U.D. Lanzarote have been firing on all cylinders since the start of the season and after this latest away victory it reads; played nine, won seven, drawn one and lost one. This Championship winning form has shot the Rojillos to the top of the league with four point’s breathing space.

Jonathan Torres back to scoring ways with his first strike of the seasonThe visitors were the better of the two sides in the opening stages but it was Lanzarote that should have gone a goal up. Talented winger Javi Morales seemed to have been brought down by the Granadilla keeper but the ref waved off shouts for a penalty.

The Tenerife side went up a goal up in the fifth minute by getting round the back four of Lanzarote which was not going to be the only time they did so. Striker Airam Benítez held off challenges from the Rojillos centre backs and calmly stoked the ball low past keeper Ruymán.

In the 16th minute Lanzarote man of the match Toñito made a darting run down the right flank and cut in between two defenders in the box and appeared to have his legs snatched beneath him. The ref then had two choices; a penalty or a yellow card for the winger. He chose neither and the Lanzarote crowd were stunned that they had been denied a blatant penalty.

Minutes later and a cross from the right by defender Angel Gil was met by Toñito only to see his effort cleared off the line.

Just after the half hour mark and the visitors should have extended their advantage. Another ball over the top created mayhem in the Lanzarote defence and midfielder José Carlos found himself with just Ruymán to beat. The midfielder won that battle but his neat chip bounced off the top of the bar and off for a goal kick to the relief of the home crowd.

Lanzarote then steadied their defence and comfortably saw out the remainder of the half and looked content going into the break a goal down rather than two.

The course of the game completely changed around in the second half. Lanzarote began to dominate possession but Granadilla showed that they were not going to just sit back and protect their lead. Midfielder Nahor saw his long range effort tip the top of the woodwork and on every break they were threatening.

Lanzarote drew level in the 62nd minute following some delightful one touch football. Superb passing between three Lanzarote veterans, Torres, Rubén Rodríguez and Jotha released Toñito in full flight. He surged down the right wing then cut inside and fed a perfectly weighted pass to his overlapping team mate. Rosmen´s clever run in between the two defenders gave him the chance for a strike and he powered in a left foot strike into the far corner of the net.

The intensity of the match was thrilling. Five minutes after the leveler Toñito let rip with a cracker from 30 yards. His power blaster from the centre looked destined for the top corner but keeper Jairo at full stretch brilliantly tipped around the post.

Lanzarote were now playing their best football of the match. In the 71st minute a pin point cross from Rúben Rodríguez found the head of Jonathan Torres. The back to form striker used the weight of the cross to maximize power and glanced the ball beyond the reach of the Tenerife keeper to give his side a deserved 2-1 lead.

The Rojillos were in command and to anyone who has ever played football will know that that awe of confidence can be shattered in a second.

Three minutes after going in front the major controversy of the day was about to take place. A ball harmlessly through the centre was shielded back to his keeper by Guayo. The Granadilla striker chasing the ball went down when he got to Guayo and the ref ordered a penalty kick to the shock of the Lanzarote faithful. The Lanzarote players were furious and picked up three yellow cards but nothing changed the mind of the official.

Ivan Martín stepped up and sent Ruymán the wrong way to send his side level at two apiece. The ref was getting a slagging from the crowd and to be fair to the crowd he had made some poor decisions through the course of the match but to be fair to the official I believe he got the penalty correct.

Shielding the ball is accepted in all levels of football when players run the ball out for a goal kick or a corner. This is obstruction and makes it impossible for an opponent to make a genuine attempt at a tackle without committing a foul. Whether the ref should have awarded an indirect free kick is another cause for debate.

The Rojillos then declared war on their opponents and bombarded the visitor’s goal. In the dying seconds a deep cross to the far post found Rosmen but his header shaved the post and into the side netting and the Rojillos were forced to settle for a point in a highly entertaining duel.

Lanzarote´s lead at the top has been cut to three points with Las Palmas B winning 4-0 who also has a game in hand.

Next week Lanzarote are away but are playing at home if that makes any sense. Lanzarote´s only other club in this division are Marítima and they will face the leagues top scorers U.D. Lanzarote at the joint home of both clubs. Marítima have had a quite incredible start to the season as prior to last Sundays match were the only unbeaten club in the league. Unfortunately they have only won once and have drawn all the others. In another twist of fate their first defeat of the season 4-1 away to fourth placed side C.D. Vera has now put the other Conejero (local) side into the relegation places.

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Apologies for the delay in updating but normal service will be resumed shortly. Los Rojillos (reds) kick off the season on the 29th August with an away match in Tenerife versus U.D. Realejos and the following week their first home match will be against the best side in this division last year C.D. Corralejo.

Click onto fixtures for a complete list of this seasons matches.

One for the diary is the derby match against Marítima on the 31st October.

Following relegation U.D. Lanzarote will commence their 40th Anniversary in the Tercera Division (third division) which is the fourth tier of Spanish football.

As ever players have come and gone. Most notably club Captain Oscar Vladimir was offered a good contract with Madrid side Puertollano. Vladi has been a fantastic player for the Rojillos and will be sadly missed. The Lanzarote faithful easily understand his desire to play in higher level football and to represent a club in Spain’s third league is a minimum for a person who has his attitude and ability. Good luck Vladi!

The new captain is the outstanding Rubén Rodríguez who will lead out his side under the orders of the new Mister (gaffer) Quico De Diego. The new manager from Tenerife will fully understand that a play off finish will be his minimum requirement.

English lad Ian Robinson has decided not to re-sign a contract and is currently listening to offers from both England and local clubs on the island.

Both season tickets and gate prices have been slashed. An adult season ticket is 50 Euros, Pensioner 30 Euros and anyone 15 or under is admitted free of charge at Lanzarote. To pay at the gate an adult is 5 Euros and pensioners 3 Euros. Again 15 years or under is free.

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U.D. Lanzarote kicked off their Season with a thrilling away win in the blistering heat of Tenerife finding the winner deep into injury time.                              

Lanzarote began the match similar to last week allowing their opponents to get the better of the opening stages. The Majoreros (Fuerteventurians) did not capitalize on their early dominance with striker Dino failing with two good chances.

By the quarter hour mark the Rojillos had picked up the pace of the game and were clearly in charge in the centre.

A strike from 20 yards from Centre back Adrián narrowly flew past the Corralejo keeper’s left hand post. In the 23rd minute good work from Rosmen and Ayoze troubled the Fuerteventura defence with the latter pulling back the ball across the face of goal only to see the danger momentarily cleared by the defence.

On the next assault the Rojillos claimed their first home goal of the campaign through the unlikely source of defender Ángel Gil. Again, good work from Ayoze who found striker Echedey and his effort from six yards rebounded off the keepers legs and Ángel kept his nerve and blasted the ball low and into the far corner and in doing so equaled his last seasons goal scoring tally.

In the 32nd minute midfielder Jotha fed a lovely ball through the centre for the impressive Toñito to chase. The temperamental winger who incredibly has gone two whole games without a card beat keeper Jero to the ball by a toe but his effort flew back off the keepers outstretched leg and away to safety.

Just before the break a long range dipping free kick from Ayoze was inches away from doubling his sides lead.

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The Rojillos cruise to victory over their Fuerteventura rivals and lead the division with three other sides all on maximum points.

Two wins out of two games for the RojillosThe Rojillos dominated the passage of play in the second half and in the 62nd minute Toñito was brought down in the area and the Ref ordered a spot kick. Captain Rubén Rodríguez did the necessary by hammering the ball to his keepers left and giving his side a 2-0 advantage.

The Fuerteventura side had offered little in terms of threat but had a great opportunity in the 65th minute to reduce the deficit but the Rojillos keeper Alejandro remained alert and saved with his feet from close range.

In the 70th minute Ex Rojillo Richard picked up his second yellow card for verbally abusing the Ref and Corralejo were reduced to 10 men leaving the result out of reach for our neighbours across the 10km stretch of water.

After a host of chances for the Rojillos Toñito finally scored the third from a shot from the edge of the area which fired in off the right hand post leaving the keeper motionless.

So far, so good for the Conejeros (locals). Next week Lanzarote travel to Gran Canaria to play AD Huracán who have won one and lost the other.

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The only real chance of a dismal first half fell to Lanzarote. In the 16th minute Ayoze whistled in a shot from the edge of area but he saw his effort narrowly fly past the far post.

The second half began with controversy. Only two minutes into the restart and Lanzarote thought they were a goal up. Ayoze had the ball in the back of the net but the Ref believed the classy midfielder had handled the ball and the goal was disallowed. To top off his disappointment he was also handed a yellow card from the official.

With six minutes remaining striker Echedey controlled the ball in the area. He read the run of his Captain to his left and released a perfect pass and Rubén Rodríguez blasted the ball wide of the keeper into the opposite side of the net giving his side a priceless 0-1 lead.

A couple of minutes later both sides had a player sent off. Sixto was the unlucky man for Lanzarote and had only been on the park five minutes.

Huracán piled people forward in search of a draw but deep into stoppage time Lanzarote stole the ball in midfield and Echedey fired in a fierce drive which the keeper could only parry and the ball fell kindly for Sub Yaco who gratefully stroked the ball home for his first goal wearing a Rojillo shirt.

With two away wins and a home win in their opening three games Lanzarote will be full of confidence going into Sundays home match with mid table side U.D. Teror.

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11th September 2010

Late goals from captain Rubén Rodríguez and new signing Yaco make it three out of three wins for the Rojillos which sends them top of the league on goal difference.

Rubén Rodríguez with the all important first goal

Lanzarote looked dangerous from the start. Only a minute had lapsed before Jotha set up Ayoze with a perfectly timed pass but his strike destined for goal was deflected for a corner by a desperate lunge from the defender.

A couple of minutes later and winger Toñito robbed possession on the edge of the box but his strike went inches wide of the upright.

A goal was imminent. In the 10th minute a cross from the right was nodded low and home by Rosman exposing the defensive frailties of the Gran Canarian side.

In the 18th minute U.D. Teror had their first chance of the match. Striker Yonay controlled the ball on the edge of the area but his half hearted strike flew into the side netting. The Gran Canarian side were edging their way back into the game and in the 21st minute Yonay managed to round the Rojillos keeper Ruymán and looked destined to score but as his angle narrowed he saw his effort rebound off the upright and away to safety.

This proved to be what was needed to wake up the Rojillos and from then on completely dominated the match. Six minutes before the break good work from Toñito who robbed possession in the danger zone and fed midfielder Ayoze, his shot was fierce and deadly which gave the Rojillos a two goal cushion to take into the break.

There wasn’t much change with the state of play in the opening stages of the second half as the Conejeros (locals) went in search of the killer third goal.

Twelve minutes after the restart and Ayoze centred in a cross from the right which found an unmarked Rosman who headed home his second and his teams third of the match.

The Rojillos then took their foot off the gas feeling that their job was done. A mistake which can be painful in football. Passes were going astray, captain Rubén Rodríguez and Jotha began to get frustrated and exchanged a few harsh words.

Teror capitalized on this error and in the 62nd minute pulled a goal back through Orlando. The sub had only been on the pitch a couple of minutes and was put through with just the keeper to beat. He neatly passed his shot wide of keeper Ruymán and low into the right hand corner of the net giving his side a glimmer of hope.

The Rojillos rode the mild storm and in the final minute of play deservedly got a fourth. A beautifully swung in cross from the right found Rosman timing his jump to perfection and superbly hanging in the air to nod home for his hat-trick.

A good display from the Rojillos was not enough to keep them in top spot. Tenerife B won 4-0 and go ahead on goal difference. Next week Lanzarote travel to Tenerife and face a side that missed out on promotion last season via the play offs. A win for Lanzarote here against CD Marino would see the Rojillos go 10 points clear of their rivals.

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The Rojillos make it four wins out of four games largely with the help of their powerful frontman Rosman who scored his first hat-trick in a Rojillo shirt.

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U.D. Lanzarote loses their 100 per cent record in Tenerife against last years play off finalists Club Deportiva Marino.

On a pitch where Lanzarote have only won once in eight attempts a point will not seem such a bad result. The Rojillos still remain joint top as Tenerife B could only manage a 1-1 draw on the Saturday so both teams have 13 points out of a possible fifteen.

A short report of the match will follow next week because my better half has abandoned me and my two children so she can pop off to Sweden for a week to celebrate her Dads 70th birthday.

My knowledge of computers is about as good as the weather in Britain in February and the other 11 months of the year so if your Spanish is up to it click onto www.lanzarotedeportiva.com and have a read of their report.

If you wish to attend next weeks match versus C.D. Laguna it will probably kick off in Arrecife at 12 mid day but to be certain you are welcome to give me a call or drop me a line from Thursday onwards and I will be able to confirm the time.

After a goalless first half the game ignited in the final quarter. A converted penalty in the 75th minute for the home side as well as the Rojillos culprit Adrian Martin receiving a red card and reducing Lanzarote to 10 men, the omens looked good for C.D. Marino.

Two minutes from time and the Rojillos once again proved their worth. A powerful strike just inside the box by defender Guayo beat the keeper and Lanzarote deservedly travelled home with a point.

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The Tenerife side did not let the joint league leaders settle on the ball. The Rojillos midfield engine enjoyed possession but hardly any of the play was in the opponents final third.

The first moment of danger occurred in the 12th minute. A free kick from the Lanzarote Captain Rubén Rodríguez came crashing back off the wall. C.D. Laguna then began to look the more likely to break the deadlock. In the 20th minute left back Javi Marrero saw his strike from edge of the area graze the top of the bar.

The visitors took the lead in the 35th minute. An 18 yard shot from midfielder Samuel beat the Rojillos keeper Alejandro and gave the Tenerife side the 0-1 advantage. After a poor opening half the Conejeros (locals) couldn’t moan going into the break a goal down.

Two minutes into the restart and Lanzarote were level. On the edge of the area central midfielder Javi Betancort let fly beating the outstretched Tenerife keeper which not only equaled the scores but gave Lanzarote the inspiration for victory.

Ten minutes later and a foul in the area on Jonathan Torres gave Lanzarote the opportunity to go in front via the penalty spot.

The trusted left boot of Rubén Rodríguez did not let him down. The keeper guessed the corner but was beaten by pace and accuracy and the Rojillos found themselves in a 2-1 lead.

The Rojillos now looked confident and efforts from Jotha and Toñito came close with sub Eliot also hitting the woodwork. As it was the Rojillos couldn’t find that killer goal and Laguna began to edge back into the game with both teams tiring in the 30 degree plus heat.

Despite the late flurry and a couple of good saves from Alejandro the Tenerife side was unable to find the net.

Even though the performance was under par it still reads won 5 drawn 1 and lost 0. The other Lanzarote club in this division did their fellow Conejeros a favour with a well fought out goalless draw away to Tenerife B. Lanzarote are now two points clear at the top and next week will travel to la Palma to play mid table side C.D. Mensajero.

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After going a goal down the Rojillos turn the score line on its head in the space of 10 minutes to go sole leaders of the third division.

The ever accurate Rubén Rodriguez scoring the winner from the penalty spot             .

With five wins and a draw under their belt in the opening six games the Rojillos were confident that they would remain unbeaten but a spirited La Palma side had other ideas.

The game began at a fast pace with the Rojillos holding most of the possession but not being able to create any danger in the final third.

The home side took the lead in the 8th minute. Midfielder Peraza chipped a ball over from the bye line over to the far post and as the Lanzarote defence and keeper remained static, striker Ismael poked it home from close range.

Defender Adrián came close to leveling the scores mid way through the half when his header went inches wide. Mensajero also looked dangerous and nearly doubled their lead when a strike from defender Fede flew goal bound only for the Lanzarote keeper, Alejandro to produce a fine save.

Seconds before the break and Lanzarote were awarded a corner. Adrián again rose the highest but his powerful header thundered back off the bar as the score remained 1-0 to the home side at the interval.

Four minutes into the second half and Lanzarote were level in fortuitous circumstances. Defender Alberto attempted to hoof the ball to safety but instead passed to the sweet feet of the Lanzarote Captain. Rubén Rodríguez is always open to accept a gift and wasted no time immediately thrashing the ball into the back of the net.

The Rojillos were now on top and dominating play. Winger Toñito found himself with a one on one with the keeper. His shot rebounded back off the keeper’s body and his second attempt was closer to the clouds rather than the back of the net.

The Rojillos could not find a way through the La Palma defence and with a little more than 10 minutes remaining the home side regained the lead. Good work on the flank by Peraza found striker Kevin Peréz who slotted the ball home.

The locals then slowed the pace of the match with time wasting which was noticed by the official who added seven minutes injury time.

Another header from Adrián flew back off the woodwork and in the final seconds the ball fell to a Lanzarote foot in the area but unfortunately the foot belonged to defender Eliot. His shot was struck wildly and high and Lanzarote´s unbeaten run came to an end..

Despite this defeat Lanzarote remain top on goal difference from Las Palmas B. There is no time to dwell on this match as on Tuesday which is a public holiday for Spanish National day the Rojillos play at home against Tenerife side Las Zocas. The away team is on a four game unbeaten run, winning three of them. Tuesday’s game kicks off at 11am in Arrecife.

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