LANZAROTE 3 CD UNIÓN PUERTO 2
The Rojillos put in another superb performance and even though it was a nail biting finish they were worthy winners and move up to 8th spot on a blistering hot day in Arrecife.
After a night of incredible lightning, thunder and rain the island woke up to the beginning of a scorcher of a day. Unfortunately one lady was ill during match however when I spoke to the Emergency services at the end of the game it seemed as though she was ok but was taken to hospital for precaution. He did remind me to ask all visitors to please wear a hat, drink plenty of water and cover up during the midday sun.
The game began at a pace that you would expect between island rivals, fast and furious. The Rojillos claimed first blood in the 9th minute when a cross from new boy Cedenilla was met by striker Di Renzo and the Argentinean powered his header home to give his side an early 1-0 lead.
Lanzarote then began to dominate. In the 18th minute a wonderful cross field pass by Javi Martín was met on the volley by Traoré but his effort from 15 yards went a foot wide of the far post.
Five minutes later and even though the Rojillos were playing some lovely football a Fuerteventura free kick deceived the Lanzarote defence and keeper but fortunately the ball bounced off the post and was cleared.
There were two other good opportunities for the home side in the space of a couple of minutes around the half hour mark. First was a short corner by Cedenilla to Javi, the midfielder took a nice touch to set his sights and fired in a low goal bound effort but his strike was blocked. Next was a strike from Traoré from the edge of the area which shaved the side netting.
One did begin to feel as the halftime whistle blew that Lanzarote might pay for not taking those chances, however six minutes into the second period an unselfish square ball from Di Renzo was met by Rodrigo. His lightning got him to the ball first as he skidded in to stroke home at the far post to give Lanzarote a 2-0 lead.
Di Renzo to our left scorer of one and also an assist for Rodrigo on his immediate right.
On the hour mark Unión Puerto were well and truly back in the contest when the much loved former Rojillo Josito crossed from the left and Aythami fired home past a static Rojillo defence and it was 2-1.
In the 69th minute Meca tried his luck from 20 yards and lady luck was on his side as the goalkeeper made a mess of his attempted save and Lanzarote restored their two goal lead with the score at 3-1.
All smiles with todays performance.
That two goal breathing space only lasted eight minutes as once again the Rojillo defence were caught out on a quick break, nevertheless the chance had to be taken and an inch perfect cross from the right was beautifully guided home for Aythami´s second goal of the match to ensure a nervous ending with the score poised at 3-2.
The Fuerteventura side led an onslaught into the Lanzarote 18 yard box but a final 15 minutes of rock solid defending earned the Rojillos their second win on the bounce to move up to 8th spot with a game in hand or in some cases two games on hand of their rivals.
Next Sunday 23rd October once again Lanzarote are at home and it is against the side joint top at the league and unbeaten this season with four wins and a draw UD Villa Santa Brígida. A win here would surely put Lanzarote into the playoff positions. Come and support!
GOALS
1-0 min 9 Di Renzo
2-0 min 51 Rodrigo
2-1 min 60 Aythami
3-1 min 69 Meca
3-2 min 77 Aythami
