U.D LANZAROTE 2-0 U.S YAIZA

LANZAROTE 2 U.S. YAIZA 0, 27^th August 2017,

After the incredible heat the island has experienced over the past week it felt a little chilly at the midday kick off where it was a mere 29 degrees.

Starting XI.

Starting XI.

The islands two most successful clubs in recent seasons fought out a tough duel but it was the Rojillos who came strong as the game developed. Two super substitutions at a critical time of the match from new manager Maxi Barrera proved decisive.

Both sides were cautious in the opening period as both defences seemed to be on alert. The first action near goal was in the 16^th minute for Yaiza when British boy Louis Kennedy went down in the penalty area but the referee waived away his appeals.

A good performance from Louis Kennedy (green) and also from center back Kamara.

Only a minute later and Rojillos Miguel Gómez struck at the back post only to see his effort palmed wide by Yaiza keeper Ruymán for a corner.

The crowd under the shade getting entertained by a good game of football.

In the closing minutes of the first half Lanzarote had two good opportunities to take the lead. In the 39^th minute a free kick from Miguel Gómez was flicked on and fell to the toe of central defender Kamara, his reaction was quick but still his strike from eight yards was instant and narrowly flew over the crossbar.

A minute later and a clever chip from Ayoze Pérez allowed the hard working Javi Melian to free himself of his marker but his headed effort from eight yards fell straight into the arms of the Yaiza keeper.

A great performance from Javi Melian grinding down the Yaiza defence.

Yaiza also finished the half with a spurned opportunity. A great delivery from Louis Kennedy found Alex Yunes but the Yaiza striker failed to hit the target.

The Rojillos began the second half with grit between their teeth. Less than 60 seconds had passed when midfielder Borja sent Miguel Gómez through. The skilful midfielder rounded the keeper but from the narrow angle he could only hit the side netting.

In the 61^st minute a counter attack led by Borja freed Miguel Gómez, the midfielder cut inside his defender but his shot, again, fell kindly for the Yaiza keeper.

The breakthrough came in the 65^th minute. Only 10 minutes after being brought on Javi Trujillo raced onto a pass from Javi Melian in which he had absolutely no right in getting to, however with fresh legs against a tired defence the Lanzarote striker beat the last defender, rounded the keeper and with a calmness in finishing which was lacking last season took an extra touch before lashing the ball home to give the Rojillos a 1-0 lead.

Javi Trujillo.

Javi Trujillo skinning the Yaiza defence.

Javi Trujillo turning the defence inside out to put his team 1-0 up. (photo from Stewart McNab)

Five minutes later and Yaiza could have easily levelled. A poor defensive header fell to Alex Yunes, however the Yaiza danger man did not seem to have his scoring boots on as he blasted the ball a good 10 yards over when positioned on the penalty spot.

Lanzarote took full advantage of this let off. In the 72^nd minute Trujillo broke down the right wing and whilst myself and all the Lanzarote fans urged him to attack the defender and go for goal he looked up and squared an inch perfect pass to fellow sub Alex Cruz who slotted home from eight yards to all but end this match.

Number 16 Alex Cruz celebrating his goal.

Two minutes later and Yaiza defender Falo who was already on a yellow card got involved in a fracas and picked up his second yellow forcing his team to play the final 15 minutes with 10 men. As Falo left the field he went over to the Lanzarote bench and kicked Javi Melian so I am sure will be due a long suspension.

During the week the Rojillos number one goalkeeper Alejandro suffered an accident in training which has dislodged his front teeth. It could be a long absence for the experienced keeper. 18 year old Sasha Roche was therefore forced to make his Tercera Division debut. To be fair the youngster had little involvement but in the 77^th minute he was tested with a fierce drive from winger Ubay and got down low at the far post to make an excellent one handed save to ensure that he kept a clean sheet.

A good debut and a clean sheet for Frenchman Sasha Roche.

Late on Trujillo and Kamara had further chances to build on the lead but the game ended with Lanzarote worthy winners. After two matches the Rojillos are in 7^th position and will travel to Gran Canaria next week to face one of the league’s top sides UD Villa Santa Brígida.