LANZAROTE WIN THE SAN GINÉS TOURNAMENT (2-2 FT) (3-1 on pens)

Unión Deportiva Lanzarote won on penalties after an entertaining match versus last season’s league champions CD Mensajero. The match ended 2-2 but the Rojillos won the penalty shootout 3-1.

The side from the island of La Palma looked the better of the two teams early on and came close in the 17^th minute when a low strike was superbly saved by Rojillos keeper Alejandro.

In the 25^th minute an elegant move began with centre back Pierce who slotted the ball through the centre to Javi Martín, then to the right to Traoré, a clever pass from the winger set up Ale Fuentes on the edge of the box. His effort forced the keeper into a good save, high to his right.

The visitors then took the lead somewhat fortuitously in the 44^th minute when a cross or possibly a shot was going nowhere but ricocheted off the unfortunate Guize completely wrong footing Alejandro and Mensajero were 1-0 up.

The half ended with a superb free kick from new boy León Gómez. The 21 year old Argentine fresh from the B team of River plate curled an effort from 20 yards which again forced the keeper into a superb save in his top right hand corner.

Lanzarote were electric in the opening six minutes of the second half and went 2-1 up. A minute from the restart a León Gómez corner was headed low inside the far post by Rojillos super striker Di Renzo. Five minutes later and it was León Gómez with a cracker from the edge of the box to give his side the lead. Rojillo fans will be pleased to know that the club has the Argentine playmaker on a two year contract.

The Rojillos looked comfortable and had chances to get that two goal cushion then in the 83^rd minute an uncharacteristic challenge on the edge of the box from Alex Cruz gifted Mensajero a penalty. Vianney stepped up with seven minutes remaining levelling the score at two apiece.

Lanzarote then went on to win the penalty shootout and just about deserved to be the winners of the San Ginés. Lanzarote manager Leonel “Pipa” Gancedo will be delighted with his teams performance against a side from a higher division. The defence looks strong, midfield is creative and every time going forward they look as though they can score.

There will be some friendly matches before the season begins on the 10^th September and as soon as they are confirmed I will publish details. The next public event will be the annual open beach training session on Tuesday the 22nd of August which will be held on Las Cucharas beach at 6.30pm. Any youngsters or oldies who want to join the squad on a warm up run through the Costa Teguise boardwalk are welcome. The players will be having photos with the fans and its a cracking early evening event. Details will follow shortly.

GOALS

0-1 min 44 (own goal)

1-1 min 46 Di Renzo

2-1 min 51 León Gómez

2-2 min 83 Vianney (penalty)