LANZAROTE 0 UD LAS PALMAS C 2, 4th February 2018,

LANZAROTE   0   UD LAS PALMAS C   2,   4^th February 2018,

It was only a few weeks ago that the Rojillos had fought back and were on level points with the last playoff spot but with three losses on the bounce they now find themselves in seventh position and eight points adrift of the final playoff spot, fourth place.

With the weather on the island being so bleak for the past week or so it was a welcome sight to see that big yellow thing in the sky smiling and beaming down warms rays of sunshine.

The game began with both sides playing some great football but it was the youngsters of Las Palmas who were first to threaten. In the 12^th minute defender Josito blocked a goal bound header and then keeper Alejandro was quick off his mark to close down the rebound and smother the striker’s effort.

Captain Ayoze Pérez was typically involved in most of Lanzarote´s play and it was him who after some good work creating an opening was unable wrap his foot around the ball cleanly from eight yards allowing the visitors keeper, Benito to save comfortably.

There was nothing to separate the sides up until the 38^th minute then a cross from the right was punched out by Alejandro and the ball fell kindly to midfielder Kirian and from 20 yards he struck a powerful dipping half volley which flew into the back of the net to give his side a 0-1 advantage.

Three minutes later and after another good jinking run from the lively right winger Alejo created space to chip a cross from the by line. Defender Josito slid in with an arm slightly raised and the female referee Marta Huerta de Aza had no hesitation pointing to the spot as soon as the ball struck his arm.

The 21 year old Kirian stepped up and planted the ball inside the left hand post to score his and his sides second sending his team into the break with a comfortable lead.

Striker Rosmen was brought on for the second half and within the opening ten minutes he came close twice, firstly with a looping header that just cleared the crossbar and in the 54^th minute with a strike on the turn from ten yards that went narrowly past the right hand post.

The Rojillos hadn’t been playing badly it was just that the strikers had come up against a defence that were on top form on the day.

As the game progressed Lanzarote began running out of ideas and the Las Palmas C side full of players all aged under 23 years of age showed their class. I am sure one or two of these boys will be playing their football in the Primera Liga in the next few years.

Late on Alejandro produced two outstanding saves, a powerful effort from 25 yards by midfielder Juan was superbly tipped over as was an eight yard strike in the 80^th minute from sub Yeremy.

The Rojillos deserved to be second best on the day and must find a way of scoring as it has been three games since they have found the net. Next week it won’t be easy as Lanzarote travel to league leaders CD Tenerife B.

Other local club Yaiza finally halted their 11 game winless run with a superb 2-0 victory against the promotion chasing UD Ibarra whilst Haría remain bottom after losing in Fuerteventura 2-1 to CD Cotillo.

GOALS

• 1-0 min 38 Kirian
• 2-0 min 42 Kirian (penalty)