CERRO REYES AT 2 UD LANZAROTE 1
22nd March 2010
A defeat in Badajoz against relegation rivals leaves the Rojillos still third from bottom and two points from safety with eight games remaining. In contrast Cerro Reyes began the day two points clear of relegation and has now extended that margin to a comfortable five points after a run of seven matches with just a single defeat.
Neither side threatened in the opening stages with the only danger coming from dead ball situations. The side from Castilla-La-Mancha region of Spain were playing the better football and were passing the ball around with comfort. Lanzarote on the other hand seemed desperate for a goal and impatiently kept on playing the long ball looking to release striker Jonathon Torres.
The winning goal came in the 27th minute. A clearance by the Brazilian defender Andrés Gasparini was charged down by striker Acorán, the ball fell between the striker and the Lanzarote goalkeeper Vilches, the Lanzarote keeper hesitated then tackled the striker and as the ball broke loose both players raced and challenged again but Vilches just managed to get a toe on the ball but the Puertollano striker went down. Somewhat dubiously the Ref blew for a foul and a penalty kick. Acorán picked himself up and buried the ball low into the left hand corner giving the visitors a 0-1 lead.
In the 43rd minute the Lanzarote Captain Vladimir had a powerful effort blocked by keeper Calleja from eight yards and seconds before the half time whistle a long ball through the centre found Jonathon Torres, the Rojillos front man controlled the ball on his thigh whilst turning and unleashed a vicious 30 yard dipping volley which beat the keeper but unfortunately dipped too late and the ball ended up on the roof of the net.
The Conejeros (locals) began the second half a little more patiently but just could not find the killer pass through a very well organized Puertollano defence. In the 57th minute a free kick from 20 yards by Jotha flew over the wall and just when you thought the keeper was flat footed he managed to adjust himself and dived low to his left and palmed the ball away for a corner.
As the Puertollano side began defending deeper and deeper Lanzarote looked the more likely to score. The Rojillos piled on the pressure and were looking dangerous down both flanks with Rubén Rodriguez operating on the right and Juachi on the left.
In the 65th minute and following some neat passing in midfield involving Vladi and Jotha released Juachi on an over lap, the defender hit the byline and pulled the ball back for Torres but the striker, under pressure, shot narrowly wide.
Two minutes later and a great run from Rubén down the right wing fired in an even greater powerful chest height cross crying out for an Andy Gray style header but his excellent work was met by no one and another chance went begging.
With minutes remaining the Rojillos threw everything forward including their keeper Vilches and bombarded the Puertollano goal mouth. In the 90th minute Vladimir controlled the ball inside the area and beat the defender but his shot, come cross, from the right went low and beat both the flying in Torres and the left hand post.
In stoppage time and striker Carlitos was brought down inside the box and whilst everyone in the ground expected the official to blow for a penalty he simply waved play on and stunned all the Rojillos supporters.
As the Ref blew for full time a fracas broke out between both sides and their benches which led to the National police intervening. As in most cases it turned out to be hand bags at ten paces.
Fortunately for Lanzarote only one of the seven sides in the relegation trouble picked up points. That side was Lanzarote´s next opponents Alcalá, who earned themselves a priceless away point against second placed Real Oviedo in a 3-3 draw. The Rojillos will travel to Madrid next week knowing that defeat is not an option. Lanzarote remain third from bottom but still only two points from safety with 21 points still to play for.
On a lighter note may I say thank you to Rob Mcavoy and Brian Bannister who are visitors and supporters of Lanzarote and of whom I had the pleasure to watch the match with. Rob has been following Lanzarote´s hectic season on his website www.sporttrades.co.uk <http://www.sporttrades.co.uk> whilst Brian, sporting his lucrative Gretna Green football shirt turned up with my favourite chocolate, Walnut Whips.(a rarity on this island) I can assure you Brian that they were demolished that same evening by my wife and kids. Bring a box next time.
