marrero

2-1 min 88 Javi Melian