LANZAROTE   1   ARUCAS CF   0

There may have only been a single goal in this game but from start to finish the spectators were on the edge of their seats, finally after that 6^th minute of injury time and a Rojillo red card the home fans could finally gasp for air.

The previous two away games were against the B teams of Tenerife and Las Palmas. Lanzarote had played well taking a point off each side; this had to be followed up with maximum points just to keep the deficit to the playoff positions to four points.

Lanzarote were the first to threaten when in the 2^nd minute midfielder Fabricio saw his effort whistle past the left hand post. Only four minutes later and an error in the Rojillo defence let in striker Héctor with a one on one with keeper Ruymán. The Lanzarote keeper remained tall then superbly went down at the right moment saving with his right foot.

In the 17^th minute central midfielder Javi Martín let rip a thunderous swerving drive from 30 yards but the Gran Canarian keeper Ramírez saw it all the way and made no fuss with the save.

That winning goal came from a deep corner kick on the right in the 25^th minute by Cedenilla. Keita rose well at the far post and headed the ball into the top right hand corner to give Lanzarote the 1-0 lead.

The Rojillos were looking the more confident side but they were met with an organised defence who were determined not to concede another goal before halftime.

The visitors came out for the second half with a renewed enthusiasm. In the third minute Héctor broke down the right and fed strike partner Santi, his strike forced Rúyman into another good save high on his left hand post to maintain his sides lead.

Minutes later a superb ball over from the left once again found Arucas striker Santi. Fortunately for Lanzarote his shot from close range was on the stretch and he could only hit the side netting.

Lanzarote began to weather the storm and on the hour mark Di Renzo held the ball under pressure and then split the Gran Canarian defence with a precise pass to Traoré. The Ivory Coast winger ran onto goal but from a narrow angle couldn’t beat the Arucas keeper.

Only a minute later and it was Rodrigo who fought through the centre of the visitors defence but again Lanzarote were denied by another great save from the foot of the inspired goalkeeper.

The Rojillos were now on full throttle looking for that second goal to give them breathing space. In the 65^th minute Di Renzo sent Rodrigo through the centre and just when the Brazilian was about to strike from 12 yards he was clipped on the heels and went down in the penalty area. To the shock of all the fans and even some of the Arucas players the referee ignored all the appeals and continued with play.

Lanzarote squandered further opportunities to increase their lead then in the 86^th minute it seemed certain that the second goal was about to happen. Fantastic footwork from Di Renzo dancing through the visitors defence, he then squared the ball back for the oncoming Julyan and the 21 year old substitute powered in a low drive from 8 yards but incredibly the keeper Ramírez flung himself across the six yard box to pull off another wonder save.

Lanzarote then had to endure six minutes of added on time as the visitors sent wave after wave of attack into the Rojillo danger zone.  Rúyman again produced another fine save then at last the referee blew his whistle and the 500 or so crowd could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

A huge disappointment was for the red card shown to the influential Lanzarote front man Di Renzo in the 94^th minute. The 26 year old Argentinean will have to wait to see if he has a one or two match suspension.

The team has been playing well this season in seven of their eight games but it was vital to claim all three points and maintain 7^th spot. Last season’s best defence in this league had been leaking goals but with two clean sheets in as many outings the signs look good.

Next Sunday Lanzarote do not play. Their next match is in Fuerteventura versus UD Gran Tarajal on Sunday 20^th November scheduled for 12 noon. The club are hoping to organise an excursion including bus and boat trip to our neighbours across the pond. Details will follow later this week.

GOALS

1-0 min 25 Keita