C.D. UNIÓN PUERTO 2 LANZAROTE 0

C.D. UNIÓN PUERTO   2   LANZAROTE   0,   28^th January 2018,

The Rojillos (The Reds) lose ground on a playoff position following a poor display in Fuerteventura against a side struggling against relegation.

Over 100 fans were on the buses and ferry to Fuerteventura with others coming by car joining Lanzarote folk that are living on our neighbouring island.

The concern prior to the match was the weather as a big storm had hit the island with five metre waves. As we made our way down to the port in Playa Blanca, the sun had come out, the wind had dropped and the sea was calm which made the 40 minute crossing was an excellent one.

The game began at a slow pace with no opportunities for either side. On the half hour Lanzarote defender Kamara was fouled and kicked on the floor and responded with his hand in the face of his opponent.  Nobody will argue that in this day and age that he deserved a red card but the official got it so wrong only giving a yellow card to the Fuerteventura player when he too should have been sent for an early shower.

Shortly after the official confirmed his poor judgement when a ball was chipped in midfield and a Fuerteventura player jumped and handled it. Lanzarote got the free kick but the official for some reason did not issue the Unión Puerto midfielder with the standard yellow card for such an obvious offence. It was then I began to get that sinking feeling that this could be one of those days.

As it happened the visitors once down to ten men began playing some good football for the remainder of the first half but failed to create any good opportunities.

Ten minutes into the second period and a cross from the right was met with a good finish from striker Juanmi giving the Majoreros (Fuerteventurians) a 1-0 lead.

Lanzarote pushed forward and were awarded a free kick 25 yards out in the 64^th minute. It was quickly taken but the move was intercepted and the home side broke with pace. Midfielder Pitu raced onto the ball and found himself one on one with keeper Sasha and managed to slide the ball under the Rojillo keeper to give his side breathing space with a 2-0 lead.

Rojillos manager Maxi Barrera brought on winger Gaston with 20 minutes remaining and this did offer some threat as he dazzled down the right wing but unfortunately he couldn’t find a team mate on the same wavelength.

Back on the ferry fans were in good spirits during the raffle. Around 30 prizes were up for grabs with many fans donating bottles of spirits and a nice bottle of local Bermejo wine which I had my eyes on. The 6D cinema and mini golf at Biosfera shopping complex also gave prizes as well as heaps of club merchandise including signed shirts and footballs.

Many thanks to the club for organising this trip at such a low cost. Our Cabildo (local government) didn’t help with subsidizing the bus however the club did not increase our 20 Euro package of bus and ferry to the match. A huge thanks goes to everyone buying the raffle tickets especially Carole as she hounded people down on the ferry and raised 392 Euros.

On top of this the owner of The Irish Harbour Bar in the Old Town of Puerto Del Carmen Mai Blake donated 100 Euros towards the cost of the bus. If you are in Puerto Del Carmen nip into the harbour bar for a pint and give the thumbs up to Mai and her manager David who also donated 2 bottles of Smirnoff, one of which I broke.

Lanzarote have slipped to sixth spot and are eight points off the playoffs with a game in hand. Next Sunday 4^th February at 12 noon Lanzarote are at home versus third placed side Las Palmas C in a must win match.

I believe the official for this Sundays match is Marta Huerta de Aza who is an international referee.

Other local side Yaiza had a much better day earning a point away at league leaders CD Tenerife B in a goalless draw and are 10^th whilst Haría didn’t play and remain bottom.

GOALS

 1-0 min 54 Juanmi

2-0 min 64 Pitu