LANZAROTE 0 CD SANTA ÚRSULA 0
The Rojillos failed to breakdown a side that clearly had set up tactically to earn a draw. It was a frustrating match for both Lanzarote fans and players but could have ended up much worse had Ruymán not saved a penalty late on for Lanzarote.
The Brazilian Alyson seemed to be the only threat to break the deadlock in the first half. In the 5th minute the 19 year old turned defenders inside out but his strike was weak allowing a rare touch of the ball for the Santa Úrsula keeper in the opening stages.
The same player in the 13th minute ran at the Santa Úrsula defence but was tracked by several defenders and eventually his strike at goal was blocked. Perhaps the game could have been helped if there would have been a water break for the players mid each half as temperatures were touching 30 degrees. A stoppage in a match must be from a Canarian Island government warning and that normally only occurs once temperatures are expected to exceed 35 degrees. I struggled to walk to the toilet in the heat let alone run around for 90 minutes.
Lanzarote´s main threat Alyson taking on the defence but usually outnumbered.
There was an improvement in the second period and it was that man again Alyson turning the Tenerife defence inside out but his strike at goal was well saved by the visitors captain Juanje at his near post.
This was a match that will not be remembered however in the 69th minute the outcome of this game could have been so different. The Lanzarote centre back Raúl brought down the ball with his chest and from five metres inside the opponents half he fired a powerful dipping half volley that brought everyone off their seats but the Tenerife keeper as he has done on many occasions against Lanzarote pulled off a terrific save back pedaling and tipping the ball over the crossbar.
In the centre is the Santa Úrsula captain and keeper enjoying a well earned beer with some of Lanzarote´s fans who have become friends over the seasons.
The Rojillos had really run out of ideas on how to breakdown this stubborn defence and in the 77th minute Santa Úrsula broke. A diagonal run from sub Zeben caught the Lanzarote defence off guard and as he ran past defender Matheus there was contact and he didn’t need any more of an invitation to go down and appeal for a penalty kick. The official obliged and Lanzarote were staring at defeat.
Rojillos keeper Ruymán has been in great form lately and he guessed correctly and saved his third penalty kick out of the last four that he has faced.
This gave the Rojillos some energy for a last hoorah but whilst the players were committed there was no further goal mouth action.
The Rojillos drop a place down to 6th spot and next Saturday they travel to Tenerife to face a side relegated from Segunda B (third tier) last season CD Marino at 12 noon kick off.
The next home match for Lanzarote has not been confirmed. It is due to be played on Tuesday 12th October versus La Palma side CD Atlético Paso. Due to the eruptions taking place on that island flights cannot be guaranteed but as soon as we have confirmation I will post.
Las Palmas C are clear leaders and are the only side to have a 100% record after four games. Below them are five teams on nine points followed by Lanzarote in sixth spot with eight points.
