Despite losing on penalties in the play offs Lanzarote have had a great season finishing runners up in the Tercera Divison (Fourth Tier). After many experienced players left the club last season manager Adolfo Pérez brought in a mixture of youth who gelled not only on the park but also as a team with their more senior players.

The signs look good for next season with players showing that they wish to carry on the progress and hopefully this can only attract a couple of other good quality players.

Home form was nothing short of brilliant with Lanzarote being the only side in the league to remain unbeaten for the whole season; in fact the Rojillos (The Reds) haven’t suffered a defeat on home turf for more than a year. The players, management and club directors know that the support the club receives from the tourists who flock to the matches as well as the great local expat support has helped the Rojillos to achieve this.

The fans player of the year was the clubs leading goal scorer and captain Rosmen. Second placed was winger Toñito whilst British boys Louis Kennedy and Brad Cockerill were 3^rd and 4^th respectively. Goalkeeper Agoney was fifth.

As seen on the front photo, my daughter Jessica and I will be there to greet you at the clubs stall over the summer every Sunday at the Teguise market and also every Friday at the Puerto Del Carmen market in the Old Town, both from around 10am to 2pm. We will be selling all three of the clubs shirts as well as all other merchandise such as shorts, scarves, caps, balls etc. (Check out club shop on home page for products)

Season tickets as always are never released till around early August and expected to remain at 50 Euros adults, 30 Euros Pensioners whilst children 15 and under are admitted as usual free of charge.

Around that time the popular San Ginés tournament will take place. Quite often Las Palmas enter in this four team event  though we doubt that they will be participating in August as they have just won the golden ticket and have now been promoted to the Primera Liga.

Congratulations to our big cousins from across the sea. After losing their first leg in the final away at Zaragoza 3-1 they went 1-0 up at home in the first half and four minutes from time belted in the all important second goal to go through on away goals. A magnificent achievement for a club that almost went into financial meltdown just a few seasons ago.

There is no doubt they will struggle against the Messi´s and Ronaldo´s of this world but one would hope they will have a lot of fun doing so in the coming season. Ten years ago Lanzarote were drawn a home tie in a Copa Del Rey match versus Primera Liga side Sevilla. The Primera Liga side exercised their right not to play on our astro turf so Lanzarote were forced to play the match away in Las Palmas.

Thousands of Las Palmas supporters came and supported Lanzarote and helped to create an electric atmosphere with the Rojillos coming so close but eventually went down 1-0 and relations between the two clubs have always been great.  Keep an eye out for them and an occasional prayer might help.

Expected weather forecast for this summer is hot, hot and damn hot so be careful in the midday sun.

This website is unlikely to be updated until early August so for up to date information log onto the Facebook page Lanzarote football club or email at info@mercancialanzarote.com.

Have a great summer

Ian

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Lanzarote´s midfielder Brad Cockerill has lost his Mother Michelle after a long battle with cancer. Chelle as her husband Ian always called her passed away on Saturday morning the 6^th June.

Michelle thankfully got to see her son join Lanzarote this season from Tahiche junior side and immediately, the then 18 year old Brad cemented his position in midfield in U.D. Lanzarote´s first eleven.

Every home match Michelle and her friend Jacky (Mother of Lanzarote´s other British player Louis) used to walk to their seats at the match with pride bursting out of their eyes, often Jacky used to help Michelle with her hand on her arm which I saw and felt that it was an incredibly beautiful moment as well as incredibly sad. Michelle always remained elegant and dignified despite the pain she endured.

I am sure on behalf of everyone connected to U.D. Lanzarote we all send our condolences to both Brad and Ian and all their family and friends for their terrible loss.

If anyone wishes to send a message, please do on the Lanzarote football club Facebook page or UD Lanzarote page.

R.I.P.

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Neither side could find the net after than three and a half hours football so the match had to be decided on penalties. The visitors did not miss a strike whilst Echedey and the Lanzarote captain Rosmen failed to find the net and in front of nearly 3000 fans U.D. Lanzarote´s dream of returning back to Segunda B (League 1) football ended.

The last time the Rojillos were involved in a competitive penalty shoot out was way back in the 1999/00 season against Primera Liga side Getafe in the Copa Del Rey. The match ended 1-1 after 120 mins of football but it was the Madrid side that progressed to the next round.

Many locals were expecting a Lanzarote win but the team from the Castiila- La Mancha region of Spain have had a wonder season winning five of their last six league games whilst drawing the other. On the final day of the season they had to win their match and rely on other teams losing. Luck was on their side so they came into these two matches brimming with confidence.

The first half was even with the visitors having the first strike at goal that flew high over the bar of goalkeeper Agoney. In the 25th minute a super surging run by Rosmen from the left wing completely undone the Manzanera defence and his low cross caused problems as goalkeeper Rodri could only get his fingertips to the ball leaving the ball exposed on the centre of the six yard box but unfortunately for Lanzarote it fell between strikers Mauri and Toñito and eventually was cleared to safety.

Shortly afterwards it was the mainland club who came close as striker Raúl Castillo struck low from 10 yards only to see his shot miss the post by a whisker.

As the sides went into the half time break with the game goalless the sun intensified and without a cloud in the sky temperatures easily topped 30 degrees.

Just six minutes into the second period and a free kick for the visitors was swept in from the right wing which found the head of defender Edu Olivares. From some distance his header powered off the woodwork to the relief of the Lanzarote supporters. From now on it was the Rojillos who dominated the match but were met with a superbly organised and hearty defence.

With 15 minutes remaining Rojillos right back Ángel stormed down the right wing and was taken out with a kick at head height for what seemed a clear penalty kick. To the shock and dismay of the majority of the supporters the referee waved play on. The abuse the official took for this decision remained till the end of the match.

Neither side could muster up a shot on target for the remaining 10 minutes so the game went into extra time with 15 minutes per half.

The players looked weary as they headed back out into that roasting sun. All of the play was dominated by Lanzarote with left winger Toñito being the main source of concern for the visitors as he weaved and dodged his way through the defence but the two Manzanera centre backs were inspired clearing the danger.

In the 117th minute Ángel was shown his second yellow card by the clumsy official. If you have read my reports over the season it is rare I have criticized any official but on this occasion the referee was just not on the same wavelength. It seemed as though the ref Señor Carrasco had never kicked a ball in his life. The Lanzarote vice captain was awarded a free kick with three minutes remaining and chose to take it quick but this poor official from Madrid for the second time in the match brought play back but on this occasion branded Ángel his second yellow so the Lanzarote right back was ordered off. If the ref was not up with play that is fine but to prevent a player to stop quick thinking especially so late on is unacceptable.

The game would be decided on penalty kicks. Marcos Cabrera was the first and sent Lanzarote 1-0 up. The visitors looked as though they had practised these kicks as they were confident and each kick was thumped in a corner giving the Lanzarote keeper no chance. Echedey took Lanzarote´s second and he will be disappointed as it was hit in the corner but the keeper could have walked and picked it up. Yaco kept Lanzarote in with a shout converting his kick but the Manzanera keeper blasted his home so now it was down to Rosmen to keep Lanzarote in the game but his weak effort was easily saved by the keeper and CF Manzanera find themselves in the semi final of the playoffs for the right to play in Spain’s bronze league. Good luck!

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All will be decided next Sunday 31st May at 12 noon in Arrecife as the Rojillos held the Castiila-La Mancha side to a goalless draw in a tough and exhausting match.
Lanzarote must feel confident going into next week’s second leg, though if the visitors were to score then Lanzarote would need to equal that and better it by one to secure passage into the semi final of the playoffs.

The home side dominated the early exchanges with midfielder Pirri forcing the Lanzarote keeper Agoney to produce a good save.
The locals urged on by their 1200 supporters had the majority of possession in the opening stages however Lanzarote´s defence was organised and as the half progressed the Rojillos threat increased.
Deep into the first half Lanzarote had two good opportunities to open the scoring. A ball flashed across the goal line did not find a contact and secondly Rosmen tested the reflexes of the Manzanera goalkeeper but failed to find the net.

The hosts came out for the second period with the realization that they must take some advantage with them if they were going to return from Lanzarote in a week’s time with a little bit more than just a suntan.

The mainland side began to stretch the Lanzarote defence and in the 49th minute a great strike from distance by striker Raúl Castillo thundered off the Lanzarote woodwork.

The home team had dominated possession but were met with a resolute defence and with the Lanzarote captain Rosmen causing endless problems for the Manzanera back four with his physical presence it looked as though the visitors could have been the ones to snatch a winner.

In the final few minutes the home side fired several efforts but none tested the Lanzarote keeper. In the dying moments midfielder Pirri´s struck with force which the Lanzarote keeper thankfully palmed away to safety.
Lanzarote will be the happier but Rojillos manager Adolfo Pérez will know that his side are far from through to the next stage of the playoff process especially if Manzaneras were to open the scoring next week.

The game next Sunday has been confirmed for 12 noon. Season tickets are not valid for the playoff matches however the club has decided that season ticket holders will only be charged 3 Euros (show season ticket) whereas others will be charged the standard 5 Euros. As always children 15 years and under are admitted free of charge.

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The Rojillos needed a single point to guarantee themselves a second position finish otherwise it was up to our neighbours Yaiza to get any sort of result against third placed side C.D. Marino.

As it panned out it was Yaiza that won 4-0 ensuring Lanzarote finish the season in second spot which not only sees Lanzarote playing a mainland side who finished fourth but also it does have the added advantage of the second leg being played at home.

Lanzarote started the better of the two sides and were unlucky not to take the lead in the opening minutes as British boy Brad Cockerill had a great effort superbly saved by the Tenerife keeper.

This was also a day when the league’s top scorers were on show, Rosmen and Ibarra striker Manzi both with 25 goals apiece. In the 28^th minute the latter struck giving his side a 1-0 lead and also making himself the league’s top scorer.

Seconds before the half time whistle Lanzarote were level when Colombian Mauri won the ball and forced his way into the penalty box then squeezed his shot wide of the keeper sending his side into the half time break with the score 1-1.

The home side began the second half on the front foot and on the hour mark a free kick was flown into the Lanzarote danger area which found Tenerife defender Juanmi unmarked and the centre back made no mistake with his header to put his side back in the lead at 2-1.

Lanzarote dominated the final half hour of the match and had a host of chances to seal a point but however hard they tried the ball seemed shy of the net.

As it happens it didn’t matter as Yaiza recorded their biggest victory of the season which put a huge smile on all involved with U.D. Lanzarote.

The playoffs begin next week 24^th May with Lanzarote away in the Ciudad Real region of Spain 150km south of Madrid and face CF Manzaneras. Our opponents to be have had a superb ending to the season winning five and drawing one in their final six matches. On the final day of the season a 5-0 home win clinched the final playoff spot for the Castilla-La Mancha side.

The return leg will be on the weekend of 30/31^st May at a time and date waiting to be confirmed.

GOALS

1-0   min 28 Manzi

1-1   min 45 Mauri

2-1 min 60 Juanmi

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The Rojillos end their home campaign unbeaten all season having won thirteen and drawn six following this win against a young and talented Tenerife B side.

CD Mensajero are deservedly champions and have done it with a game remaining after easing to a 3-0 home win versus UD Telde. Third placed side CD Marino slipped up at home drawing 3-3 which means Lanzarote need one point in their final match to guarantee second spot.

Second position is hugely important as Lanzarote will play a lower placed side in the first playoff, it also means that the first match will be away and a week later the return leg will be played at the Arrecife fortress.

Both Lanzarote and CD Marino are away in the final match of the season with the Rojillos travelling to Tenerife to face mid table side UD Ibarra with a three point advantage. CD Marino are visiting Lanzarote to take on U.S. Yaiza. If Yaiza do not get beaten then Lanzarote are assured of second spot. Goal difference favours CD Marino so as the game kicks off at the same time the Rojillos must at least get a point otherwise they are relying on their neighbours.

It has now been over a year since Adolfo Pérez´s men have tasted defeat at home so if you fancy supporting Yaiza next week all will be forgiven.

U.D. Lanzarote got off to a dream start, seconds into the second minute and Raúl whipped in a cross from the right flank and Rosmen got in between the two central defenders and his superb guided header flew into the bottom right hand corner. The 1-0 lead calmed the nerves of the Lanzarote players and paved the way for an entertaining first half in scorching heat.

It certainly wasn’t one way traffic as this young Tenerife side some of whom have played for the first team were comfortable in possession and dangerous on the break.

Man of the match had to go to Tenerife number 10 as he terrorized both left and right backs. It doesn’t come as much of a surprise that this young lad Cristo González is one of those players who has appeared in the Tenerife first team in Segunda A (Championship).

He was involved in everything that was be thrown at the Rojillos and in the 18^th minute a narrow offside decision prevented Tenerife from levelling but just a minute later and winger Toñito picked up the ball on the edge of the area, he turned his defender and placed a beautiful curling chip with his left foot beyond the Tenerife keeper and into the top corner giving Lanzarote breathing space with the 2-0 advantage.

The game was now end to end with Rosmen having an effort ruled out for another narrow offside decision and then that Tenerife number 10 chased to the by-line and fired in a bullet of a cross which hit the stomach and winded Lanzarote´s central defender Francis Hernández but thankfully the ball was picked up on the line by keeper Agoney.

After such a furious pace played in hot conditions it wasn’t surprising that the game began to slow down and as both sides headed into the half time break with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees, a cold shower and replacing fluids was immediately on the agenda.

One did feel that Lanzarote would sit back on their lead and try and catch the visitors on the break and this proved to be the case. However in the opening stages of the second half Lanzarote controlled possession but as the clock ticked by the urgency, youth and fitness of the young Tenerife players became apparent as they surged forward.

The wonder winger Cristo González put the Tenerife side right back into the game in the 76^th minute as he fired in a thunderbolt of a shot from 20 yards that flew into the top right hand corner.

Poised at 2-1 Tenerife came at Lanzarote and in the 84^th minute a good save from Agoney prevented that number 10 levelling the match. A minute later Colombian Mauri who had fought like a tiger all day saw his effort fire off the woodwork for the home side but nevertheless Lanzarote deserved their victory.

Next Sunday just a point is needed or for Yaiza to take anything off CD Marino and this will guarantee Lanzarote the second leg of the play off tie to be played at home.

The Spanish football strike does affect teams in the Tercera Division so we will have to see if it is resolved. I am sure it will be.

GOALS

1-0   min 2 Rosmen

2-0   min 19 Toñito

2-1 min 76 Cristo González

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Both teams very much wanted the win in Gran Canaria. Lanzarote to keep the pressure on the league leaders and Santa Brígida to keep alive their hopes of a playoff finish.

Lanzarote dominated most of the first half with winger Toñito striking the woodwork in the early stages and striker Rosmen failing to hit the target when he found himself unmarked inside the area.

The opening stages of the second period were controlled by the home side with striker Futre and defender Alex both forcing the Lanzarote keeper Agoney to make good saves.

As the game hung in the balance both sides had good chances to win this match with Futre again testing the Lanzarote keeper and Rojillos midfielder Marcos Cabrera coming close with a free kick.

The game ended in a draw as it did in Lanzarote earlier in the season though back then the two teams shared eight goals in a monumental match.

Lanzarote are in third position but are just goal difference away from second spot held by Tenerife side CD Marino with league leaders from La Palma riding high five points clear with just four matches remaining. Meanwhile Villa Santa Brígida all but ended their hopes of Segunda B (League 1) football by now finding themselves adrift of the playoffs by a huge six points and four teams.

Lanzarote are at home this Sunday 26^th April at 12 noon versus a side desperate for points. Gran Canarian side CF Arucas are in sixth position just two points from the playoffs. (Just the top four are in the playoffs)

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Rojillos manager Adolfo Pérez openely admits that this was his side’s worst home performance of the season. Nevertheless with the two top sides both losing Lanzarote have narrowed the gap to league leaders CD Mensajero to just three points.

It does seem that neither of the top three sides want to win the league championship and gain entry to the Copa Del Rey (F.A. Cup) for next season. Incredibly the leagues bottom club CD La Laguna has taken four points off the top two sides in the last fortnight.

There is no doubt that the Conejeros (locals) should have won this match against the 4^th placed Gran Canarian side especially as the visitors were reduced to 10 men in just the second minute following a head butt by striker Victor on defender Falo.

If anything the sending off of the Real Sporting player spoiled the game as the visitors played with their 10 men behind the ball and Lanzarote were not creative enough to find a way through.

In the 17^th minute Toñito sent Louis Kennedy away but the British lad took a touch when in hindsight he should have hit the ball first time. On taking a touch this enabled the Gran Canarian keeper that extra second to narrow the angle and smother the winger’s effort.

The home side didn’t seem to use their wingers enough as all the action went through the middle of the pitch. As the weather got warmer it would have been wise to make their opposition chase the ball a little more.

In the 26^th minute Echedey hit a superb strike from the edge of the box but having beaten the keeper the Rojillos midfielder saw his effort fly off the post and away for a goal kick.

The Gran Canarian side shut up shop for the remainder of the half as Lanzarote found it difficult to untie their stubborn defence.

The Rojillos manager Adolfo Pérez made two good substitutions at the beginning of the second half bringing on wingback Ángel Gil and striker Yaco. Whilst the improvement of play was noticeable it still wasn’t enough to break down the well organised defence of the visitors.

In what was a dull match the 67^th minute contained the majority of the action. A great cross from the right from Ángel Gil was met with a powerful header by Kennedy but the goalkeeper quickly altered his footing and produced an excellent save. The loose ball fell to Toñito who then turned a defender and seemed to have been brought down but to the home supporters horror a penalty was not given. Echedey argued with the Ref and in doing so was shown his second yellow which evened up the sides numerically.

The visitors now gained confidence and in a rare opportunity 15 minutes from time Lanzarote goalkeeper Agoney had to produce a good save from midfielder Alejandro González.

The Gran Canarian side were extremely content with this draw and they are the only side that have prevented Lanzarote from scoring at home this season. The Rojillos still maintain their unbeaten home form though will be kicking themselves by not putting the pressure on the two sides above them.

The Rojillos are away next Sunday against CD El Cotillo in Fuerteventura. Whilst this is an away match Lanzarote will have some support as a  double decker bus will be carrying the players and some fans to the port in Playa Blanca where they will jump on the ferry for the 20 minute crossing to Fuerteventura.

There are still places available. The trip includes bus down to Playa Blanca, ferry crossing, lunch with the team after the match and then reverse home. The cost is 45 Euros as long as you have a Certificado de Viajes which is obtained at the Ayuntamiento (Town Hall). If you don’t have the Certificado the price is 71 Euros. If you want to come for this fab day out give me a call (Ian) 0034 649963943.

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versus CD El Cotillo

Includes:

*Bus to Playa Blanca

*Ferry to Fuerteventura

*Lunch – 3 course with team

*Return

Price 45€

*Need cerfificado de Viaje otherwise 71€

Contact Ian now on Facebook or 649 963 943

Bring suncream as little shade

Details on Facebook Lanzarote Football Club

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For the second consecutive away game the Rojillos equal their heaviest defeat of the season but remain in third spot four points behind new league leaders CD Mensajero.

The Rojillos away form has not been good over the last few weeks so you can expect this report to be cut short so I can spend more time organising a bus, ferry trip over to Fuerteventura for Lanzarote´s next away trip on Sunday April 12^th.

Both sides had good chances on what was an equal and entertaining first half which ended goalless.

The Tenerife side went in front in the 56^th minute and 15 minutes later Rojillos striker Mauri picked up his second yellow card and Lanzarote were reduced to ten men.

Just a few minutes later and the home side took advantage of the numerical difference to make it 2-0. Louis Kennedy almost pulled one back but his effort came crashing back off the crossbar.

Deep into stoppage time the home side put salt into the visitors wounds as they added a third.

This Thursday 2^nd April Lanzarote are at home to fourth placed side Real Sporting San José at 12 noon. This is “The day of the season ticket holder”. Anyone who has a season ticket is welcome to bring along a guest who will have free entrance. There are probably special offers on at the bar as well.

GOALS

1-0   min 56 Adán

2-0   min 77 Héctor

3-0   min 92 Héctor

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