CD SANTA ÚRSULA 2 LANZAROTE 0, 23rd February 2019,

CD SANTA ÚRSULA   2   LANZAROTE   0,   23^rd February 2019,

The Rojillos knew that if they took anything from this match against the third placed side then they would be in a playoff position but as it turned out the home side moved up one place to second.

The game was held in the beautiful north part of Tenerife and even though it is mid winter temperatures were still topping 30 degrees.

Around 50 Lanzarote fans came along to support the Rojillos either by flight or ones that reside in Tenerife.

Lanzarote began the game on the attack and after four minutes Alex Yunes forced the keeper Juanje who was going to play a huge part in this match into producing a fine save.

For the opening 20 minutes Lanzarote looked the much better of the two sides but that was as good as it got. Ayoze Pérez came close from a free kick and all was looking good for the visiting team.

On the half hour the referee blew up so players could stop and drink some water as the temperature reached its peak.

The only threat that came from the home side was a long ball over the top and on two occasions Lanzarote dealt with the situation and it should have seemed that they had now understood the danger.

As the game progressed the Tenerife defence grew in confidence whereas the Rojillos who were without their captain Rosmen (suspension) and influential attacking midfielder Miguel Gómez (injury) lacked ideas on breaking down their opposition.

In the 34^th minute another ball over the top of the Rojillo defence was neatly chested down by midfielder Sergio Pérez and his finish from 15 yards was equally as deadly as he sent his side into a 1-0 lead.

Late on in the first half the most controversial incident of the day occurred. Centre back Luciano challenged the keeper for the ball and with his foot slightly high the Tenerife keeper Juanje managed to avoid his boot but nevertheless was still upset with the challenge.

As the players gathered round to argue their point of view the Santa Úrsula keeper Juanje clearly raised his hands and struck Luciano in his face.

After the fracas and as players settled down the official then made for his notebook to brandish his cards, Luciano received a yellow and everyone stood in amazement as the official then handed out another yellow which everybody in the ground expected to be a red for Juanje. Not only wasn’t it a red but the yellow wasn’t even for him it was for another team mate.

The referee was well placed as were the 400 spectators and in their heart of hearts even the home fans must have feared the worst. It seemed that the only person who missed or ignored the incident were the officials. This could have been a huge game changer.

As the players came off at half time the visiting fans were making their feelings know to referee Señor Carlos Franco.

Lanzarote enjoyed a lot of possession in the second period and the ball moved well from defence to midfield. It was in final third that was proving a difficult task against a stubborn and well organised defence who have conceded fewer goals than any team in the league other than the leaders UD Tamaraceite.

As the game entered into the final minutes Lanzarote lost the ball in midfield and were on the back foot. Tenerife striker Sebas took on the final defender and in fairness the defender could have cleared for a corner but as his side was trailing decided to try and play the ball out. Sebas persisted and won the ball back and from close range blasted home to secure the 2-0 victory.

It wasn’t the ideal result against a direct opponent for a playoff spot however fourth placed Santa Brígida lost as did a host of clubs trailing Lanzarote. The Rojillos remain in fifth with just goal difference separating them from the final playoff spot.

Next Sunday 3^rd March at 12 noon Lanzarote are at home to 16^th placed side UD Ibarra.

GOALS

• 1-0 min 34 Sergio Pérez
• 2-0 min 85 Sebas