LANZAROTE 1 UD VECINDARIO 0

21st April 2013

LANZAROTE   1   UD VECINDARIO   0

With temperatures topping 35 degrees in the shade and with all junior matches cancelled due to the extreme heat both sides have to praised for providing the fans with a good entertaining game of football.

The game began at a surprisingly good pace with a midfielder on each side dictating play for their appropriate teams, Futre for the visitors and Jotha for the Rojillos. Both players are well experienced and have played their football in a higher category.

Even though the pace was fast the chances were few, Lanzarote striker Rosmen tested ex Rojillos goalkeeper Santi Lampón on a couple of occasions but as the half drew on the pace began to slip and when the Ref blew for half time you could feel the relief bellowing from the players.

As I walked down to open the Lanzarote megastore (a couple of trestles and a piece of wood) at half time the hot air produced by the Calima (sandstorm from Sahara) burnt my lungs and that was in the shade.

With the players drinking gallons of water and a much needed cold shower during the interval, the game returned back to its original fast pace.

Only five minutes into the second half and a long ball from the left was brought down superbly by the inform Rosmen, he then stroked the ball neatly past the Gran Canarian keeper and gave his side a 1-0 advantage with his 19^th goal of the campaign.

Within 10 minutes the Rojillos had made three substitutions, the British brothers Ryan and Jamie were two of the players who made way. When Jamie signed for Lanzarote in January he was nursing an injury so it has taken a while for him to settle into the side to be sharp enough to play in a higher division. After starting the last two matches and with the team not conceding it looks as though the 24 year old defenders patience is getting its just reward.

Meanwhile Ryan has been a revelation and has quickly become the fans favourite. Coming off the bench the 21 year old causes havoc with his pace and determination, this has earned the striker a starting position in the first eleven, however, I am sure Ryan won’t agree with me but if he would have been sub and come on with 30 minutes to play he would have tore apart a tired Vecindario defence.

The Gran Canarian side tried as hard as they could to get back into the match but it was Lanzarote who came closest to scoring the game’s second goal. A cross from the left was cleared by the visitors defence and the ball fell to Echedey, the midfielder angled his body and fired in a wonder volley from 20 yards only to see the ball crash back off the crossbar and away to safety.

Rojillos manager Adolfo Pérez got his tactics spot on despite my thoughts and brought on youngster Kevin Castro for his first team debut late on.

The Lanzarote defence remained solid throughout as the Rojillos deservedly collected all three points and move up to 14^th position.

Two away games now prevail, both against sides from Gran Canaria, first up is 9^th placed side UD Telde followed a week later by Villa Santa Brígida who are sitting one place above the Rojillos in 13^th. The next and final home game of the season is almost certain to be brought forward a day to Saturday 11^th May and kick off is likely to be at 6pm though please check closer to the date on here or on Facebook at Lanzarote football club.

GOALS

1-0 Rosmen min 50