LANZAROTE   3   UD IBARRA   0

A brace from Gonzalo Di Renzo in the first half and a goal from captain Raúl midway through the second period maintained Lanzarote´s lead at the top of the league.

If you are not on the island it is difficult to describe how hot it presently is. Temperatures rose to 35 degrees and with only the slightest of breezes it truly was not the ideal day to play a game of football. Despite this a good crowd of around 1000 including children had a marvellous afternoon.

Lately in football many teams who have the majority of possession don’t go on and win the game, however it was plain to see that on a day like this the team that kept the ball the most were going to cruise to victory.

The Tenerife side began chasing shadows as soon as the referee blew to begin the game. The Rojillos dominated and one felt that a goal could come at any moment. UD Ibarra had begun the weekend in 11^th spot and whilst they may not be contending to win the league they are a good solid side that have been in this division for eleven of the past 12 years.

That goal was supplied in the 12^th minute from a good pass by Dani González to the Rojillos super striker Gonzalo Di Renzo. The Argentinean shook off his defender and on the turn blasted the ball low from eight yards past the Tenerife keeper to give his side an early 1-0 advantage.

Attacking midfielder León Gómez almost doubled the lead two minutes later but the Ibarra keeper Kevin produced a good save to deny the 21 year old.

In the 18^th minute of the match the crowd rose as one and applauded for one minute to remember and show their respect to ex player Maikel Padrón who died on that day five years ago at just 34 years of age. A photo of Maikel was shown on the scoreboard and I know that Maikels family are deeply touched for this gesture of applause by the crowd.

In the 41^st minute the Rojillos finally found that important second goal when Di Renzo swivelled and from 12 yards fired the ball into the top right hand corner which gave his team that 2-0 cushion.

Before the half ended both León Gómez and Di Renzo had great opportunities to kill the match with that third goal but the keeper made two excellent saves to keep his side in with an outside chance of getting something from the game.

Lanzarote began the second half as they ended the first with complete domination though there was a short spell when the visitors could have stolen a goal but one did feel even if they did Lanzarote had the capabilities of moving up a gear.

In the 63^rd minute the game was all but over. Winger Ale Fuentes took a corner from the left and captain Raúl timed his run to perfection heading the ball past the keeper before he had time to blink.  This goal ended any hope of a comeback from the visitors who now trailed 3-0.

Rojillos manager Leonel “Pipa “ Gancedo had the luxury of resting players whilst giving other players important minutes on the pitch. Among those was local lad Guize. The 19 year old is in his debut season but you wouldn’t know it with the confidence he shows. He is certainly a player to keep an eye on as he has an abundance of talent which is matched by his attitude (number 18).

It looked as though Di Renzo would get a hat trick late on when he volleyed at the far post from a cross from the left but he was denied once again by the keeper.

There were several more opportunities to extend the lead and if Rojillos manager was to be critical it would be the failure of not scoring a few more but overall he must be delighted with his squad.

Next Sunday  Lanzarote travel to Tenerife as they meet second placed side CD Tenerife B at 11am. This will be a real test for the Rojillos as like them, they are unbeaten and only trail Lanzarote on goal difference.

One of the Rojillos midfielders from last season was the brilliant Brazilian Fabricio but he now plays for CD Tenerife B. Everyone involved with Tenerife including their first team manager will be well aware of the spectacular goal he scored at the weekend. After receiving the ball from his keeper he raced forward and deep on the right wing, ten yards inside the oppositions half he struck a sublime effort to give his side a 0-2 win.

Lanzarote now have two consecutive away games and the club are hoping to organise a trip over to Fuerteventura for the match versus 7^th placed side CD Unión Puerto scheduled for Sunday 22^nd October. Details will follow as soon as I have them.

GOALS

1-0 min 12 Di Renzo

2-0 min 41 Di Renzo

3-0 min 63 Raúl