C.D.VERA 1-1 U.D.LANZAROTE
CD VERA 1 LANZAROTE 1, 26th September 2016,
The Rojillos return from Tenerife with a good point against a side that have now drawn five of their opening six matches having lost the other to league leaders C.D.Marino.
It was almost a year to the day that British boy Brad Cockerill suffered a cruciate knee injury and manager Adolfo Pérez finally gave Brad his first start since that fateful day.
After last week’s dismal performance this was the perfect opportunity for the Rojillos manager to make a change. Brad had a good game finally running out of steam in the 65th minute where he was substituted.
The hosts began the match the better of the two sides keeping possession but it was Lanzarote with midfielder Marcos Cabrera who was first to threaten. His goal bound strike from 18 yards was diverted for a corner by a defender.
CD Vera took the lead in the 18th minute in controversial style. Defender Ramsés received the ball just inside his opponent’s 18 yard box and the Lanzarote players were furious as they felt he was well offside. Ramsés slid the ball past keeper Alejandro to send his side 1-0 up.
The locals had a very good opportunity to double their lead just before the half hour when striker Victor forced the Lanzarote keeper into a good save.
The Rojillos manager had made two brave decisions; one was to start with Brad as he had only come on as a sub for less than five minutes a couple of weeks ago and the other was to give a debut to 16 year old Enzo Torres. The youngster showed potential but all the danger was coming down his flank so Adolfo opted to bring on the experienced Miguel in the 38th minute to replace the debutant.
The visitors gradually eased themselves into the game and as half time approached they looked the more likely team to score next.
Lanzarote upped the tempo early in the second period and new boy Borja Vera came close in the 50th minute only being denied by a good save from the Tenerife keeper.
The Rojillos did not have to wait much longer. In the 51st minute Miguel sent in a dangerous low cross and Dani López pounced on the ball via a couple of deflections. Confidently Dani rounded the keeper and rolled the ball into the net to level the score at 1-1.
In the 67th minute the Tenerife side were reduced to ten men following a second yellow card for defender Pablo Gil. Just two minutes after the sending off the home side should have retaken the lead. A cross from the right drilled in found sub Josué who free of a marker headed the ball inches over the bar from eight yards.
This spurred Lanzarote into action and with the introduction of striker Javi Melian replacing defender Jorge Pulido Lanzarote’s intentions were clear.
In the 78th minute a wonder cross from the right wing by Borja into the centre saw Javi Melian get free of his marker; however with limited playing time that he has had, he failed to time his header correctly as it narrowly sailed past the right hand post.
Five minutes later, Louis Kennedy stole the ball in defence and played a one two with captain Toñito. Kennedy flew past two players and fired in a great in swinging cross and again Javi Melian did well losing his marker but with the lack of match sharpness he fluffed his lines and volleyed the ball a metre past the near post. A goal for Javi would do wonders for his confidence because he has this knack of being in the right position at the right time.
The goal did not come but an away point is still a good result. Next Sunday at 12 noon is a real test for Lanzarote as they face the league leaders C.D.Marino at home. The Tenerife side are unbeaten this season and are two points clear of second placed side El Cotillo and five points ahead of Lanzarote who remain in seventh spot.
GOALS
- 1-0 min 18 Ramsés
- 1-1 min 51 Dani López
