U.D LANZAROTE 3-0 C.F UNIÓN PUERTO
LANZAROTE 3 CF UNIÓN PUERTO 0, 13th September 2017,
Following the opening day defeat the Rojillos have now won their last three consecutive matches without conceding a goal and are sitting comfortably in fifth spot in The Tercera Division (fourth tier).
All the squad and backroom staff all showing their respect to John Holsten (centre in white) on his return following a long term illness.
Lanzarote manager Maxi Barrera made many changes to his side with Saturdays match against second placed Las Palmas C in mind. Centre back Kamara and Miguel Gomez were all rested whilst captain Ayoze Pérez began the match on the bench with Borja out with a short term injury.
The Rojillos then proved what a very good squad they have this season. Due to the game being held midweek with a 5pm kick off the crowd was small in numbers especially as most people would have found it difficult to leave the beach on what was an absolute scorcher of a day.
A small but vociferous crowd on a roasting hot day.
Lanzarote did not begin the game well, there was careless passing and elementary errors but one thing they did not stop doing was making the Fuerteventura side chase shadows. New manager Maxi Barerra enjoys the passing game of football and even with these errors he still encouraged his side to move the ball quickly with short passes.
Unión Puerto battled well in the early stages but chasing the game in that heat was like a wounded animal eventually succumbing to its prey.
The visitors did have the first opportunity of the match in the 20th minute. A poor clearance by keeper Sasha Roche let in striker Saúl but he rushed his shot and was wide of the target to the relief of the young goalkeeper.
Shortly after, a free kick from the visitors found midfielder Lautaro but his header fell straight into the arms of the Rojillos goalkeeper. This was to be the only effort on goal by the Fuerteventura side.
After the half hour Lanzarote enjoyed the huge majority of possession and in the 43rd minute British boy Brad delivered a good cross field pass to Alex Cruz on the right wing, he then sold the defender to release right back Krispy who galloped towards the by line and delivered an inch perfect cross to Brad who headed the ball wide of the keeper from eight yards to send his side into the break 1-0 to the good.
Brad Cockerill giving his side a 1-0 half time lead.
Lanzarote were determined to get the killer second goal as soon as possible. Only three minutes into the second half and ex Real Madrid junior Gastón beat a couple of players and released a fierce drive into the top right hand corner from 25 yards, the ball hit the underside of the bar and rattled into the net to give his side the cushion with a 2-0 lead.
Gastón Cedrés scoring a peach of a goal early in the second half.
The visitors were deflated and with the introduction of the fresh legs of the Lanzarote captain Ayoze Pérez in midfield in the 52nd minute the Fuerteventura side did not have a hope of getting back into the match.
The fresh legs of Lanzarote’s captain Ayoze Pérez sealing the win.
Ayoze as expected dominated the midfield and inflicted more cruelty on an already shattered Unión Puerto side.
The game was effectively over in the 73rd minute. A delightful cross from the superb attacking left back Josito found Alex Cruz on the back post who made no mistake scoring in his third consecutive match with a powerful header into the top right hand corner to give his side a deserved 3-0 win.
Alex Cruz getting mobbed after scoring the third goal.
The Rojillos move up to fifth spot but the top three clubs have all played one game more. There is not much time for rest as Lanzarote travel to Gran Canaria to play Las Palmas C on Saturday at 1.30pm. Next Sunday 24th September at 12 noon the Rojillos will play at home to third placed side CD Tenerife B.
Fellow island sides didn’t fair too well. CF Haria lost away 4-1 whilst Yaiza played out a scoreless home draw against CD Tenerife B.
GOALS
1-0 min 43 Brad
2-0 min 48 Gastón
3-0 min 73 Alex Cruz
