U.D LANZAROTE 1-1 C.F SAN MATEO

U.D LANZAROTE   1   C.F PULIDO SAN MATEO   1,    14^th May 2017,   

Unión Deportiva Lanzarote finished their season coming from behind against the sixth placed Gran Canarian  side to earn a respectable draw in an entertaining match played in hot conditions.

Both sides had very little to play for other than the Rojillos wishing to end their five game losing streak but this was always going to be a competitive match especially as it was the final game for both Captain Rosmen and manager for the past five seasons Adolfo Pérez.

Lanzarote had some great chances to take the lead in the first half. In the 10^th minute the ball fell to Rojillos top scorer with 19 goals Jonathan Quintero but from 12 yards his powerful low shot was well saved by the feet of the Gran Canarian keeper.

In the 16^th minute good work from midfield dynamo Ayoze Pérez allowed Louis Kennedy a free strike at goal, unfortunately the British boy hit his effort well over the crossbar.

Just before the half hour Lanzarote´s exceptional captain, footballer and person had the chance to cap his last game off with a goal but Rosmen´s header was a metre wide of the upright.

The Gran Canarian side have had a brilliant debut season in the Tercera Division (fourth tier) and within the space of three minutes had two long range efforts which forced Agoney into two excellent diving saves especially the latter as the ball took a deflection on route.

The warning signs from the visitors had been there and two minutes before the break a corner quickly whipped in was nodded on and was fired home by midfielder Lionel from close range as the visitors took a 0-1 lead into the interval.

Lanzarote dominated the second half with the visitors being restricted to hitting their opponents on the break but for all their effort in trying to give their fans something to cheer about the Rojillos could just not find the net.

Manager Adolfo Pérez signalled for a substitution in the 76^th minute and it was to take off Lanzarote´s captain and number nine Rosmen. After 13 seasons for his island playing 250 games and scoring a little over 100 goals, one of Lanzarote´s most popular ever players has decided to call it a day.

He may be 36 years old but the veteran striker is in peak condition and has decided to dedicate more time to his family. Rosmen emotionally waved goodbye to the fans as he received a standing ovation.

In the 85^th minute the Rojillos were finally rewarded when a great cross from Toñito was nodded home from Quintero who took his tally to 20 goals for the season and immediately went over to celebrate with Rosmen in the dugout.

Lanzarote pushed for the winner but it was not be and the game ended fairly in a 1-1 draw with e Rojilos ending the season in 12^th position.

The game of the day had to be at the bottom of the league where CD Santa Úrsula was away to Unión Viera. Santa Úrsula were dead and buried in early March but 23 points in their last 10 matches saw them pull of an incredible escape mission. A win was needed for Santa Úrsula and a 1-4 victory is what they got condemning Unión Viera to relegation.

Las Palmas B side won the league by a mighty 28 points and just saw defeat twice in the whole campaign winning 29 of their 38 matches played.

After Lanzarote´s match the Lanzarote Juvenils (under 18´s) played their first leg semi final match versus Playas de Sotavento. In a fiercely competitive match Lanzarote took the lead but the Fuerteventura side were level by half time. Lanzarote eventually ran out 2-1 winners and head to Fuerteventura next Sunday for the return leg.

The winner of this tie will have to play the winners from Gran Canaria in the final but should Lanzarote achieve that they would play in the National league which is the highest you can play at that level.

These young lads from both sides gave all they got in an excellent match knowing that if they reach the National league scouts from all the top clubs would be watching them next season.

GOALS

1-0 min 43 Lionel

1-1 min 85 Quintero