LANZAROTE 1 LAS ZOCAS 0
LANZAROTE 1 LAS ZOCAS 0
13th October 2013
The Rojillos move up to fifth spot in the league table with a goal from striker Yaco three minutes into the second period in a hard fought match on another scorching sunny day.
Prior to the match all players and fans observed a minute silence. Many of the expat fans did not know who had died. 12 year old Dorian who is a player of Lanzarote´s Infantil lost his mother that week and the Lanzarote players stood all in line on the centre of the pitch whilst the Tenerife side all beautifully went down on one knee with their heads sunk offering their respects.
From almost the first whistle this match looked like it was going to be tough with both sides matching each other in most departments.
The Tenerife side looked the more dangerous in the final third of the pitch and early on a good turn by midfielder Saúl followed by an excellent volley narrowly whistled by the Lanzarote´s goalkeeper far left hand post.
In the 25th minute another great strike from Saúl tested the reflexes of the Rojillos keeper Agoney. The visitors had a couple of strikes from distance which didn’t trouble the keeper but as soon as the ball was with the opposition they retreated quickly nearly always having nine players behind the ball.
The Conejeros (Locals) could not break down this nine man wall. The ball was being swung from one side to the other in midfield looking for a gap that wasn’t opening.
With three minutes of the half remaining Lanzarote striker Yaco had the best opportunity of the match. After an exchange of passes Yaco was put through but with time on his hands he could not find the finish to match the move as his strike went inches wide from eight yards.
The second half began wonderfully for the Rojillos. Three minutes in and right back Camacho made a great run down the flank and crossed the ball high to the far post. Yaco´s first touch was spot on which enabled him to blast the ball home from close range giving his side a 1-0 lead.
The visitors had no choice but to push forward as the game moved on leaving themselves with only three in defence. The Rojillos then took a back foot and relied more on the counter attack.
In the final ten minutes Las Zocas had two great chances to level the score. A free kick, central on the edge of the box beat the wall but diving to his left the Lanzarote keeper made a fine one handed save, tipping the ball away for a corner.
From the resulting corner sub Bradley headed against the bar which made it four clean sheets in a row at home for the Lanzarote goalkeeper and his defence.
Late on and Yaco went into a challenge strongly but fairly, however the Las Zocas sub Helio reacted terribly when he head butted Yaco on the ground near the Lanzarote bench. The sub saw red and his side were reduced to 10 men for the remaining couple of minutes. Unfortunately Toñito who had been subbed 20 minutes earlier joined in the confrontation and also got a red card.
This win moves Lanzarote up to 5th spot, just a point off the play offs and three points from top spot. Next week the Rojillos have a difficult match away in Tenerife against second placed side CD Marino.
There is still no news on when Lanzarote will return to their home pitch in Arrecife. I do think the next home match will still be in Tias but check on here or The Lanzarote football club Facebook page for confirmation.
GOALS
1-0 min 48 Yaco
