LANZAROTE 0 U.D. SAN FERNANDO 1, 6th October 2019,

LANZAROTE 0 U.D. SAN FERNANDO 1, 6^th October 2019,

A home defeat is always hard to stomach however there are occasions when you just have to raise your hat to the opposition who deservedly left with maximum points.

The Gran Canarian side began the day in ninth position with Lanzarote one position and one point above their opponents.

The visitors pressed from the beginning not allowing Lanzarote any time on the ball. As soon as they lost possession immediately there were three men surrounding the red and blue shirt of the Lanzarote player.

In the 18^th minute fans rose and began one minute’s emotional round of applause. This was to mark the first anniversary of the death of ex Lanzarote player Maikel Padrón. Maikel died at the heartbreaking age of just 34. His wife, children, parents and family were all in attendance and would have been warmed by the reception the midfielder received.

A minutes applause in honour of the late Maikel Padrón.

Even though the game was intense it wasn’t until the 21^st minute that the first strike at goal took place. San Fernando winger Alejo Ojeda cut inside from the left and struck from the edge of the box but his effort was a good yard over the crossbar.

From this the visitors grew in confidence and ten minutes later the Lanzarote defence allowed the ball to drop on the floor in the six yard box. On the far post was the ever threatening Alejo Ojeda and he placed the ball into the opposite corner giving Rojillos keeper no chance and sending his side 0-1 up.

Some of the family of Maikel Padrón.

For the remainder of the half Lanzarote were made to hurry their passing as ex Rojillo striker Jonathan Quintero and Ojeda defended superbly from the front.

One spark of good news was that Miguel Gómez was on the bench after three weeks out with an ankle injury. Manager Jero Santana had no choice if he wanted to turn things around to bring last season’s player of the season on in the 51^st minute and five minutes later new striker Aday López.

Miguel Gómez offered hope.

It was Miguel Gómez that gave the home fans hope. He looked sharp beating players, exquisite flicks and in the 66^th minute he forced the keeper into two good saves.

Unfortunately it seemed nobody else was on the same wavelength as Miguel as he ran across the pitch with the ball looking for team mates to make a run but there was to be no way through the yellow solid defence.

It was one of those days for Lanzarote and probably with the exception of defender Raúl, Miguel Gómez and keeper Leo all of the Rojillo players will be disappointed with their performance.

A good game for Raúl in red but a great game for Ex Lanzarote player Quintero

Even with five minutes added on time the visitors looked the more likely to score as Lanzarote did not threaten. Their manager Mingo Doramas must be delighted with his coaching staff and players as his game plan was absolutely spot on.