CLUB ATLÉTICO VICTORIA   0   LANZAROTE   1

The Rojillos sign off the season with an away win in Tenerife from a goal in the opening minute by Echedey.

The only thing both clubs had to play for was to see which team would finish in 14^th position. The Tenerife side needed a win whereas a draw for Lanzarote would suffice.

Many of the regulars such as Ángel  Gil, Kamara and goalkeeper Agoney were suspended so Rojillos manager Adolfo Pérez gave full starts to youngsters Chéyen, Dámaso and also Fran Machín came off the bench  late on to make his debut.

The game could not have started any better for the Rojillos. A corner in the opening minute by Marcos Cabrera found Echedey on the far post who poked the ball home to give Lanzarote a 0-1 lead.

The hosts then began to dominate and in the 8^th minute Rojillos goalkeeper made a fine save from a free kick and moments later he did the same from the penalty spot when he parried the spot kick after striker Héctor had been brought down.

In the 20^th minute Lanzarote had a chance to double their lead when a shot from Juanca was saved on the second attempt by the Tenerife keeper. The home side had a couple of opportunities to pull level before the break but the half ended with the Rojillos 0-1 up.

The second half began with Lanzarote looking to protect their narrow advantage and with Atlético looking to draw level. Stand in keeper Adonay was having an inspired match as Lanzarote relied on the counter attack as their main threat.

In the 69^th minute Rosmen´s shot was well saved by the Atlético keeper but the rebound fell to Echedey but he could only blast the ball over the bar.

The home side dominated the final few minutes but Lanzarote´s young side defended well and took home the final three points of the season.

Las Palmas B ended the season as Champions following a thumping 4-0 win at home to Las Zocas. It has been a good season for Las Palmas with their first team on the verge of a playoff place for entrance into Spain’s Primera league, not bad considering they were bottom of the table in November.

The final play off place went to Unión Viera even though Mensajero won their final home match 6-3. The La Palma side were bitterly disappointed last week when they surrended a 0-2 lead to 10 man Lanzarote.

Mensajero even appealed to the Spanish FA for all three points by claiming that Lanzarote´s 15 year old debutant Chéyen wasn’t registered. The lad came on in the 95^th minute and played all of 30 seconds.

No sympathies from Lanzarote to the La Palma team but congratulations are in order to Gran Canaraian side Unión Viera in claiming the final playoff spot for entry into Segunda B (League 1) following their 5-0 home win versus CD Vera.

GOALS

0-1 min 1 Echedey

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LANZAROTE   2   CD MENSAJERO   2

The Rojillos showed incredible courage coming back from 0-2 down to draw level with just 10 men against a side who had taken 22 out of a possible 29 points in their last nine games.

Prior to the match the La Palma side occupied fourth place and the final playoff spot but only by a point, they knew a win against Lanzarote would leave themselves with their destiny in their own hands going into the final day of the season at home next Sunday.

There was no doubt that former Lanzarote boss Quico de Diego´s new team were taking this match seriously. They flew to Lanzarote a day earlier and were leaving a day later in order to prepare for the match as best as they could.

The match had been rescheduled to be played late Saturday afternoon and at a 6pm kick off many expat fans did not make the match as they were watching Wigan overcome the might of Manchester City in the F.A. Cup final. Those few who made it were treated to a wonderful game of tense, entertaining and a controversial 90 minutes of football.

The league´s two leading goal scorers, both with 20 goals apiece, Yeray for Mensajero and Rosmen for Lanzarote were heading for a shoot out to win the Pinchichi (Top scorer award).

The La Palma side had the better of the opening exchanges and came close in the 14^th minute when winger Muda headed inches over the crossbar.

In the 32^nd minute the whole complexion of the match changed. A through ball down the middle let in the highly rated Yeray, the leagues joint top goal scorer rounded the Lanzarote keeper Agoney and was clearly brought down by the Rojillos number one. The Ref immediately ordered a penalty and branded the keeper his second yellow card so Lanzarote were forced to sacrifice midfielder Juanca and bring on replacement keeper Adonay.

Yeray dispatched the penalty with ease sending him clear as top scorer with 21 goals but more importantly putting his side 0-1 up.

Ten minutes later and Yeray beat the offside trap and brilliantly chipped the stranded Adonay to give his side breathing space with a 0-2 lead.

Thing did not look good for the Rojillos on this hot Saturday evening. Two down and left with just 10 men with an hour to play against a side who seemed determined for a chance of playing in Segunda B (League 1).

A minute into added time in the first half and a short corner allowed  Jotha to superbly find the head of Javi Betancort who nodded home and the Rojillos were back into the match trailing 1-2 at the break.

The tempo of the match continued at the beginning of the second half with Lanzarote winger Toñito looking lively and creating multiple problems for the La Palma defence. In the 52^nd minute Toñito once again terrorized the Mensajero left back Juanda and stupidly the La Palma defender lost patience and bundled over Toñito for another clear cut penalty. Rosmen thrashed the resulting spot kick home to pull his side level at two apiece and to increase his tally of goals to 21.

The La Palma side had no option but to push forward, Lanzarote defended well and also tried their hardest to hit the visitors on the break with front duo Rosmen and Toñito working overtime.

With five minutes remaining the Rojillos had thought they had won it when Javi Betancort headed home from a corner but the official spotted an infringement and handed a relieved  Mensajero a lifeline awarding them a free kick.

In the 88^th minute and with tensions running into overdrive Lanzarote centre back Kamara exchanged blows with an opposition midfielder and both players season ended when the Ref showed them both the red card.

Whilst the visitors were reduced to ten men Lanzarote now only had nine. The hour of playing in such heat with a man less began to show as the Rojillos were defending with all their might and were just happy to kick the ball anywhere out of the danger zone.

With the help of some fine goalkeeping and last ditch blocking the Rojillos saw out the eight minutes of injury time to deny the visitors the victory that they craved.

The La Palma side’s disappointment was increased as their rivals Unión Viera won their march 1-3 and overtook Mensajero in the league table. This is a disaster for Mensajero as Unión Viera´s last match of the season is at home to a side in freefall, CD Vera whilst Mensajero have a tricky home match against the much improved UD Villa Santa Brígida.

This is how football should be played. If you want the glory it has to be earned and it is every footballer’s duty to show equal respect to every football team in the league. Lanzarote ended their season in front of their fans with their heads held high in what has proved to be an exciting yet disappointing season.

Lanzarote are in 14^th spot and that is the best they can hope to finish the season in. Next Sunday’s last match of the campaign is away in Tenerife against a side one place and one point below them in the league, Club Atlético Victoria.

GOALS

0-1   min 32 Yeray (Penalty)

0-2   min 42 Yeray

1-2 min 45+1 Javi Betancort

2-2 min 52 Rosmen (Penalty)

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U.D. VILLA SANTA BRÍGIDA   3   LANZAROTE   1

The Rojillos six game unbeaten run came to an end against a vastly improved Villa Santa Brígida. The Gran Canarian side who had an awful start to the season have now taken 22 points out of a possible 27 in their last nine outings.

The opening 45 minutes did not produce a goal though both sides were intent on attacking play. In the 5^th minute the home side came close from a header by striker Vitolo but a minute later in almost an identical situation Lanzarote´s Marcos Cabrera also headed just wide at the opposite end.

Neither side dominated possession for any notable period of time as the half ended equally balanced and goal less.

The pace of the game continued in the early stages of the second half with the Gran Canarian side looking the more dangerous. The opening goal came in the 64^th minute when a free kick for the hosts was guided home at the near post by striker Peraza.

Six minutes later and the hosts went 2-0 up. A short corner led to defender Padilla tucking the ball home from close range.

With three minutes remaining youngster Kevin Castro scored his first goal for the senior team and in doing so gave his side a glimmer of hope in snatching a point. The 17 year old had only been on the park three minutes when he headed home to set up an exciting finish with the score poised at 2-1.

All hopes of a comeback were dashed in the final minute of regulation time as Santa Brígida secured victory with some neat one touch passing which saw midfielder Juanma finish off the move to give his side a 3-1 victory.

The Rojillos final home game of the season is this Saturday 11^th May at 6pm versus play off CD Mensajero. The La Palma side are currently in the final playoff position but are only one point clear. The league´s two leading goal scorers will also be on display, Rosmen for the Rojillos and Yeray for the visitors who both have 20 goals.

GOALS

1-0         min 64 Peraza

2-0         min 70 Padilla

2-1         min 87 Kevin Castro

3-1 min 90 Juanma

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Lanzarote´s end of season good form continues with their sixth consecutive match unbeaten; however the Rojillos will be kicking themselves on their flight back from Gran Canaria that they did not return with maximum points.

The home side controlled much of the possession in the early stages but it was the Rojillos who created the best chances. Captain Jotha saw his strike narrowly clear the crossbar which was quickly followed by midfielder Javi Betancort whose goal bound header was well saved by the Telde keeper.

It wasn’t until the 36^th minute until the home side had their first strike on goal. Midfielder Dani tried his luck from range and the Lanzarote number one Agoney had to be at his best to prevent the hosts taking a surprise lead.

In the 43^rd minute and after a series a chances striker Rosmen fired in a half volley which not only gave Lanzarote the half time lead but also saw him draw level with the league´s top scorer Yeray with 20 goals. Lanzarote will be meeting Yeray´s team CD Mensajero in their final home game of the season on Saturday 11^th May at 6pm so with 40 goals between them in 35 matches this game could go a long way in deciding who wins the Pichichi (League´s top scorer).

Lanzarote seemed even more determined in the second half to finish the game off and again looked the more likely team to score the next goal. A poor clearance by the Telde keeper fell to the feet of Echedey, the attacking midfielder found himself with a wonder opportunity to give his side the two goal cushion but his effort went horribly wrong as his strike failed to hit the target.

Nine minutes from time and Rosmen struck inside the area but the keeper made a fine save to keep his teams hopes alive.

Lanzarote should have had a two goal lead but paid the ultimate price with missed chances as the home side levelled with two minutes remaining. A strike by sub José Tomás flew off the bottom of the post and the ball fell kindly to his team mate Yeray who made no mistake levelling the score at 1-1.

In added on time the hosts had a terrific opportunity to win the match when the Lanzarote keeper failed to clear the ball from danger but youngster Aythami lost his nerve and shot wide.

Next Saturday Lanzarote return to Gran Canaria and face the team that are one place above the Rojillos in the league UD Villa Santa Brígida.

GOALS

0-1         min 43 Rosmen

1-1 min 88 Yeray

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Thomas Hynes Director of Bohemians FC exchanges shirts with Lanzarote´s Ian Lane

PR Director Thomas Hynes of Premier league Irish side Bohemians FC regularly enjoys holidays on Lanzarote and this time brought a signed Bohemian football shirt as a gift to U.D. Lanzarote.

Incredibly we both found out after a chat in the fishing village of Arrieta that we have both played for the same club side, St Ouen in Jersey on the Channel Isles.

Thomas explained to me that at least 500 Bohs (Bohemian) fans often visit Lanzarote for their holidays and he would like to urge Bohs fans to come and support The Rojillos (The Reds) whilst enjoying their stay in the sun. Thomas will include his trip to Lanzarote on the match day club programme as well as his website.

See you soon Thomas.

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LANZAROTE   1   UD VECINDARIO   0

With temperatures topping 35 degrees in the shade and with all junior matches cancelled due to the extreme heat both sides have to praised for providing the fans with a good entertaining game of football.

The game began at a surprisingly good pace with a midfielder on each side dictating play for their appropriate teams, Futre for the visitors and Jotha for the Rojillos. Both players are well experienced and have played their football in a higher category.

Even though the pace was fast the chances were few, Lanzarote striker Rosmen tested ex Rojillos goalkeeper Santi Lampón on a couple of occasions but as the half drew on the pace began to slip and when the Ref blew for half time you could feel the relief bellowing from the players.

As I walked down to open the Lanzarote megastore (a couple of trestles and a piece of wood) at half time the hot air produced by the Calima (sandstorm from Sahara) burnt my lungs and that was in the shade.

With the players drinking gallons of water and a much needed cold shower during the interval, the game returned back to its original fast pace.

Only five minutes into the second half and a long ball from the left was brought down superbly by the inform Rosmen, he then stroked the ball neatly past the Gran Canarian keeper and gave his side a 1-0 advantage with his 19^th goal of the campaign.

Within 10 minutes the Rojillos had made three substitutions, the British brothers Ryan and Jamie were two of the players who made way. When Jamie signed for Lanzarote in January he was nursing an injury so it has taken a while for him to settle into the side to be sharp enough to play in a higher division. After starting the last two matches and with the team not conceding it looks as though the 24 year old defenders patience is getting its just reward.

Jamie MacPhee tracking the outstanding Vecindario midfielder Futre

Meanwhile Ryan has been a revelation and has quickly become the fans favourite. Coming off the bench the 21 year old causes havoc with his pace and determination, this has earned the striker a starting position in the first eleven, however, I am sure Ryan won’t agree with me but if he would have been sub and come on with 30 minutes to play he would have tore apart a tired Vecindario defence.

The Gran Canarian side tried as hard as they could to get back into the match but it was Lanzarote who came closest to scoring the game’s second goal. A cross from the left was cleared by the visitors defence and the ball fell to Echedey, the midfielder angled his body and fired in a wonder volley from 20 yards only to see the ball crash back off the crossbar and away to safety.

Rojillos manager Adolfo Pérez got his tactics spot on despite my thoughts and brought on youngster Kevin Castro for his first team debut late on.

The Lanzarote defence remained solid throughout as the Rojillos deservedly collected all three points and move up to 14^th position.

Two away games now prevail, both against sides from Gran Canaria, first up is 9^th placed side UD Telde followed a week later by Villa Santa Brígida who are sitting one place above the Rojillos in 13^th. The next and final home game of the season is almost certain to be brought forward a day to Saturday 11^th May and kick off is likely to be at 6pm though please check closer to the date on here or on Facebook at Lanzarote football club.

GOALS

1-0 Rosmen min 50

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ESTRELLA CF   0   LANZAROTE   0

The Rojillos deservedly earn a point against second placed side Estrella CF in an entertaining yet goalless match.

The Gran Canarian side were first to threaten. In the 7^th minute a powerful strike by David Figueroa was superbly saved by the Lanzarote keeper as he dived and just managed to palm the ball away for a corner.

The first half was evenly balanced with both sides creating chances but the game remained scoreless at the break.

The balance of play didn’t change much in the second period though the Rojillos did have the better opportunities to take the lead.

Lanzarote captain Jotha had a strike brilliantly saved in the 75^th minute and five minutes later the same player was unlucky to have a goal disallowed when the ref ordered a free kick to Estrella for an earlier infringement on a defender.

This result means that Lanzarote remain in 15^th spot but Estrella will not be happy with this point as they have dropped to fourth position which is the last play off place. Their rivals CD Mensajero won and have closed the gap between them and Estrella to just a single point.

Lanzarote will have a big say on who will clinch this spot as the Rojillos final home match of the season is against CD Mensajero.

Next weekend Lanzarote are at home against 6^th placed side UD Vecindario at time and day to be confirmed later in the week.

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LANZAROTE   3   U.D. GOMERA   1

The Rojillos made hard work of what should have been a comfortable victory over a side that are doomed to relegation,  with just six games remaining U.D. Gomera are 15 points from safety.

All began well with winger Toñito firing home from the edge of the box to give Lanzarote a 1-0 lead in the 5^th minute. The visitors have just earned one point away in the entire season and it never looked as though they would return to La Gomera extending their points tally.

The game lacked class as it seemed Lanzarote fell into the trap of playing the same poor quality of football as their opponents. The Rojillos had further opportunities to increase the lead before the break especially through league leading goal scorer Rosmen who failed miserably with a good chance late in the first half.

Ten minutes into the second period and the game got what it needed, as the Rojillo defence took a nap from a free kick, the ball was whipped over to the far post and midfielder Alfredo was on hand to nod home and the level the score at one apiece.

At last Lanzarote began to wake up. Five minutes after conceding and manager Adolfo Pérez brought on British striker Ryan Macphee. Instantly life was restored as the hungry 21 year old was eager to impress his manager to gain a starting place for next week.

Lanzarote were in complete control of the match but in the 76^th minute the temperamental Toñito picked up his second yellow card and Lanzarote were reduced to 10 men.

Two minutes later and Rosmen was hacked down in the box for a clear penalty. The defender being the last man was also sent off as both teams continued with 10 men. Rosmen converted the spot kick to make the score 2-1 and bag his 18^th league goal this season.

In the 90^th minute a cross from the right was headed home in style from Ryan to finish the scoring at 3-1. This may not have been a classic of a game but with the sun shining and the beer flowing the three points which lift the Rojillos up one place to 15^th spot are very welcome.

Next week Lanzarote have a tough away match versus third placed Gran Canarian side CF Estrella.

Goals

1-0   min 5 Toñito

1-1   min 55 Alfredo

2-1 min 79 Rosmen (penalty)

3-1 min 90 Ryan Macphee

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U.D .LAS ZOCAS   2   LANZAROTE   2

The Rojillos return to form continues even though they surrended a two goal lead versus play off chasing Tenerife side Las Zocas.

Striker Rosmen scores again to go level as the league´s top scorer. This is an outstanding achievement for a team in 15^th spot by an outstanding individual and player.

The Rojillos went into the break looking good through midfielder Juanca´s 0-1 lead. Shortly into the second half Rosmen made it 0-2 with a fine header.

The Tenerife side pulled level, both goals coming from headers. Manager Adolfo Pérez brought on British boy Jamie Macphee to bolster up his defence. With that done Adolfo thought he could nick the game so gave Jamie´s brother Ryan a run out for the final 10 minutes.

The Rojillos manager was almost proved right as the 21 year old Ryan came ever so close with a header in the closing minutes which produced a great save from the Tenerife keeper.

Adolfo will surely be happy with his team’s performance and in form striker Rosmen will have a great opportunity on Lanzarote´s next outing when the Rojillos play at home against relegation doomed U.D. Gomera to become the league´s top marksman.

The next home game will be the weekend of 6/7^th April. Will confirm date and time asap.

GOALS

0-1   min 6 Juanca

0-2   min 64 Rosmen

1-2 min 68 Nacor

2-2 min 72 Cherre

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LANZAROTE   4   CD RACQUI SAN ISIDRO   0

The Rojillos put in an almighty performance of attacking football with Lanzarote striker Rosmen bagging all four goals which completely overwhelmed the Tenerife side.

Going into this match with four straight defeats Lanzarote were determined to end this poor run and did so in emphatic style albeit against a side one place below them in the league table.

Lanzarote began the game dominating possession but it wasn’t until the 12^th minute before the Rojillos made the keeper work. A cross was centred and man of the match to be Rosmen headed goal bound but the keeper produced a good save tipping the ball away for a corner.

The Rojillos took the lead midway through the first half. A free kick from the left to the far post was headed across the goal by Javi Betancort and Rosmen stroked the ball home for his first of the afternoon and give Lanzarote a 1-0 lead.

Only four minutes later and the Tenerife side had a marvellous opportunity to level the score when Taja handled inside the area and they were awarded a clear penalty. Midfielder Aday struck the ball low and hard to his right but the Lanzarote keeper made a terrific one handed save to keep his side in front.

This was probably the pivotal moment in the match as the Rojillos defence tightened up and that was to be the last good chance the Tenerife side were to have. The Rojillos went into the break with just the single goal as an advantage.

Lanzarote came out for the second half and you could sense they had moved up a couple of gears. In the 49^th minute the battling Echedey broke through the last line of defence and struck low only to see the keeper palm his effort away, Rosmen alert as ever followed up and with some work still to do fired the ball home to give his side a 2-0 lead.

Five minutes later and a long ball by the Rojillos keeper was chested down by Rosmen so he could turn towards goal and planted a right foot drive past the Tenerife keeper to complete his hat trick and give Lanzarote a deserved 3-0 lead.

Just before the hour mark and Rosmen completed his and his sides scoring with a header from a corner to make the final score 4-0.

By now San Isidro´s defence was in pieces and whilst manager Adolfo Perez´s made some changes he failed to bring on British boy Ryan Macphee. There was a half hour of play left and each opportunity the 21 year old striker has been given he has impressed as he did just days before scoring away in La Palma after coming on from the bench. This was extremely disappointing as his pace and determination is what was needed to inflict further damage on what was an already impressive score line.

It would be hard to criticize the Rojillos manager especially after such a superb performance. The passing from Jotha, the fighting display from Echedey, the trickery and pace of Toñito not to mention the clinical finishing of Rosmen were all too much for the Tenerife side.

Next Sunday Lanzarote travel to Tenerife to play 7^th placed side Las Zocas.

GOALS

1-0   min 23 Rosmen

2-0   min 49 Rosmen

3-0   min 55 Rosmen

4-0   min 58 Rosmen

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