LANZAROTE 1 CF HARÍA 0

LANZAROTE   1   CF HARÍA   0,   5^th November 2017,

A goal from Captain Ayoze Pérez in the eighth minute is what separated this derby match and moves the Rojillos up into the playoff positions for the first time this season.

 

It has been a fantastic achievement for CF Haría to reach the Spanish Tercera Division (fourth tier) for the first time in their history last season. Even though it will be a long hard campaign for the northerners as they are currently just goal difference from the relegation positions but they seem to have steel in their squad to give themselves a fighting chance.

Lanzarote dominated possession in the early stages but the first sign of danger came from the visitors who squandered a couple of good chances. In the 4^th minute striker Onofre forced a good save from the Rojillos keeper Sasha and three minutes later the same player missed another great opportunity following indecision in otherwise a solid Lanzarote defence when he narrowly struck wide of the right hand post.

The team from the Valley of a Thousand Palms were made to pay for those misses just seconds after their second chance. Alex Cruz delivered an excellent cross from the right and Captain Ayoze Pérez playing in a centre forward role slipped in-between the defender and the goalkeeper at the near post and neatly guided the ball into the opposite corner to give his team a 1-0 lead.

Haría battled on and were fully committed in midfield not allowing Lanzarote time on the ball though in the 17^th minute Josito delivered in a great cross from the left and Ayoze got his head to the ball only to see it narrowly go wide of the left hand post.

The last bit of action in the first half happened in the 38^th minute when Rojillos centre back Kamara challenged striker Toño inside the edge of the box near the goal line, the Haría player went down on the tackle and huge appeals for a penalty came from him and his bench but the referee ignored their pleas as the Rojillos breathed a sigh of relief.

Lanzarote came out for the second half looking for that second goal but were met with a hard working midfield and a well organised defence from the visitors.

As time went by the newly promoted side grew in confidence and in the 65^th minute midfielder Edu let rip from 25 yards with a powerful drive, goalkeeper Sasha dived to his left but he was in the knowledge that the ball was a yard wide of its target.

Both sides had claims for a penalty in the space of a couple of minutes which were both correctly turned down by the official.

Substitute Miguel Gómez went on a great little run in the 83^rd minute beating a couple of defenders and then from the edge of the box forced the Haría and ex Lanzarote goalkeeper Miguel into a good save low at the left hand post.

A minute later and Alex Cruz was allowed a free strike at goal from 20 yards but his effort was a little rushed and flew well wide of the right hand post.

With five minutes remaining Rojillos goalkeeper Sasha was dealt an awkward back pass, the confident 18 year olds first touch wasn’t great and he was quickly closed down but just managed to release the ball in the nick of time as the Lanzarote supporters had their hearts in their mouths.

Haría carried on fighting until the end despite being without their inspirational midfielder Vladi who was suspended for this match against the side he had served so well for over many years. The Haría midfielder is certainly one of the best players this island has ever produced and is an enormous reason why his hometown team is now playing in the Tercera Division.

The Rojillos were more than happy to hear the full time whistle and whilst teams challenging for promotion dropped points Lanzarote now move into the last playoff position in fourth spot level on points with third placed side Tenerife B.

Next Sunday Lanzarote travel the short ferry ride to Fuerteventura to play 12^th placed side CD Cotillo. The club normally organise an excursion to this match for an excellent price but as many of you know things are not really organised till the last minute.

I am positive that there will be a trip over to Fuerteventura which is always great fun and will post on here and Facebook Lanzarote football club as soon as I receive all the information.

GOALS

1-0 min 8 Ayoze Pérez