The Rojillos (The Reds) knew they were in for a mixed season with the upheaval of changing ground whilst laying a new turf on their own pitch and a court case with a former player came within a whisker away of ending the club.

The season began surprisingly good with a 1-3 away win in Tenerife followed by a home win. At the end of October Lanzarote were in fifth spot just one place off the play offs and then it all went sour.

Over the course of five weeks Lanzarote played the best four sides in the league and did not pick up a single point and moved into the mid table positions by Christmas and were to remain there over the course of the season.

The Rojillos played the majority of their home games in Tias whilst work was been carried out on their own ground only returning to Arrecife in the final few home games.

A court case that began in 2004 when Lanzarote were flying high in their brilliant cup exploits almost ended the club 10 years later. In the Copa del Rey  (F.A.Cup)of 2004 Lanzarote were awarded a home match versus Segunda A (Championship) side Racing Ferrol. The office staff of Lanzarote forgot to include player Quique Gandul on the social security payments, needless to say he was the player to suffer a career threatening injury. Even though he only had a one year contract with the club, the courts decided that Lanzarote should pay him off till he retires at pension age. This all ended with the club receiving a 457,000 Euro debt to Social Security. Fortunately the judge decided that Lanzarote could pay it on the Never Never as to stay in business.

This was by far Lanzarote´s toughest match of the season and to end this season still in Spain´s Tercera Division (Fourth Tier) is an achievement for manager Adolfo Pérez , players and the club.

The two British players the club has, had contrasting seasons. Ryan Macphee had an injury hit start and in January was loaned out to Regional club CD Puerto Del Carmen whereas 20 year old Louis Kennedy began slowly but ended with him being man of the match on several occasions as he grew in confidence with every match.

During the summer you can find me every Friday morning at the Puerto Del Carmen market in the Old Town harbour and also every Sunday at the market in Teguise (stall near public toilets). For four years the club has kept the same shirt but hopefully in late July/early August the new club shirt will be available. As well as the red and blue home shirt and the traditional white and blue away shirt, a third option will be available which is pink and white.

The football season in Spain normally kicks off the final week in August and the fixtures are only released a short while before that. The players will return for pre season around mid July and a few practice matches will be arranged before the traditional San Ginés tournament in Arrecife in August.

This website will not be updated until early August so if you require information please email me on info@mercancialanzarote.com however for friendly matches and latest updates check out Facebook and look for Lanzarote football club.

The post FOURTH TIER FOOTBALL FOR U.D.LANZAROTE NEXT SEASON appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

12th May 2014

Two killer blows in the opening minute and the last minute of the match sees the Rojillos end their season in defeat but still maintain 11^th position in the Tercera Division (Fourth Tier).

It was another disastrous start for Lanzarote. A shot from midfielder Joseph was saved by the Rojillos keeper Agoney but the rebound fell kindly for Héctor who made no mistake firing low and hard to give his side a 1-0 lead. The Rojillos were not happy as they believed Héctor was clearly offside but their discontentment was brushed aside by the dormant official.

Despite this setback Lanzarote were playing some good football and midfielder Rául came close in the 18^th minute when his fierce drive was deflected away for a corner. Toñito also came close to levelling the score line but his effort flew inches wide.

The Tenerife side were also showing why they warranted a 7^th placed finish and in the 28^th min Héctor was put through with a one on one situation with the Lanzarote keeper. With time on his side he struck his effort well clear of the crossbar.

Just before the break the home side had a penalty appeal turned down though a little later so did Lanzarote.

The second half was equally as entertaining with opportunities for both sides that went begging.

British lad Louis Kennedy who seems to play his best football away from home came to the fray. In the 74^th minute cut in from the left wing and struck the ball powerfully but his strike drifted narrowly away from the upright. Six minutes later and this time on the right flank the 20 year old let rip with a ferocious effort but the ball thundered off the crossbar and away to safety.

Six minutes from time and with Lanzarote increasing the pressure on the home side Toñito thought he had levelled the score but the Tenerife keeper produced a fine save to deny the Lanzarote winger.

Whilst the Rojillos were going Gung Ho trying to earn a point the home side caught Lanzarote on the break and in the 89^th minute secured the win when sub Nauzet fired home to secure all three points in a 2-0 win.

GOALS

1-0   min 1 Joseph

2-0   min 89 Nauzet

The post CD ATLÉTICO VICTORIA 2 LANZAROTE 0 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

On a bright Sunday morning UD Lanzarote were at home for their penultimate game of the 2013/2014 season.  Both teams were safe in the knowledge that next season they will continue in the Third Division. But this did not stop both teams from trying to gain the 3 points on offer today thus improving their position in the league table.

The UD Lanzarote coach had to make several changes to the starting line before the start of the game. Adrian Martin absent due to injury and further senior players absent Jotha and Tonito . This of course made way for the call up of Cadet Players Cheyenne and Aday. The first half saw little action much to the disappointment of the fans. Both sides lacked rhythm and the first real action came from UD Ibarra with a header from Adam to the near corner of the goal. As always Agoney for UD Lanzarote had it covered.

Our response came on the 18^th minute with a shot from Marcos Cabrera and 31 minutes with a powerful shot from Angel, sadly both shots came to nothing and the first half ended 0-0.

The second half was looking more promising and it was only a matter of time that the hoped for goal would come. Unfortunately for the visitors in their rush to take the ball Toledo lost out to Marcos Cabrera who in turn placed it nicely for Rosmen to find the back of the net. Despite the ball finding the back of the net it was deflected by the keeper only to be placed in the back of his own net by Darvi.

The Reds (UD Lanzarote) continued to gain confidence and were looking to increase the score line, in the 53rd min Echedey just going wide but just 13 min later a shot from the left corner Yako crashing the crossbar only to the delight of the fans being picked up on the rebound  by Kennedy making it 2-0.  The score line stayed this way for the remainder of the game with UD Lanzarote picking up all 3 points moving them up to 11^th place on 48 points.

Goals:

1-0  49 min  Darvi (own goal)

2-0   66 min Kennedy

The post UD Lanzarote 2 UD Ibarra 0 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

18th April 2014

Lanzarote´s poor away form this season halted for a while with a 30 minute journey across the ocean to our neighbours in Fuerteventura.

Fuerteventura used to have many good football teams but due to financial pressure the big three clubs, UD Fuerteventura, CD Corralejo and Jandia have all crashed and burned. This leaves El Cotillo with the pick of the best players on their island so the Rojillos knew this would not be a simple match.

Both sides started brightly and with Rojillos manager Adolfo Pérez electing to play only three at the back and with three up front it was always going to be an interesting afternoon.

As predicted it was end to end stuff from the off. In the 13^th minute Rosmen saw the Fuerteventura keeper off his line and from 35 yards was only inches away from embarrassing the Cotillo keeper.

The home side looked the more dangerous on their attacks and in the 24^th minute took the lead. Lanzarote midfielder Falo took a little too much time on the ball in the centre of the park and his pass was blocked, the ball spun off and unluckily for Lanzarote it fell directly into the path of striker Caliche who was in on goal and neatly tucked the ball away to give his side a 1-0 lead.

Ten minutes before half time and the El Cotillo keeper Omar took his eyes off the ball just long enough so Rosmen could get a foot in with what looked like a certain goal however the keeper made amends blocking the shot with quick reflexes.

During the interval sitting in the stands without any shade on a blistering afternoon was too much for me and my fellow Lanzarote supporter, musician Gary, so we headed off to the bar for a couple of swift ones.

The second half began with the home side all out to double their lead. In the first minute a fine save from Rojillos keeper Agoney kept the Majoreros (Fuerteventurians) at bay. A few minutes later and striker Hectór was only inches away as he saw his effort fly past the upright.

Lanzarote withstood the storm and began creating chances themselves. Rosmen believed he had levelled the match when he latched onto a cross from the right wing and tapped the ball home. The linesman believed the ball had crossed the line and therefore awarded the Fuerteventura side a goal kick much to the annoyance of the players and travelling support.

Nevertheless the Rojillos looked good for a goal. British boy Louis Kennedy had been playing in a more unaccustomed central role but had now drifted over to the left wing.

This proved to be an inspired move because in the 75^th minute the 20 year old outclassed his defender and produced a beauty of a cross which Rosmen hit goal bound only to see the keeper save well but the ball fell kindly to midfielder Raúl who blasted home to level the score.

Five minutes later and Kennedy changed from provider to goal scorer. A great pass from the hardworking Falo put the British lad clean through. With still much to do Kennedy drew the keeper in then neatly passed the ball into the right hand corner to give the Rojillos a 1-2 lead.

The Fuerteventura side did not sit back; they pumped everything they had to find a goal to square the match against their intense rivals. The Rojillo defence remained strong and with probably Lanzarote´s best player this season in goal there was not going to be a way through for the hosts as the visitors claimed only their fourth away win this season.

Lanzarote midfielder Falo had a mixed day as his error had cost a goal but then he redeemed that with the pass that let in Kennedy for the winner. Back on Lanzarote soil he then gave a few players a lift home but ran out of petrol high up on Femes mountain. Fortunately for him two British fans, namely me and Gary saved the day by stopping and returning to Yaiza for petrol for the stranded midfielder.

Lanzarote move up one place to 12^th and are away next Sunday in Gran Canaria versus sixth placed side UD Villa Santa Brígida. Unfortunately I will not be doing a report of this match as I will be out of the island but the score and confirmation of time and date of Lanzarote´s final home game of the season will be updated early next week.

GOALS

1-0   min 24 Caliche

1-1   min 75 Raúl

1-2   min 80 Kennedy

The post EL COTILLO 1 LANZAROTE 2 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

13th April 2014

The Rojillos suffered their defeat back in their home ground in Arrecife and their fourth overall on home turf this season.

The Gran Canarian side had asked Lanzarote if the match could be brought forward a day which assisted the visiting side reduce the cost of their travel expenses. Only a few seasons ago Vecindario were playing their football in the second tier of Spanish football but as with so many Spanish clubs they are finding it difficult to survive financially.

The opening stages of the match were evenly battled out in the centre of the pitch but as the game grew so did the dominance of the home side.

The first opportunity for a strike at goal came from the Rojillos captain Jotha. The ex Real Madrid player hit a free kick from 20 yards which cleared the wall but also cleared the crossbar.

In the 35^th minute the visitors should have been one up as striker Rubén Quesada was clean through with just the keeper to beat. The Lanzarote keeper Agoney stood tall until the last moment then saved his side as he has done on many occasion to keep the score goalless.

Two minutes later and a cross from Jotha on the right found the head of striker Rosmen on the edge of the six yard box. The tall striker superbly nodded the ball high over to the far post where centre back Adrián Martín carefully headed low into the corner of the net to give the Rojillos a 1-0 lead to take into the break.

Six minutes into the second half and the Gran Canarian side were back on level terms. The impressive left winger Cristian beat a couple of defenders then smashed the ball into the net from eight yards leaving the Lanzarote keeper no chance.

With the match at 1-1 Lanzarote began to dominate but were still struggling to find a solution to their season long problem with scoring goals. Through the years Lanzarote have always been one of the leagues high scoring teams but this season no team in this division has scored fewer goals than the Rojillos.

Good opportunities for Toñito, Raúl and Javi Betancort went begging and in the 82^nd minute Lanzarote paid the ultimate price as they were caught on the break. Midfielder Abraham controlled the ball inside the box and with time on his hands picked his spot to give the visitors a 1-2 lead.

The Rojillos pressed until the end and had a call for a penalty turned down in the 91^st minute. Sub Javi Betancort protested and received his second card so the Rojillos were forced to play out the final few minutes with ten men.

Vecindario remain in 11^th spot whilst Lanzarote slip one place to 13^th. Lanzarote´s next game is away on Thursday 17^th April against El Cotillo in Fuerteventura. If anyone fancies the short boat journey over let me know and I will check out prices.

GOALS

1-0   min 35 Adrián Martín

1-1   min 51 Cristian

1-2   min 82 Abraham

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

6th April 2014

The Rojillos are really going to have to do something about their horrendous away form next season. In their last 13 outings they have picked up a measly four points and things got no better against strugglers Unión Viera.

Lanzarote began the match the much better of the two sides. In the 20^th minute the Rojillos deservedly took the lead when midfielder Javi Betancort won the ball off a defender and his perfectly placed pass across goal was gift wrapped for Lanzarote´s leading striker Rosmen to tap in and send the Rojillos into a 0-1 lead.

The Gran Canarian side woke up after this setback and began to threaten. Ten minutes before half time and the home side were level. A cross swung in was met by striker Samuel who headed across the goal and into the far post leaving the Rojillos keeper no chance.

Two minutes into added on time in the first half and the relegation threatened side saw light at the end of the tunnel as they snatched a goal and went into the break with a 2-1 lead.

Lanzarote dominated the second half but with the season long problem of being unable to score the home side never looked in too much danger.

The Rojillos best chance came in the final moments of the match. Following a free kick the ball fell to central defender Adrián Martín but his shot flew off a defender and away for a corner.

With their second win on the bounce Unión Viera move one place above the relegation zone and Lanzarote remain in 12^th spot.

Next week the Rojillos are at home but the game has been brought forward a day. The game has been confirmed for Saturday at 5.30pm kick off versus UD Vecindario.

GOALS

0-1   min 20 Rosmen

1-1   min 35 Samuel

1-2   min 45+2 Javi Betancort (own goal)

The post UNIÓN VIERA 2 LANZAROTE 1 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

30th March 2014

Lanzarote keep on getting good results over the league’s best teams. The fourth placed La Palma side who were desperate for points as they occupy the last playoff position were undone by a committed Rojillo side.

The kick off should have been at 1.15pm rather than the traditional noon kick off to assist the La Palma side with their connecting flights in Tenerife. Unfortunately the plane from Tenerife was delayed so they arrived at the ground at kick off time to a hostile reception from the Lanzarote faithful. Nobody seemed to mind as it was a lovely sunny afternoon and the bar was fully stocked for the thirsty fans.

From the opening whistle both teams showed their intention by not backing out of any challenges and it was easy to see this was going to be another entertaining match.

Mensajero looked sharp following back to back wins and knew that a win today could see them go top of the table. Lanzarote are around mid table and had nothing to play for except pride which they showed an abundance of.

The first half hour was at a great pace largely thanks to the referee as he let many challenges go unpunished but in the end to prevent all out war he was forced to show his yellow card on nine occasions such was the commitment between both sides.

The Rojillos knew they were going to have to work hard against a side that has only conceded 15 goals in 31 games this season. Wingers Toñito and British lad Louis Kennedy were causing problems on either flank and striker Rosmen looked dangerous anytime the ball fell around the box.

In the 17^th minute fantastic work from Toñito on the right wing beating his defender and then getting completely upended by another earned the Rojillos a penalty kick.

Rosmen made no mistake emphatically blasting the ball into the top right hand corner to give Lanzarote a 1-0 lead.

Ten minutes later and the Conejeros (locals) had a great opportunity to double their lead, Rosmen headed down for midfielder Falo but his effort flew just over the bar.

As the half came to a close the visitors piled on the pressure but with some brave defending and excellent goalkeeping Lanzarote went into the break a goal to the good.

The La Palma side came out for the second half angry and were determined to level the score. In the 53^rd minute striker Borja fired from the edge of the box but Lanzarote´s ever consistent goalkeeper refused to be beaten.

Only a minute later and a cross from the left found the head of striker Yeray but fortunately for Lanzarote the ball rolled inches past the left hand post.

There was no doubt the Rojillos were riding their luck. In the 64^th minute Mensajero had three strikes at goal inside the six yard box and each one was blocked by a formidable Rojillo defender with the final shot flying over the bar by defender Juanda.

The visitors could not break down the Lanzarote red wall and were frustrated; this allowed Lanzarote more time on the ball and with Jotha easing the game to his preferred pace Lanzarote looked confident. As soon as Lanzarote lost the ball midfielder Falo went all out to get it back and had an inspired match.

The visitor’s next and final chance to grab a point was in the 89^th minute from striker Borja but his header went narrowly wide.

Lanzarote remain in 12^th spot but with 42 points have guaranteed themselves Tercera Division (Fourth Tier) football next season.

Lanzarote are away next week against Unión Viera. The Tenerife side are in the final relegation position but will be boosted by an away win on Sunday. Next home match is on the weekend of 12/13^th April versus Gran Canarian side UD Vecindario. Time and date will be confirmed later.

GOALS

1-0 min 20 Rosmen (penalty)

The post LANZAROTE 1 CD MENSAJERO 0 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

23rd March 2014

Lanzarote were outplayed by the league leaders and conceded a goal in each half to record their 11^th away league defeat of the season in 15 outings.

The Tenerife side knew all about Lanzarote´s awful away form and attacked the Rojillos from the second the Referee blew his whistle. In the first minute only a superb save from surely Lanzarote´s player of the year Agoney prevented the home side from taking an early lead.

The Lanzarote goalkeeper has only conceded 1.09 goals per game and is ranked fourth best in the league this season, not bad considering Lanzarote are in 12^th spot.

Fortunately for the Rojillos the defensive part of their game has been good this season and against the league’s top side they pushed their defence up high and caught their opponents offside on many occasions.

One clear opportunity the hosts had was when striker Javi Marchena broke through the offside trap but with just the Lanzarote keeper to beat and from just inside the area he blasted his effort high over the bar.

The breakthrough had to come and ten minutes before the break a nod down from striker Alexis de Paz fell perfectly for team mate Rubén Rosquete who fired home to give his side a deserved 1-0 lead to take into the break.

Two minutes into the second period and Lanzarote had a mountain to climb. A corner whipped in was not cleared and Atlético striker Javi Marchena showed his gratitude by thumping the ball into the back of the net and give his side a comfortable 2-0 advantage.

The home side then began to relax which gave the Rojillos an opportunity to push forward. Late on Lanzarote spurned two good chances, firstly a good cross from Brit Louis Kennedy found Javi Betancort but unfortunately the midfielder’s header just whistled narrowly over the crossbar. The British boy Kennedy who has worked his way into the team after a difficult start to the season also came close near the end but his effort also missed its target.

With the win Atlético Granadilla maintain their two point advantage as league leaders with just seven games to go. Lanzarote remain in 12^th and have another difficult game at home next Sunday as they will host fourth placed side CD Mensajero. The La Palma team led by ex Rojillo manager Fabían Rivero are four points clear of the last playoff position.

Undoubtedly the visitors have the best defence in the league with just 15 goals conceded in their 31 matches played. On the other hand Lanzarote are now officially the league’s worst scorers with just 26 goals. The way football works out it will probably end 5-5.

The game is on Sunday 30^th March and kick off has been confirmed at 1.15pm. The kick off is a little later than normal which is to help the La Palma side to connect flights in Tenerife.

GOALS

1-0   min 35 Rubén Rosquete

2-0   min 47 Javi Marchena

The post ATLÉTICO GRANADILLA 2 LANZAROTE 0 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

16th March 2014

The Rojillos fought bravely against a youthful second placed Tenerife B team on a roasting Sunday afternoon and were worthy to earn a point.

Despite the heat the game began at a good pace and just six minutes into the match the Conejeros (locals) took a surprise lead over one of the leagues promotion favourites.

A good run and cross from right back Camacho was met at an awkward height for Rojillos striker Rosmen but Lanzarote´s leading scorer wrapped his foot around the ball and fired home from eight yards.

The Tenerife side immediately went in search of an equaliser. Winger Jairo was causing the Lanzarote defence nightmares, his blistering pace left the defenders trailing as he weaved and dodged his way through. Three years ago this winger had trials with Man City and it’s pretty shocking to see why he is playing in Spain’s fourth tier.

In the 34^th minute Jairo received the ball midway into his opponents half, he beat a defender on the turn then flew past two others before releasing an inch perfect cross to the far post where midfielder Santi blasted the ball home from close range.

The first half ended in controversy. Rojillos striker Yaco headed the ball across the box and Echedey thought that he had regained the lead after heading home however the official ruled out the goal for a handball to the shock of the players and supporters.

Lanzarote looked bright in the second half and in the 56^th minute were denied by the woodwork and an awful refereeing decision. A great cross from the left wing by British lad Louis Kennedy was palmed away at full stretch by the Tenerife keeper, Echedey hit first time from the edge of the box but his effort flew off the crossbar. In the same passage of play right back Ángel Gil was clearly brought down just inside the area but the Ref ordered play on.

Marcos Cabrera in the centre of the midfield for Lanzarote was having a superb game. When Lanzarote needed a breather he could hold the game up and was extremely comfortable in possession as well as spearheading the attack. Louis Kennedy was also having a good game and looks more and more confident as each week passes. Unfortunately he took a couple of clatterings in the game and when he went down with cramp his manager wasted no time in subbing the 20 year old.

As the game drew to a close the home side looked the more likely to score but with man of the match Jairo failing to tire the Lanzarote defence had to be constantly alert.

Both teams drop a place with their point. Tenerife B to 3rd and Lanzarote to 12th. Next week Lanzarote fly to Tenerife to take on league leaders Atlético Granadilla then a week later it’s a home game against 4^th placed side CD Mensajero.

GOALS

1-0   min 6 Rosmen

1-1 min 34 Santi

The post LANZAROTE 1 TENERIFE B 1 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

9th March 2014

The Rojillos brief good run of two wins on the bounce came to an end just 15 seconds into the match against CD Vera who are deep into a relegation battle.

From the kick off a cross from midfielder Dani was met on the volley by striker Oscar sending the leagues bottom club into a 1-0 lead.

Moments later and Rojillos striker Yaco almost levelled the score but his effort flew off the post and away to safety.

The Tenerife side then began dominating midfield and had many opportunities to double their lead but with a combination of poor finishing and good goalkeeping from the impressive Lanzarote number one, the score remained with CD Vera going into the break with the lead albeit with the narrowest of margins.

The second half began brightly for the Rojillos with Jotha just firing narrowly wide. The hosts responded with another couple of opportunities to double their lead but Lanzarote with one of the league’s best goalkeepers between their sticks kept the opposition at bay.

In the 65^th minute a serious injury to Tenerife midfielder César was not the only incident. Rojillos manager Adolfo Pérez frustrations with the referee was at boiling point, wisely he left the dugout and went behind to sit in the stands before he would have been ordered to.

The Rojillos problems they have had all season in the final third of the pitch were evident again this Saturday early evening. Chances were not being created and with just 25 goals scored in 29 matches it is quite simple where the problem lies.

Efforts from Yaco and Jotha were all that Lanzarote could muster up as they went down to yet another away defeat.

This win for the league’s worst defensive side moves them off the bottom and just a win away from the drop zone meanwhile Lanzarote remain in 11^th spot.

Things do not get any easier over the next few weeks as the Rojillos are up against the league’s top sides.  First up is the home game against second placed Tenerife B. This is normally a cracker of a match. Tenerife and Lanzarote have never got on since Lanzarote trounced the then Primera Liga side Tenerife 5-1 in the Copa Del Rey 12 years ago.

Last season’s match was incredible. In the 92^nd minute Tenerife B were leading 1-2 and three minutes later the game ended 3-3 with two sending offs and a pitch invasion.

The game versus Tenerife B is scheduled for this Sunday at 12 noon in Arrecife. It can always be wise to check this homepage or Facebook page, Lanzarote football club, a day or two before the game in case of any change.

GOALS

1-0 Oscar min 1

The post CD VERA 1 LANZAROTE 0 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.