LANZAROTE 0 UD TAMARACEITE 2, 23rd September 2018,

LANZAROTE 0 UD TAMARACEITE 2, 23^rd September 2018,

A goal in each half for the Gran Canarian side send them to the top of the league whilst the Rojillos succumb to their second consecutive defeat and slip to 9^th spot though are only three points off from the new league leaders.

As kick off approached the temperature was well into the 30´s and rising. It was going to be so important who would get the first goal as to chase the game in this sweltering heat was always going to be a difficult task.

This small and newly promoted Gran Canarian club has had a major revamp over the past few years with the brothers of Ramírez Alonso family taking control in 2015. One of the brothers is President of UD Las Palmas and the family has various business interests on the island.

The club does not pay their players but does guarantee work for their families; this has attracted some ex pro´s and has led to the club being promoted in each of their last three seasons.

The game began at a good pace with Lanzarote slightly edging possession. In the 19^th minute good work from Alex Cruz and Alex Yunes led to the latter having a clear strike on goal but his stretched effort from 20 yards cleared the bar by two metres.

Five minutes later and a well worked free kick by the visitors unlocked the Lanzarote defence and ex Las Palmas player Aythami Álvarez nodded home from six yards to put his side 0-1 up. The linesman did flag for offside but after consulting with the referee the goal was correctly given as a Lanzarote player had last played the ball.

The Gran Canarian side settled well after this goal as midfielder David González began dominating the midfield. The 37 year old number 10 who has played around 200 matches for UD Las Palmas first team was clearly a class above the rest.

Lanzarote Captain Ayoze Pérez with ex Las Palmas star David González

Lanzarote were still playing well and shortly after the goal the Rojillos had their best opportunity of the match. Five minutes before the interval an intelligent chip over the top from Brad saw captain Ayoze Pérez clean through. The Lanzarote captain who is normally so composed in these situations brought the ball down well with his chest but then hastily pulled the trigger and his strike from eight yards only endangered oncoming aircraft.

Rojillos manager Maxi Barrera brought on attacking players Rosmen and Miguel Gómez five minutes into the second half as the home side were pressing to level.

Lanzarotes hopes were dashed in the 62^nd minute. A cross from the left found man of the match David González and the veteran midfielder made no mistake volleying home from six yards to give his side a 0-2 advantage.

The Rojillos did not throw in the towel but with the big number 4 central defender Alberto in fine form it was proving difficult.

On the occasions that Lanzarote found a way through the defence the Tamaraceite keeper Kilian proved to be an even bigger obstacle producing a good double save from sub Nico González and a terrific one handed low save denying Rosmen.

A solid game for defender Alberto and keeper Kilian.

There are not many teams in recent seasons who have beaten Lanzarote are on their own turf. It was only a couple of seasons ago that the Rojillos went forty three games unbeaten in their own park but this small Gran Canarian club were worthy winners and look set as favourites to win this league.

Things don’t get much easier next week as Lanzarote are away against 5^th placed side CD Tenerife B.

GOALS