LANZAROTE   1   CD MENSAJERO   1

The Rojillos end their four match losing run with a hard earned point in a hugely entertaining match against second placed side CD Mensajero and remain in seventh position, three points off the playoff places.

It was a strange day in Arrecife which began cold with strong winds however by kick off at 12.30 the wind had dropped along with jumpers and coats as people enjoyed temperatures in the mid 20s.

Lanzarote began the game well, intent on improving on their recent poor form. Rojillos midfielder Fabricio early on dictated the play and throughout the whole match looked a class act. Lanzarote were first to threaten with new boy Pipo forcing the keeper into a good save and Fabricios follow up strike was blocked by a defender.

It was gripping end to end football with Lanzarote enjoying the vast share of possession then in the 23^rd minute a corner kick for the La Palma side was powerfully headed by midfielder Benítez low into the bottom left hand corner giving the visitors a 0-1 lead. Rojillos manager Mateo García would have been disappointed that the header was unchallenged.

It took time for Lanzarote to regain their composure after this goal against the run of play but gradually they got on with the job in hand. On the half hour Keita thought that he had levelled when he headed low and powerful but a defender managed to clear the ball off the line.

Before the break both Pipo and Isaac had come close to putting Lanzarote back on level terms and even though the visitors held onto the lead one did sense an air of optimism as the second half was about to get underway.

Lanzarote increased the pressure on the Mensajero defence and in the 57^th minute a cross from Keita was superbly headed by the impressive Di Renzo from the penalty spot which forced the La Palma keeper into a full stretch save tipping the ball over for a corner.

In the 74^th minute Lanzarote were awarded a free kick from 20 yards. Captain Raúl is well known to have a powerful strike in his locker. The Mensajero wall did not expect a low strike and all they could do along with the keeper is to turn their heads and watch as the ball nestled into the left hand corner and finally and deservedly the Rojillos were level at 1-1.

Despite conceding the goal and knowing that they were just over 15 minutes away from going top of the league the La Palma side got back into the game and looked capable of getting a winner. The heart of the Lanzarote defence Raúl and Bangoura with the latter playing in his first home match remained solid and kept the visitors at bay.

It was a superb game and credit to both sides and the officials for such free flowing good football without any of the dramatics.

Lanzarote end their poor run and because of carnival next week they will travel to Fuerteventura a day earlier than previously indicated, therefore next week’s match will be played in Puerto Del Rosario on Saturday 18th at 12 noon against CD Unión Puerto.

GOALS

0-1 min 23 Benítez

1-1 min 74 Raúl