LANZAROTE 2 CD MENSAJERO 2
11th May 2013
LANZAROTE 2 CD MENSAJERO 2
The Rojillos showed incredible courage coming back from 0-2 down to draw level with just 10 men against a side who had taken 22 out of a possible 29 points in their last nine games.
Prior to the match the La Palma side occupied fourth place and the final playoff spot but only by a point, they knew a win against Lanzarote would leave themselves with their destiny in their own hands going into the final day of the season at home next Sunday.
There was no doubt that former Lanzarote boss Quico de Diego´s new team were taking this match seriously. They flew to Lanzarote a day earlier and were leaving a day later in order to prepare for the match as best as they could.
The match had been rescheduled to be played late Saturday afternoon and at a 6pm kick off many expat fans did not make the match as they were watching Wigan overcome the might of Manchester City in the F.A. Cup final. Those few who made it were treated to a wonderful game of tense, entertaining and a controversial 90 minutes of football.
The league´s two leading goal scorers, both with 20 goals apiece, Yeray for Mensajero and Rosmen for Lanzarote were heading for a shoot out to win the Pinchichi (Top scorer award).
The La Palma side had the better of the opening exchanges and came close in the 14th minute when winger Muda headed inches over the crossbar.
In the 32nd minute the whole complexion of the match changed. A through ball down the middle let in the highly rated Yeray, the leagues joint top goal scorer rounded the Lanzarote keeper Agoney and was clearly brought down by the Rojillos number one. The Ref immediately ordered a penalty and branded the keeper his second yellow card so Lanzarote were forced to sacrifice midfielder Juanca and bring on replacement keeper Adonay.
Yeray dispatched the penalty with ease sending him clear as top scorer with 21 goals but more importantly putting his side 0-1 up.
Ten minutes later and Yeray beat the offside trap and brilliantly chipped the stranded Adonay to give his side breathing space with a 0-2 lead.
Thing did not look good for the Rojillos on this hot Saturday evening. Two down and left with just 10 men with an hour to play against a side who seemed determined for a chance of playing in Segunda B (League 1).
A minute into added time in the first half and a short corner allowed Jotha to superbly find the head of Javi Betancort who nodded home and the Rojillos were back into the match trailing 1-2 at the break.
The tempo of the match continued at the beginning of the second half with Lanzarote winger Toñito looking lively and creating multiple problems for the La Palma defence. In the 52nd minute Toñito once again terrorized the Mensajero left back Juanda and stupidly the La Palma defender lost patience and bundled over Toñito for another clear cut penalty. Rosmen thrashed the resulting spot kick home to pull his side level at two apiece and to increase his tally of goals to 21.
The La Palma side had no option but to push forward, Lanzarote defended well and also tried their hardest to hit the visitors on the break with front duo Rosmen and Toñito working overtime.
With five minutes remaining the Rojillos had thought they had won it when Javi Betancort headed home from a corner but the official spotted an infringement and handed a relieved Mensajero a lifeline awarding them a free kick.
In the 88th minute and with tensions running into overdrive Lanzarote centre back Kamara exchanged blows with an opposition midfielder and both players season ended when the Ref showed them both the red card.
Whilst the visitors were reduced to ten men Lanzarote now only had nine. The hour of playing in such heat with a man less began to show as the Rojillos were defending with all their might and were just happy to kick the ball anywhere out of the danger zone.
With the help of some fine goalkeeping and last ditch blocking the Rojillos saw out the eight minutes of injury time to deny the visitors the victory that they craved.
The La Palma side’s disappointment was increased as their rivals Unión Viera won their march 1-3 and overtook Mensajero in the league table. This is a disaster for Mensajero as Unión Viera´s last match of the season is at home to a side in freefall, CD Vera whilst Mensajero have a tricky home match against the much improved UD Villa Santa Brígida.
This is how football should be played. If you want the glory it has to be earned and it is every footballer’s duty to show equal respect to every football team in the league. Lanzarote ended their season in front of their fans with their heads held high in what has proved to be an exciting yet disappointing season.
Lanzarote are in 14th spot and that is the best they can hope to finish the season in. Next Sunday’s last match of the campaign is away in Tenerife against a side one place and one point below them in the league, Club Atlético Victoria.
GOALS
0-1 min 32 Yeray (Penalty)
0-2 min 42 Yeray
1-2 min 45+1 Javi Betancort
2-2 min 52 Rosmen (Penalty)
