CD UNIÓN PUERTO 2 LANZAROTE 3, 15th September 2019,
CD UNIÓN PUERTO 2 LANZAROTE 3, 15th September 2019,
The Rojillos picked up their first win of the season and catapulted up the league table into eighth spot, one short of a playoff position and three points off top spot.
The club organized another hugely successful bus and ferry trip over to Fuerteventura where they were joined by Lanzarote fans who had decided to spend the extended weekend in our neighbouring island due to the Fiesta of Los Dolores (Our Lady of Sorrows).
A gorgeous September day to be on the ferry to Fuerteventura.
In the past few seasons Lanzarote had been poor against our derby rivals but this game proved to be hugely exciting. Credit must go to our rivals as they were down to nine men yet still went in search of a draw leaving the Lanzarote fans biting their nails until the final whistle.
Some of the fans with players and staff prior to the match.
Most of the fans opted for the shaded stand where a cool breeze was most welcome on a typical glorious September day.
The players were offered none of this shade but for 90 plus minutes every one of them can be commended into contributing to a fantastic contest.
Rosmen had a crack at goal from the edge of the box early on and you just had the feeling that this could be a thrilling game.
The Rojillos took the lead in the 8th minute. A deep corner by Ayoze Pérez saw defender Adrián “Chino” beat his defender at the far post and headed low, the keeper pulled off a great save but he could do nothing when Adrián nodded home the rebound.
From there Lanzarote´s dominance began with Miguel Gopar starring in the centre of midfield alongside Ayoze Pérez and this duo were at the forefront of what was a wonderful first half.
Ayoze Peréz in form.
In the 33rd minute defender Raúl controlled the ball with his right foot and with that same foot and from a virtual statuesque position belted in a screamer from 30 yards scraping the underside of the crossbar and sizzling the net. This was a goal that all Lanzarote fans will remember except Chris Larcombe who went to the loo. (Check out the goal) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S5G-nodhGs&feature=share&fbclid=IwAR0kQtKkuV2zMYV0FJ0wAzG97rtrN7dJHCAMRqOSw3OHKesM8NvFkdQysmE
Raúl (right) being congratulated by Omar.
Lanzarote had opportunities to get that killer third goal but failed to do so, nevertheless they went into the half time break 0-2 to the good after playing some super football.
Half time refill.
Anyone who has played football knows that a 0-2 half time lead is wonderful but if your opposition get that goal especially early then the game can completely turn on its head.
Just five minutes into the second half and what Lanzarote feared happened. Some good link up play saw striker José Chata brush off a defender and from the edge of the box struck low and precise beating the Alejandro the Rojillos keeper and getting his team right back into the game with the score now 1-2.
Fortunately Lanzarote were still playing some good football and with the home team upping their game it became an enthralling contest.
In the 70th minute a ball fell in the Fuerteventura six yard box, Rosmen went into strike but the defender kicked to clear and at the same moment the ball hit Rosmens swinging foot and flew into the bottom left hand corner. This restored Lanzarote´s two goal at 1-3 and gave Rosmen his first goal of the season on the eve of his 39th birthday.
Rosmen (left) scoring a day before his 39th birthday
Only four minutes later and an incredible run from defender Alberto tearing through the centre of the Lanzarote midfield then defence, he then released sub Mariano and after only being on the pitch three minutes the striker beat a defender and poked the ball in from eight yards and again the home side were back in it with the game poised at 2-3.
The burning sun and the pace of the match were beginning to be evident on the pitch as both teams began to tire.
In the 79th minute substitute Juanjo picked up his second yellow card and to the relief of Lanzarote their opponents were down to ten men. A minute later and the Fuerteventura manager was also given his marching orders.
The home side then did seem to lose control and in the 88th minute they were down to nine men when another substitute Alex was given a straight red.
If Lanzarote thought the game was over they were to be mistaken. The home side kept pressing and all credit must be given to those nine players as Lanzarote were extremely relieved to hear the final whistle.
The players and fans made their way back to Corralejo and all boarded the 4pm ferry and went on to enjoy our traditional raffle.
Great result for this Spanish lady winning a signed shirt and ball.
Heaps of prizes were donated including signed shirts, Cinema tickets at Biosfera, High Tea for Two at Café de la Plaza in Puerto Calero and a huge thanks to everyone who donated spirits etc making it over 30 prizes in total.
Begoña (second from the right) came back on the 6pm ferry but was delighted to find out that she had won the High Tea for Two.
Enormous thanks goes to the two girls selling the tickets Jane Hayden and Julie Buck who raised 415 Euros all of which goes to the club. Cheers ladies.
Jane Hayden (left) with Julie Buck outstanding selling the raffle tickets.
Next Sunday 22nd September at 12 noon Lanzarote want to continue this good feel factor when they are at home versus UD Villa Santa Brígida. Traditionally the Gran Canarian side are one of the forces in this division but presently they sit one place above the foot of the table with one win and three losses.
GOALS
0-1 min 8 Adrián “Chino
0-2 min 33 Raúl
1-2 min 50 José Chata
1-3 min 70 Rosmen
2-3 min 74 Mariano
