LANZAROTE   2   UD TAMARACEITE   0

A run of seven wins and three draws in their last 10 matches has booked Unión Deportiva Lanzarote their ticket into the forthcoming playoffs for promotion to RFEF 2 (Royal Spanish Football Federation, Fourth Tier).

The Rojillos knew that a win would guarantee that playoff spot and to add even more joy Lanzarote move up to second position after leapfrogging UD San Fernando who could only draw away to CD Tenerife B.

The final league game of the season is next Sunday away in Gran Canaria versus CF Estrella and only a victory will guarantee Lanzarote to finish in second place. Whatever happens next Sunday the Rojillos cannot finish lower than third. This does mean the second leg of the playoff should be at home on the 7^th May though this has to be confirmed by the RFEF.

As could be expected there was a jovial atmosphere in Arrecife on Sunday with many happy faces from fans who have seen their team perform valiantly over the past couple of months. UD Tamaraceite are mid table and had little to play for but with David González as captain who had played over 200 times for UD Las Palmas in the Segunda A (Championship) and centre back David García who had also played for UD Las Palmas at the very highest level in Spanish football they were never going to throw the towel in and bow down.

Lanzarote began well and in the 6^th minute Traoré had a wonderful opportunity to give his side an early lead as he burst through the centre, unfortunately Lanzarote´s second highest goal scorer failed to add to his tally of nine goals as his shot sailed over the crossbar.

In the 16^th minute the Rojillos did take the lead. Poor defending from the visitors was always going to be punished when you have the leagues top scorer in your ranks. Gonzalo Di Renzo stabbed the ball home from six yards for his 18^th strike of the season, four more than any other player.

Gradually the visitors began to control possession but did not offer a serious threat on the Lanzarote goal. The half ended with some bad news for Lanzarote as winger Traoré pulled up with what looked like a hamstring tear.

During the interval UD Lanzarote President Juan Carlos Albuixech made a floral presentation to Pilar and Jacci who have been tirelessly selling the raffle tickets for the club in every home game this season.

In the opening 15 minutes of the second period the Gran Canarian side enjoyed their fair share of possession but again Lanzarote looked comfortable, however as the second half progressed Tamaraceite began to threaten.

In the 65^th minute Lanzarote had a huge let off. Tamaraceite striker Saul was fed the ball central in the six yard box and all the 1000 plus supporters believed that the score would be level. For some reason he opted to pass the ball home instead of putting his laces through it and the Rojillos keeper Ruyman went down low and saved with ease.

The visitors kept on pressing and in the 86^th minute Ruyman produced an outstanding one handed diving save from a thunderous effort from the edge of the box by Ramsés to keep his side holding on to the full three points.

Two minutes later and despite the heat and tiredness midfielder Kilian won a superb tackle when Tamaraceite was about to break and fed Meca. The 22 year old striker shrugged off his defender and unleashed a beauty from 25 yards that settled into the top right hand corner with the keeper only being able to be a spectator which sent the home fans delirious with delight.

The game was now won and the players along with the fans could once again breathe and begin to recognize the fantastic achievement of taking 24 points out of a possible 30 to guarantee a playoff position.

Next Sunday 23^rd April Lanzarote travel to Gran Canaria and face bottom club CF Estrella. The Gran Canarian side maybe a huge 20 points from safety but on Sunday league champions CD Mensajero at home with a big crowd could only beat the strugglers 2-1 so work is still needed to secure second spot.

Finishing second is vital to keep the momentum going and also finishing second will also guarantee a home tie in the second leg of the next playoff should they get past the first. If Lanzarote do reach the Grand Final against a mainland club it could also help to have the second leg to be played at home.

The playoffs should be on these dates but this can only be confirmed by the RFEF.

30^th April away, 7^th May at home. If Lanzarote progress it should be 14^th May away and the 21^st May at home. Should Lanzarote reach the Grand Final it will be on the 28^th May with the return leg on the 4^th June.

If the other team finishes below second in their group then Lanzarote would have the advantage of the second leg at home. There are many ifs and buts however Rojillos manager Mateo García will only have one focus and that is to get maximum points next Sunday.

GOALS

1-0 min 16 Di Renzo

2-0 min 88 Meca