Lanzarote go a goal up and five minutes later are 2-1 down which pretty much sums up the disappointing season the Rojillos (reds) have had to endure.

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It’s all over. After nine consecutive seasons in Spain’s third flight of football Unión Deportiva Lanzarote has been relegated and will be playing football next season against fellow Canarian teams.

Gutted, one of Lanzarote´s great players , club captain and scorer of the goal against the mighty Real Madrid, Oscar VladimirEleven seasons ago the Rojillos made their debut in Segunda B (league 1) but were relegated the same season. The following year they returned as Tercera division (third Division) champions and embarked on an incredible journey both in the Copa del Rey and the league.

In 2003-04 season a young talented extraordinary Lanzarote side won the league but still failed in promotion to Segunda A (championship) because of the Spanish play off system which includes the leagues winners only gaining promotion through a play off.

During those years the Conejeros (locals) enjoyed seeing their island compete and beat some of the Primera Liga´s finest teams. Wins against Tenerife, Mallorca and Athletic Bilbao were some of the highlights of a five year dream as well as narrow losses to Sevilla, Getafe and a late Fernando Torres strike for Atlético Madrid.

The biggest game Lanzarote ever played was in the 2001-02 campaign against Giants of football Real Madrid. After going a goal down from Guti the Rojillos rallied and equalized before the break with current club captain Oscar Vladimir obliging with a dream goal. Zidane and Figo turned on the class in the second period and Madrid ran out 1-3 winners.Real Oviedo´s travelling fansLanzarote will be heading back to the third division with a hat full of memories of success, which has also been their demise. Competing against Spain’s elite has come at great expense and for the past two seasons the existence of U.D. Lanzarote has been in serious threat and was only resolved hours before deadline.

Fittingly it was ex Primera Liga side Real Oviedo that dealt the final blow. After 13 seasons in the Primera Liga the Asturias side fell into a cash freefall and found themselves in the third division. Winning the third division via the play offs last season in front of a thirty thousand crowd was the stepping stone the club needed.

This season they are guaranteed second place with this win against Lanzarote and will be competing for promotion for a second successive season.

Once again the Rojillos seemed to be playing well only for the away side to draw first blood. In the 29th minute striker Mario Prieto blasted in a 25 yard belter that flew past keeper Vilches with the ball nestling into the top left hand corner.

Relegation to the Tercera (third) division had already been assured with last weeks loss so pride was the only matter at stake against the Gran Canarian mid table side.

Lanzarote began the better of the two teams with the first chance falling for Ayoze Pérez who tested the reflexes of the Vecindario keeper, Luis, with a powerful shot which was finger tipped away for a corner.

In the 20th minute the Rojillos took the lead. A superb run down the right wing by Ayoze Pérez who outpaced the Vecindario back four then unselfishly squared the ball for striker Carlitos to pass the ball home from eight yards with the keeper being caught in no mans land. The Rojillos had found themselves in unfamiliar territory by taking the lead in a match.

Only three minutes after going in front ex Rojillo favourite Yeray Ortega nodded his new side back on level turns following a corner. Two minutes on and the Rojillos were 2-1 down. A corner swung in from the left was cleared to Toñito standing on the edge of the box.

The Lanzarote front man carelessly gave the ball away and from 20 yards Yeray López sweetly hit a volley beating the Lanzarote keeper Miguel to the right hand corner of the net.

The Rojillos were now back in familiar territory by trailing a game by two goals. The defensive frailties from Lanzarote were fully exposed in this match just as they have been all season. With 85 goals conceded this term, Lanzarote have the worst defensive record in Spain.

Five minutes before the break and the days scoring was complete.  A simple cross into the danger zone was met by an unchallenged Yeray Ortega who headed home his second of the day from six yards. The home side went into the interval with a commanding 3-1 lead.

After an eventful first period the rhythm of the match died with chances for either side being few and far between. Manager Carmelo Hernández gave Englishman Ian Robinson a half hour run out and with a little over 20 minutes remaining Lanzarote junior player Roberto got the nod from his manager to make his first team debut.

As the Ref blew the final whistle Lanzarote´s nine consecutive years in Segunda B came to an end. An exodus of players has already begun with Juachi, Moncho, Rául Torres and Carlitos with their bags packed and many more will be expected to follow.

Opportunity will await the youth of Lanzarote as first team positions will be up for grabs as the Rojillos prepare to build for an immediate return to Segunda B.

All fixtures for next season in the third division will be updated on the website around mid August. For any other information you’re welcome to drop me a line.

The post UD LANZAROTE 0 REAL OVIEDO 2 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The noose has tightened for U.D. Lanzarote after failing once again to pick up anything against direct relegation rivals.

Nothing the Lanzarote captain Vladimir can do as his team stare at third division footballTo round off an awful day for the Rojillos, defender Andrés Gasparini received a straight red card late on as Lanzarote finished the match with 10 men.

If next week is going to be Lanzarote´s last home game in this division it is against one of Spain’s top sides Real Oviedo. Stan Collymore’s old team is already assured a play off spot when they secured the highest winning victory this season in Spain’s league by battering Vecindario 9-1.

Villanovense have given themselves hope with this victory moving up one place to third from bottom but also on equal points (38) with four other sides including Tenerife B who currently occupy the relegation play off position.Ex Rojillo Juanjo sinks the Rojillos with a hat trickFive minutes later and Toñito saw his effort from 10 yards fly inches over the upright as did Vladi moments later from an identical position.

During the entire second half the Rojillos gave their heart and soul with Toñito and Jonathon Torres orchestrating the pressure.

In the 73rd minute a great one two with Carlitos and Toñito saw himself with just the keeper to beat but the Oviedo keeper Serrano who concedes on average less than one goal a game saved at the winger’s feet. Another good effort from Torres produced a brilliant finger tip save from Serrano and Lanzarote´s hopes began to fade.

In the second minute of injury time the leagues third top scorer Manu Busto nailed the coffin shut with a classy individual finish following a counter attack.

The final game of the season is away versus Vecindario with neither side with anything to play for. The Gran Canarian side is sitting comfortable in 11th place and even if Lanzarote win they will finish the season bottom.

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U.D. Lanzarote fight back from a goal down and win the game with two goals in the final ten minutes which will give the Rojillos hope for the remaining three matches.

Ayoze Pérez with an 85th minute winnerThe Rojillos were now firmly in control and only two minutes from the first goal came the second. A ball passed to Torres in the centre of the pitch was perfectly flicked onto to Toñito galloping down the left. The winger raced on and committed the keeper then unselfishly fed the ball across goal to fellow Sub Ayoze Pérez for a tap in from six yards and amazingly the Rojillos were in front 2-1.

Vladi came close in stoppage time for a third which was again set up by man of the match Torres but the keeper pulled off another great one handed save but it wasn’t to matter as the ref blew for full time.

Is this a stay of execution? Most of the other sides in relegation danger picked up points leaving the Rojillos still bottom and six points and goal difference from safety. The realistic objective is the play off spot with a third division side which is an achievable three point climb with three games remaining.

Next week Lanzarote will be travelling to the Extremadura region of Spain pending the volcano crisis where they will face a critical match against second from bottom Villanovense.

Man of the match Jonathon TorresThe nine consecutive years playing football in Spain’s third league is about to come to an end. Only a miracle will save the Rojillos now. Bottom of the league with two games remaining and their only possibility to salvage anything is to finish in the relegation play off spot. Realistically it is doubtful. Should any of the other four teams above Lanzarote win either of their two matches or draw two, then Lanzarote will be relegated to the Third division.

The Badajoz side went ahead in the 15th minute from a header by defender Manu Cabezas and two minutes later doubled their lead from the penalty spot by ex Rojillo Juanjo.

The Lanzarote manager Carmelo Hernández instantly made a change by bringing on striker Carlitos replacing centre back Faruk. This looked to be a good move as the Rojillos pulled the score back to 2-1 with a long distance free kick from Rúben Rodriguez in the 24th minute.

Five minutes later and the Rojillos had a fantastic opportunity to draw level when Rúben was put through with just the keeper to beat. Unfortunately Lanzarote´s top scorer fired wide as did the Rojillos hopes of remaining in this division.

Three minutes from half time and a great solo goal from Juanjo restored the home side’s two goal cushion as the Rojillos went into the break trailing 3-1.

Five minutes into the second period and it was game, set and match to Villanovense when Juanjo completed his hat trick and gave his side an unassailable 4-1 lead.

The post UD LANZAROTE 2 GIMNÁSTICA 1 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Rojillos were in control of this match up until the 65th minute. The game was poised at 1-1 and Lanzarote missed a golden chance to take the lead and from the next move the all whites of Real Madrid counter attacked and scored.

The game began with a good tempo but it wasn’t till the 13th minute for the first threat at goal. Jonathon Torres cleverly set up strike par partner Carlitos for a clear shot at goal from five yards, he shot with venom but a defender lunged in at the last moment and deflected his effort away for a corner.

Four minutes later and Raúl Torres powered in a 30 yard strike but the Gimnástica keeper saved the shot low down at the left hand post.

The first chance of the match for the side from the top north of Spain was to prove costly for the Conejeros (locals). A free kick from 20 yards had been awarded and a simple training ground set play fooled the Rojillos. Two players ran to take the free kick resulting in pretend confusion; a moment later midfielder Cushi beautifully curled the ball around the wall with his left foot into the bottom left hand corner beating the outstretched Vilches to give his side a 0-1 advantage.

Familiar territory for the Rojillos as most the games they have won this season have had to be done after falling behind. For the remainder of the half the Rojillos regrouped and did not allow Gimnástica Torrelavega any access to goal.

With the ship steadied the Conejeros came out for the second half as if their lives depended on victory. Within 20 seconds of the restart Maikel Padrón saw his 20 yard effort fly inches past the post.

In the 49th minute Lanzarote keeper Vilches saved well with his feet following a corner and five minutes later Gimnástica had another chance to extend their lead when midfielder Siro broke through and found himself with just Vilches to beat. The Lanzarote number one stood tall till the last second and then saved brilliantly with his feet.

The Rojillos then took control. In the 57th minute Vladi broke through the centre and released Rúben Rodriguez who in turn instantly found Jonathon Torres. His first time strike was saved well by keeper Iván Crespo then the rebound fell to Vladi but the Lanzarote Captain fired narrowly over.

Two minutes later and Sub Ayoze Pérez blasted a shot in from the right hand corner of the penalty area but his violent strike was met with the strong right hand of keeper Crespo and away to safety.

Just after the hour mark and manager Carmelo Hernández introduced the temperamental but sometimes brilliant Toñito. The Lanzarote gaffer has kept faith with his often criticized winger despite three red cards and countless yellow cards he has picked up this season. What a good decision it turned out to be as the 24 year old turned out to be in inspiring form.

Five minutes later and good work from Toñito led to Vladi combining with a quick thinking Torres for a one two. The Lanzarote Captain struck the ball hard and low from eight yards but his shot was superbly saved and pushed onto the post. The rebound fell to Vladi but again the keeper bravely saved at his near post. With the keeper in such outstanding form and Lanzarote´s luck resembling that of an airline company there seemed to be no way through for the Rojillos.

In the 72nd minute the ever alert Torres struck a shot come cross that went inches past the far right hand post and the boot of Ayoze Pérez. Eight minutes on and Crespo saved low at his right from a Carlitos shot.

The pressure Lanzarote had been mounting finally paid dividends in the 82nd minute. Left back Juachi fired in belter from 25 yards which swerved and deceived the keeper who could only get a hand to it as the ball rocketed into the roof of the net.

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A strike in either half by ex Rojillo favourite Anibal Zurdo sends the Conejeros (locals) to the foot of the table, five points from safety with only five matches remaining.

Ex-Rojillo Anibal Zurdo does the damage with a goal in each halfIn the 51st minute Raúl Torres and five minutes later Jonathon Torres had good efforts saved by the Leganés keeper.

Both sides were desperate for three points for two entirely different reasons, Leganés for promotion and cup qualification and Lanzarote for survival in Spain’s bronze league.

As the game entered the final third both sides bypassed the midfield as the long ball became the preferred option. This may sound ugly football but the intensity of the match and the openness of the game was enjoyed by all the fans.

Jonathon Torres was again denied twice in the space of three minutes by the Madrid keeper Raúl Moreno as the Rojillos dug deep, desperate for a goal.

In the 81st minute disaster struck. The Lanzarote back four was comfortably in possession of the ball and with no apparent danger a mix up in defence gifted Anibal the ball with just the Rojillos keeper Vilches to beat. The Lanzarote faithful knew the quality that this striker possesses after his two seasons sporting a Rojillos shirt. The Madrid born player made no mistake with his left foot and with his 14th strike of the season put his side back in the lead at 1-2.

Lanzarote´s most famous fan never shy on expressing his opinionWorrying times for Rojillos manager Carmelo  HernándezThis result leaves Lanzarote with one foot in Spain’s third division. The Rojillos are six points from safety with only 12 points left to play for.

The game began at a fiery pace with Lanzarote producing the first chance of the match. A cross from Raúl Torres found namesake Jonathon Torres and the Rojillos striker powered in a good header but the Real Madrid keeper Adán saved well.

In the 7th minute an exquisite pass through the centre from midfielder Cordero split the Rojillos defence and found striker Juan Carlos. As the Lanzarote defence sprinted back the Real Madrid forward neatly rounded keeper Miguel and sent his side 1-0 up.

Credit to the Rojillos as heads did not drop; on the contrary the Rojillos forced the Madrid side to retreat. In the 12th minute Raúl Torres side stepped his defender on the left wing and from a good 30 yards unleashed a rocket of a shot which was still rising as it flew past the Real keeper to level the score at 1-1. Many of the Lanzarote fans were at the clubhouse in Arrecife watching the match live on Real Madrid TV and were stunned as well as relieved watching the replays of such a terrific strike.

The game remained fairly equal up until half time with the best chance falling to Jonathon Torres. The striker beat the offside trap with a run down the right wing, he cut the ball back but the defender managed to block the pass but in turn laid it back to Torres who shot accurate and powerfully but the Madrid keeper stood his ground and saved well.

The second half the Rojillos came out all fired up and bombarded the Madrid goalmouth with successive corners. The home side were kept on the back foot and offered very little when in possession.

The 65th minute proved to be the deciding moment. A free kick on the right wing for Lanzarote swung in by the trusted left boot of Rubén Rodriguez found defender Moncho unmarked at the back post. The centre back some how completely messed up his header and Real Madrid’s B team broke with pace.

Seconds later and Madrid were deep down the Rojillos left wing. Marcos Alonso chipped the ball back to the penalty spot perfectly to striker Sarbia and with the Lanzarote defence still making their way back the Real Madrid striker calmly volleyed home into the bottom right hand corner giving his side a 2-1 advantage.

This time the Rojillos heads dropped knowing that they must win the match to have any realistic chance of avoiding the drop.

The Lanzarote players looked tired both physically and mentally whereas Real Madrid’s youngsters looked strong and eager to impress Spain’s national coach Vicente Del Bosque watching in the stands.

Manager Carmelo Hernández brought on fresh legs with front men Carlitos and Barnsley boy Ian Robinson but the damage had already been done. In the 80th minute sub Vasquez broke down the right wing and was brought down by centre back Richard. The Ref awarded a penalty and dished out a second yellow card to the defender. Vasquez sent keeper Miguel the wrong way and gave his side a commanding 3-1 lead by blasting the spot kick into the bottom right hand corner.

There was to be no way back for the 10 men of Lanzarote as the clocked slowly ticked away prolonging the pain. Deep into stoppage time and Real Madrid’s second Sub Samuel found himself with a one on one with keeper Miguel and without a defender in sight. The youngster beautifully chipped the Lanzarote keeper who was standing in for the suspended Vilches and completed the 25 minute rout making the score 4-1.

As the old saying goes where there is life there is hope. This Sunday Lanzarote will face mid table Gimnástica. Should Lanzarote pick up 3 wins and a draw from their four remaining matches they would still have a chance.

Personally I believe the bookmakers would give better odds on people travelling to England rather than Lanzarote to pick up a sun tan.

The post UD LANZAROTE 1 LEGANÉS 2 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

A 94th minute winner for fellow relegation strugglers Alcalá condemns Lanzarote to their third consecutive defeat leaving the Rojillos second from bottom and four points from safety.                                

U.D. Lanzarote began the match looking positive and up and ready for a battle. The game plan for Rojillos manager Carmelo Hernández went up in smoke in just under six minutes.

On their first attack the Madrid side punished the Rojillos without mercy. Great wing play from man of the match Chupe who set up team mate Valleros. The midfielders strike was blocked and a host of players challenged for the rebound but quickest to react was Anibal and sent his side 0-1 in front from close range.

The Rojillos were stunned but continued to play open attacking football though failed in the final third. Equally Leganés went in search of a second goal and had a penalty appeal turned down in the closing minutes of the half with the Ref opting for a free kick on the edge of the box.

Lanzarote came out for the second half with the same enthusiasm as they had shown in the opening minutes of the first. Almost instantly this positive frame of mind paid dividends.

A superb free kick by defender Juachi sailed into the top right hand corner from 25 yards leveling the score at one apiece. The home side was egged on by a vociferous crowd and felt as though a winner was inevitable.

The post ALCALÁ 3 UD LANZAROTE 2 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

U.D. Lanzarote´s recent good form has turned sour following this home loss and only being able to gather one point in their last four games.

The Rojillos began the match badly, conceding in the opening minutes and ended the match even worse.

Less than three minutes had ticked by when Lanzarote conceded and began the afternoon with an even more difficult uphill battle. Ayoze Pérez lost the ball in the centre and being the last defender let in striker Roberto Izquierdo. The Alcalá front man did not turn down this generous gift from the Lanzarote defender and chipped the Lanzarote keeper Vilches giving his side confidence and a 1-0 lead.

The home side was looking to kill off the game early with a second goal but credit must be given to the Lanzarote defence who weathered the initial 20 minutes of bombardment and gradually eased into the match.

Juachi who was playing wide on the left wing and striker Jonathon Torres began to give the home sides defence real problems through constant hard work and battling.

The Rojillos drew level four minutes before the break. Inevitably danger man Juachi flew down the left wing and cut inside beating his defender and was eventually brought down by the Alcalá keeper and the Ref immediately pointed to the spot. The ever reliable Rubén Rodriguez converted the penalty and sent his side into half time with the game level at one apiece.

The Madrid side began the second half as they had begun the first half pinning the Lanzarote back four deep into their own territory. This time the Rojillos managed to hold out for eight minutes. Defender Juani crossed the ball on the edge of the area and Sub Moya headed home from close range giving the home side a 2-1 advantage.

Once again Lanzarote began playing better football when they were staring at defeat and not having much else to lose. Prior to the match Alcalá were sitting fifth from bottom occupying the relegation play off spot two points ahead of Lanzarote who were third from bottom. The importance of this match was obvious as both sets of players showed the commitment expected in a fierce relegation battle with no players holding back on challenges.

The tide had turned and the Rojillos were now dominant in possession with wave after wave of attack. The home side defended deeply and only threatened on the counter attack in search of a two goal cushion.

Finally, in the 73rd minute a great strike from the edge of the area by Juachi beat the outstretched Alcalá keeper and sailed into the far corner of the net and Lanzarote were level for the second time in the match with the score poised at 2-2 with a quarter of an hour remaining.

The closing stages of the match were frantic. In the 81st minute the home side had a glorious chance to take the lead for the third time when they were awarded a penalty. Roberto Izquierdo struck the spot kick well but the ball hit the foot of the post and away to safety.

The reprieve for the Rojillos did not last long. Four minutes into added on time and Lanzarote were dealt a crushing blow. Roberto Izquierdo redeemed himself from his penalty miss by controlling the ball inside the area and powered in a shot which beat Vilches and sent the home fans wild with joy as the ball settled into the back of the net with a 3-2 victory imminent.

The Ref blew straight away from the restart and all the Lanzarote heads dropped looking at the natural green grass of Madrid.

Lanzarote are in big trouble. Only a win will do next week if the Rojillos are realistically going to remain in Spain’s third league for a tenth consecutive season.

Next week the visitors will be Leganés. The Madrid side are in 7th place and six points off the promotion play offs. They will desperately be seeking three points as they are in a battle with six other sides for the final Copa Del Rey (F.A. Cup) spot up for grabs.

However Lanzarote do have a good record against the side that has spent 11 seasons in Spain’s Segunda A (Championship). Over the last five seasons Lanzarote have won this fixture three times and Leganés once with last year being a scoreless draw.

The post UD LANZAROTE 0 PUERTOLLANO 1 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

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.

The post CERRO REYES AT 2 UD LANZAROTE 1 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Rojillos fight back from 1-2 down with 10 men to draw level in the final minute of play with a penalty converted by Lanzarote´s top scorer Rubén Rodriguez.

The opening stages of the game did not flow well with the Referee stopping and starting the game with unnecessary free kicks being awarded to both sides. The Conejeros (locals) then began to start enjoying the majority of the ball and in the 9th minute the home side took the lead. A free kick swung into the six yard box from Rubén was chased by Carlitos, without touching the ball his run deceived both defence and goalkeeper and the ball ended up in the bottom left hand corner giving Lanzarote a fortunate 1-0 lead.

The Rojillos were now looking to increase their lead. In the 25th minute an inch perfect through ball from Jotha found Carlitos but the striker got the ball stuck under his feet and he was crowded out of the way by a host of Tenerife defenders. A minute later and a 20 yard effort from left back Juachi looked destined for the top left hand corner but the Tenerife keeper acrobatically dived and brilliantly saved with his right hand and only conceded a corner kick.

The Tenerife manager was not happy with what he was seeing and on the half hour he ordered two of his subs Airam the leagues top scorer, and ex- Rojillo Oscar Martin to warm up. This seemed to do the trick as the Primera Liga´s B side gradually edged back into the game and went into the half time break trailing by a single goal.

One minute into the second half and Tenerife made the move of the match by introducing the ex Lanzarote favourite Oscar Martin and the leagues top scorer with 24 goals Airam. Oscar Martin immediately was causing problems flying down the right wing leaving the Lanzarote defence in pieces.

Lanzarote drop a place and are now third from bottom. Next week Lanzarote will travel to Badajoz and face Cerro Reyes who look comfortable in 13th place but are still only three points ahead of Lanzarote. This emphasizes how close things are in the relegation zone with only three points separating six teams.                    

The home side began the game knowing that a victory here would go a long way ensuring another season in Spain’s third league of football. The Badajoz side were quick off the blocks and were intent on calming their nerves by scoring an early goal.

The Rojillos realized that this was going to be the case and were defensively very well organized in the opening few minutes and gradually began to gain control of the ball in the centre of midfield.

Just when Lanzarote had thought they had contained the opening barrage of attack from the home team they were victim to a moment of brilliance in the ninth minute of play. A great run from winger Golo down the right flank caused mayhem within the Lanazarote defence. The winger delivered a superb pinpoint cross to the far post and striker Engo Noir finished off the move with a textbook header which beat the Rojillos keeper Vilches giving the home side a 1-0 advantage.

Lanzarote kept their discipline and edged their way back into the match. Six minutes from half time and with the help of the Cerro Reyes keeper Lanzarote were level. A corner from Raúl Torres was caught by the keeper but for some inexplicable reason the ball slipped from his hands and the Lanzarote striker Jonathon Torres couldn’t believe his luck toe poking the ball home to make the score 1-1.

For the remainder of the first half Lanzarote got to grips with the game and looked the more dangerous side but still couldn’t capitalize. In the 41st minute a 20 yard effort from the goal scorer Torres was scrambled away by the nervous keeper as the home side held on till the break.

After the interval the home side gradually began to pour pressure restricting Lanzarote to counter attacks. In the 66th minute Lanzarote defender Moncho cleared off the line following a shot by midfielder Cayado. Cerro Reyes then replaced their left and right midfielders with two wingers, one on either flank.

The Rojillos began to sit back and were looking more than content with a point. In the 80th minute sub Cristo was clean through with just Vilches to beat but his effort cleared the upright and Lanzarote drew a sigh of relief.

The relief was only temporary. With four minutes remaining a cross from Cristo found fellow sub Juanito, he passed the ball backwards to the unmarked Engo Noir and the striker made no mistake thundering the ball into the net from eight yards and putting his side 2-1 up with his second goal of the match.

The home side held on for the remaining four minutes of mandatory time and the three minutes of injury time for a deserved victory.

On a good note, none of the other sides in the relegation battle won and just six points separates the bottom seven teams with eight matches to play. Four teams will be automatically relegated and the fifth from bottom side will be forced to face a play off match with a third division club in order remain in this league.

This Sunday Lanzarote host Puertollano who will be bubbling with confidence following their 3-1 win against second placed side Real Oviedo.

The side from the Castilla- La Mancha region of Spain will be eager to improve on their good form which has brought them to within four points of the promotion places.

Lanzarote on the other hand must maintain their fantastic recent home form in which over their last seven home games the Rojillos have won five and drawn two.

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