LANZAROTE 0 UD IBARRA 1, 3rd March 2019,

LANZAROTE   0   UD IBARRA   1,   3^rd March 2019, 

The Rojillos remain in 5^th spot but slip to three points away from the playoff positions following an injury time goal in a game that Lanzarote dominated but could not find a way through a superbly organised defence.

Lanzarote are making life difficult for themselves after two consecutive defeats especially against a side that have dramatically fallen into relegation trouble after 10 matches without a win.

The Tenerife side began the day in 16^th spot just a point off the drop zone and immediately their game plan was evident as their defence parked the bus and hoped to hit their opponents on the break.

Rojillos manager Maxi Barrera would have been well aware of their tactics and his frustration during the afternoon must have bordered on unbearable.

Lanzarote controlled possession during the opening period but chances were few and far between. In the 15^th minute centre back Luciano flicked on a corner kick to the far post but there was nobody to touch the ball home.

The only opportunity for the visitors came in the 20^th minute when a well worked one two on the edge of the box forced Rojillos keeper Agoney into a comfortable save.

Four minutes before the break Rojillos midfield playmaker Enrique Pérez struck well from 25 yards but keeper Cicovic did well to scramble across and save low at his left hand post.

Five minutes into the second half and Lanzarote had their best chance of the afternoon. A free kick from Lanzarote´s man of the match Ayoze Pérez found defender Javi Morales unmarked at the far post. The right back correctly tried to side foot the ball into the goal from six yards but he got it all horribly wrong as the ball travelled along the face of the six yard box and away for a throw in.

Moments later and Ayoze Pérez was inches off target with a half volley and five minutes on an inswinging free kick from Enrique Pérez was headed just wide with Lanzarote´s players holding their heads in frustration.

Take nothing away from the Tenerife side, their defence fought valiantly as they were pinned back into their final third most of the match.

Rosmen and Luciano both had headers that were on target but keeper Cicovic whose father played for Las Palmas first team for six years had no problem dealing with both efforts.

With ten minutes remaining Lanzarote upped the tempo and Luciano made a surging run through the middle then gave the ball to sub Gastón, he threaded a stunning pass into Rosmen´s run into the box, the Lanzarote captain struck well from 12 yards but once again the keeper got a finger on the ball as it hit the side netting and all Lanzarote got for their efforts was a corner kick.

In the 82^nd minute Alex Yunes was sent clear from a clever pass by Enrique Pérez, the Lanzarote striker rounded the keeper but his cross come shot was headed away by a defender.

Four minutes later and Ayoze cut in from the right wing beat his defender and fired in a powerful strike but the keeper saved well diving to his right.

The home side persevered and were just hoping for that break or defensive error but instead what they got in added on time was a defender punting the ball clear, veteran striker Bauldino who had only been on the pitch four minutes read the situation and from 25 yards excellently executed a lob over Agoney and saw the ball fall into the bottom left hand corner to claim three priceless points and send his side up to 14^th spot.

Over recent weeks the top sides have been shy on winning so Lanzarote remain in fifth and are three points off the final playoff spot, fourth position. There are just another two points separating them to third spot with 11 games remaining.

Next Sunday the Rojillos have a very difficult task away against CD Buzanada. The relegation threatened Tenerife side have clawed themselves out of the danger zone and now have five point’s daylight between them and the drop zone by remaining unbeaten in their last five matches, winning four of those games.

Lanzarote´s next home match is now confirmed for Saturday 16^th March at 12 noon versus SD Tenisca. This game should have been played on the Sunday but the La Palma side need to catch two flights so to help them make it easier both sides agreed to change the date.

Unfortunately there will be no Puerto Del Carmen market again this Friday 8^th March due to Carnival.  Photos of this match are on Facebook Lanzarote football club.

GOALS

0-1 min 90+1 Balduino