LANZAROTE 1 CD UNIÓN PUERTO 1, 9th September 2018,

LANZAROTE 1 CD UNIÓN PUERTO 1, 9^th September 2018,

The Rojillos (The Reds) enjoyed the majority of possession and goal opportunities in the opening half however the Fuerteventura side fought back with a spirited second half display and deservedly earned their point.

Lanzarote began the game well with good passing and making their opponents chase the ball. Ayoze Pérez came close from a free kick and Miguel Gómez also had a half chance to put the Rojillos in front.

The home side did not have to wait long. In the 20^th minute good work from Ayoze Pérez on the right who slipped the ball through onto the lively Alex Cruz, his low cross found Rosmen in the centre however the Lanzarote captain didn’t connect well on his first strike but a slow reaction from the Fuerteventura defence was punished by the striker who is a week away from his 38^th birthday. His awareness is still super sharp and he stretched and guided the ball low into the bottom right hand corner from close range to put his side 1-0 up.

Rosmen giving his side the lead.

Lanzarote immediately were looking for that second goal. Only five minutes later and Nico González forced a good save from the impressive Unión Puerto keeper Paquito, the rebound fell kindly for Rosmen but the big man will be hugely disappointed that he did not hit the target from 12 yards with the keeper stranded.

The visitors seemed to have weathered the storm and late in the half began to create chances of their own though the Rojillos ended the half the stronger side but with just a slender 1-0 advantage.

The side from the capital of Fuerteventura Puerto del Rosario came out for the second half with a much more determined look about them.

Lanzarote began to play without that sharpness of the first half, passes began to go astray and the visitors began to see the opportunity to pounce.

In the 69^th minute Lanzarote carelessly gave away possession in midfield. Winger Chata received the ball on the right and crossed for striker Felipe who connected well with his volley from 12 yards and saw his effort go wide of keeper Alejandro and into the left hand corner to level at 1-1.

As the Spanish expression goes “this jug of cold water” sprung Lanzarote into life and four minutes after conceding the goal a corner kick from Ayoze found the head of defender Fran Gil and only a brilliant save from Paquito prevented Lanzarote from regaining the lead.

A header from number 4 Fran Gil destined for the top corner only to be denied by a wonder save from the Fuerteventura keeper.

The visitors defended well and fresh from their 6-1 victory from last week they knew they had the firepower to hit their opponents on the break.

The Fuerteventura side had two golden chances to claim all three points. In the 85^th minute sub Adán Mora was one on one with keeper Alejandro but blasted his strike at the Lanzarote keeper who did well to get both hands on the ball and remain strong to palm the ball away to safety.

Keeper Alejandro ensuring his side remain unbeaten.

In the final minute poor control from Felipe let Lanzarote off the hook as the Fuerteventura striker had the chance to win the game and score his second.

A fair point each for both sides in an entertaining match in which the officials played their part allowing the game to flow freely.

Josito congratulating the ref Javier Cardona.

Lanzarote remain in second spot with Gran Canarian side CF Pulido the only team in the division to maintain a 100% record after the three matches in top spot, whilst Unión Puerto are in seventh position.

Next week Lanzarote travel to Gran Canaria to face 14^th placed side UD Villa Santa Brígida.

GOALS