The Rojillos cruised to a 0-4 win in their first pre season fixture in a surprisingly entertaining opening match.

Lanzarote went 0-1 in front when Rosmen unselfishly squared the ball from the right wing and Alex Cruz stroked the ball home to give his side a 0-1 half time lead.

Manager Jero Santana made ten changes in the second half with only Josito remaining.

Ayoze Pérez looked as commanding as ever and on the hour mark he supplied the cross for the new Las Palmas defender Omar to blast home from eight yards for 0-2.

In the 66^th minute Miguel Gómez did what he does best, take on a defender and from 20 yards blasted the ball low into the bottom right corner giving the Rojillos a 0-3 advantage.

Miguel Gómez starting this season as he ended the last.

As the match came to an end Toñito was put through the middle and chipped the keeper to beat the Regional side 0-4.

Usually the opening pre season matches are subdued but this was very upbeat with fitness levels of the Lanzarote players looking very good.

In the first half last season’s junior player Aythami shone with his alertness and incredible pace whilst in the second half veteran Toñito rolled back the years showing the quality that he possesses.

It was a shock for me to see the 34 year old at the first pre season training session as he left the club for Yaiza a couple of seasons ago and early on suffered a cruciate ligament injury missing the rest of the season.

He then signed for Haria and Altavista and it seemed to me he was fading away as one of Lanzarote´s past yet extremely good footballers.

During the pre season he has shown fitness and attitude and now there would be no surprise if he were to be offered a contract.

Lanzarote´s next pre season match is versus CD Tahiche this Friday 2^nd August at 7.30pm at the stadium up the road from me in Tahiche. Entrance is free.

The post SAN BARTOLOMÉ CF 0 LANZAROTE 4, 30th July 2017, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

It is with great sadness that Rojillos manager Maxi Barrera has left his role as head coach of Unión Deportiva Lanzarote.

Maxi was just 34 years old when he became first team manager.

The 37 year old Gran Canarian has had two seasons at the helm of the Rojillos, in his first year he managed to get his side to the playoffs with a brilliant finish to the season. Unfortunately his team lost to mainland club CP Villarobledo.

This season Lanzarote lost their final match of the campaign at home to second placed CD Mensajero and missed out on a playoff finish by a single point.

Maxi has stated that he has loved every minute being at the club and expresses his thanks to the management, players, technical staff and especially the fans. He quoted “I will celebrate when the Rojillos win and I will carry on supporting the club during failure”.

I am sure on behalf of all us fans that we wish Maxi all the very best for the future. You have been a true gentleman

The post GOODBYE AND THANK YOU MAXI BARRERA, 23rd May 2019, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

LANZAROTE   0 CD MENSAJERO   1,   19th May 2019,   

The Rojillos dream of promotion to Segunda B (Third Tier) ended on Sunday afternoon by the second placed side from the island of La Palma.

CD Mensajero was safe in the knowledge that whatever the result today that they were already qualified for the playoffs beginning next weekend.

A great incentive for our visitors was that a win would see them finish second; playing the second leg of their playoff match at home and also they would qualify for the Copa Del Rey.

On the other side of the coin Lanzarote needed something from the match, a draw would have seen the Rojillos qualify in either third or fourth but a win would have given them a second placed finish and all the benefits that Mensajero will now enjoy.

A dreaded defeat, then it would be out of the Rojillos hands and depend on two other results going against Lanzarote and that is exactly what happened.

At the start of the day CF Unión Viera were in the last playoff position, fourth. A win would assure them entry into the playoffs and they overcame bottom side UD Las Zocas with ease winning 4-0.

A welcome return for the club mascot. The Piña

CD Tenerife B was sitting just outside the playoffs in fifth and they had to win at home to league Champions UD Tamaraceite to stand any chance of qualification. This was always a great possibility as Tenerife were bang in form winning five of their last six matches with the other game a draw. They comfortably ran out 3-0 winners.

Arrecife Mayor Eva De Anta centre with ex UD Lanzarote delegate Roy González.

There could be another sting in the tail for CD Tenerife B because their first team slipped into the relegation zone on the weekend in Segunda A (The Championship) and if they are still there in three games time then the B team could not be promoted to the same league.

UD Tamaraceite had wrapped up the league title many weeks before but since the end of March they have failed to win. They will now be going into a one playoff match over two legs to see if they are promoted to Segunda B after having not secured a victory in their last seven outings.

A great vocal crowd of around 2000 urged their team on.

The 2000 crowd were treated to the presentation of the Lanzarote side who first won promotion to Segunda B back in 1998/99 season, when local legend Maciot scored a winner in front of at least 10,000 fans to send Lanzarote into Spain’s bronze league.

The promotion winning side of 1998/99 to Segunda B including our present day captain Rosmen (end right)

Two of Lanzarote´s present day club directors Pedro Cruz and José Andrés Hernández as well as our current captain 38 year old Rosmen were amongst that great team from 20 years ago. The fans gave them the applause that they richly deserved.

Players from the past. Left to right : Pedro Cruz and José Andrés Hernández (both now club directors) with ex Real Madrid player Jotha

From the moment the referee blew his whistle to start the match you knew that the Rojillos were going to have a battle on their hands.

In the opening stages Lanzarote were sharp on the ball but showed nerves whereas the visitors played with the freedom knowing that they had already qualified.

Lanzarote did manage to control their emotions and in the 24^th minute a powerful strike from Pedro Viera was saved by the keeper and the rebound fell to Miguel Gómez, the newly crowned Player of the Season did everything right with his left foot strike from eight yards but a defender did brilliantly blocking his effort on the goal line.

The La Palma side looked fit and fast and in the 38^th minute they hit Lanzarote like a whirlwind. From the back they moved the ball forward with accuracy and pace leaving the Rojillo defence on the back foot. The ball was centred and winger Vianney struck low from ten yards to give his side a precious 0-1 lead amid huge suspicions for offside.

Just before the break there were further problems for the Rojillos when defender Luciano who had not looked 100% went down clutching his hamstring and was replaced with Brad who slipped into the centre back position.

The Rojillos came out for the second half with a determined look and in the 51^st minute Nico González forced the keeper to make an excellent save from his 20 yard strike.

Ten minutes later and the never say die Alex Yunes volleyed over the bar from 12 yards.

In the 68^th minute the whole crowd were off their feet when Nico González headed the ball towards goal with the keeper stranded, somehow the defender got his head under the ball on the goal line and managed to clear the danger despite Javi Morales launching body and soul trying to get a touch to level the score. It was first class defending.

An outstanding clearance from the Mensajero defender.

As you would expect it was one way traffic with the fans urging their team to get a goal. In the 79^th minute the keeper pulled off another great save from a 20 yard Enrique Castaño thunderbolt.

Five minutes later and Miguel Gómez fired a ball low from the left across the six yard box, captain Rosmen stretched those long legs of his but could only get a toe on the ball which was not enough as the ball whisked past the right hand post.

Miguel Gómez just couldn’t find that moment of magic.

The Mensajero defence had played an excellent game withstanding the constant assault and were overjoyed to hear that final whistle.

It would be a mean person to criticize the performance of the Lanzarote team as each person gave everything that they had. Alberto Escudero was superb in midfield whilst Nico and Alex Yunes ran their hearts out as did everyone in a red shirt.

Lanzarote will begin next season’s campaign in their tenth consecutive attempt to return to Segunda B (Third Tier).

At the end of this match it was a very subdued Miguel Gómez who was presented his trophies by fans Carole and Fran for UD Lanzarote´s best player of the season.

Rojillo fans Carole and Fran presenting the Player of the Season award to Miguel Gómez.

It was also a dreadful day for Yaiza, the islands other club in this division as they lost their last game away to SD Tenisca 4-0 and will say goodbye to their six years that they have spent in the Tercera Division (Fourth Tier) as they now return to Regional Preferente.

GOALS

0-1 min 38 Vianney

The post LANZAROTE 0 CD MENSAJERO 1, 19th May 2019, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

Congratulations to 27 year old Miguel Gómez who is having a wonderful campaign and to confirm this, the Rojillo fans have voted him our player of the season.

A big thanks to Angela and Carole who oversaw the voting and here are the top 5 players that you voted for:

1. Miguel Gómez 12.56%
2. Rosmen 11.39%
3. Alex Yunes 10.70%
4. Brad Cockerill 9.77%
5. Nico González 9.30%

Others 46.28%

Miguel Gómez

From the opening game of the season in the derby match versus Yaiza, Miguel came off the bench and scored an absolute beauty in the 93^rd minute to give his side a 1-0 win.

Miguel doing what he does best, terrorizing defences.

His season from there has gone on from strength to strength and his ability to run at defenders with such close control keeps fans on the edge of their seat. This fine form has made him a marked man but nevertheless he has walloped in 11 goals, most from distance for fun this season and deservedly is the Rojillos top player.

Rosmen

What more can you say about our captain? In 2014/15 he was Player of the Season and in 2017 he decided to hang up his boots and retire. Last season the club with manager Maxi Barrera talked him into returning and he was instrumental in getting Lanzarote into the playoffs.

Rosmen, Captain incredible and only 38 years young.

His early form this season was electric and he is the clubs top scorer with 12 goals. Next season Rosmen will be 39 years of age and it would be a daft person to say our leader is past his sell buy date.

Alex Yunes

There is never a game where this 29 year old Venezuelan does not give a 100%. This has earned him the respect of the fans and his colleagues as his work rate for his team is second to none.

Alex Yunes just getting better and better.

Alex has got better as the season has developed and has chipped in with 7 goals.

Brad Cockerill

British boy Brad joined the Rojillos in the 2014/15 season and helped lead the club into the playoffs in second position.

Early in the following season the midfielder suffered a terrible knee injury and was sidelined for the remainder of that campaign. Brad returned last season but failed to secure his name in the starting eleven however this season all that has changed.

Brad cementing his position in the team.

The 23 year old has put in solid performances whether it is as centre back or in the heart of midfield, this has forced his manager Maxi Barrera to add his name to that team sheet week in week out. He has contributed 3 goals and is probably the clubs most improved player this season.

Nico González

27 year old Argentine Nico González spent 3 seasons with Boca Juniors reserves among stints in Chile before joining Las Palmas B then moving onto Lanzarote.

He is an attacking midfielder who has scored 8 goals and is a player with enormous quality as well as work rate.

The exciting Nico González.

Nico has the ability to undo defences and is a highly respected player with his team mates.

Miguel Gómez will be awarded his Player of the Season trophy at the end of this Sunday’s match whether we win, lose or draw so if you wish to stay behind for a few moments to show your appreciation it would be great. Fran from the Trifulka fan club and Carole will present Miguel with his trophy.

The post MIGUEL GÓMEZ WINS FANS PLAYER OF THE SEASON 2018/19 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

The Rojillos failed to secure a playoff spot over the weekend, however how the results panned out should they win in their final game at home on Sunday they will finish second and almost certainly qualify for a Copa Del Rey spot next season.

The Tenerife side had already been relegated prior to this match but there was no way that they were not going down without giving their visitors a bruise or two.

The hosts initially began well but Lanzarote soon took control. The veteran goalkeeper Sergio Aragoneses who had spent several seasons in the Primera Liga for CD Tenerife produced two excellent saves from Ayoze Pérez and Alex Cruz denying the Rojillos an early lead.

In the 22^nd minute who else but Miguel Gómez picked the ball up wide on the right, skipped past a couple of defenders moving into a central position, he then unleashed one of his trademark low powerful strikes beating the 42 year old with a 20 yard effort into the bottom right hand corner sending Lanzarote 0-1 up.

Miguel Gómez in top form.

The Tenerife side knew that they were being outclassed and for the remainder of the half began to bully a few of the Lanzarote players with some rash fouls which were ignored by the officials.

Ten minutes into the second period and Rojillos manager Maxi Barrera was forced to bring off his best player Miguel Gómez fearing that the 27 year old winger could get injured.

Las Zocas fought back and in the 70^th minute scored their final league home goal in the Third Division through striker Adán to level at 1-1.

To make matters worse for the Rojillos Alex Cruz picked up his second yellow card in the final minute and was given his marching orders.

The Rojillos were not happy with this point but nevertheless they had moved up to second spot albeit briefly as their rivals were all playing the following day.

PLAYOFF RIVALS

Form side CF Unión Viera had taken 16 points out of a possible 18 in their last six matches began the weekend in second spot. Thankfully the side that claimed all three points against Lanzarote for fielding an illegible player CD Marino ended this good run beating them 5-1.

CD Mensajero began in fourth but won against derby rivals SD Tenicsa 2-1 and now occupy second spot. CD Tenerife B could only play out a goalless draw following their five wins on the bounce and remain in fifth two points behind CF Unión Viera who are in the final playoff position.

THE FINAL DAY

Lanzarote are sitting in third place just one point behind CD Mensajero who they play on the final day. These are the three possible outcomes:

1. If Lanzarote win they will finish second and play a fourth placed mainland team with the second leg at home. They will also have the possibility of qualifying for next seasons Copa Del Rey.
2. A draw would see the Rojillos qualify for the playoffs either in third or fourth position.
3. A defeat, then it would depend if CD Tenerife B win their final match and also if CF Unión Viera picked up a point in their final game. If this happens then Lanzarote would miss out on the playoffs finishing in fifth.

The final home league game versus CD Mensajero is this Sunday 19^th May at 12 noon and there is absolutely no doubt that the Rojillos will be looking for a win to leapfrog their opponents and claim second spot.

THE OTHER END OF THE TABLE

Fellow island club Yaiza picked up a vital 1-0 home win versus CD Buzanada and have moved out of the relegation places but by only a point. Their final game will be fascinating as it is away against the side immediately below them SD Tenisca.

If Yaiza can earn a point they will be playing their football in the Third Division next season but failure to do so then they will be relegated and SD Tenisca will remain.

One thing is for certain and that is Yaiza must improve on their away form. They have not picked up a single point in their last five games on the road.

The La Palma club have a good fan base and there is no doubt Yaiza will be in for a hostile reception.

Our Fuerteventura friends CD El Cotillo brave fight to fend off relegation ended on Sunday when they lost away 5-3 to rivals Atlético Tacoronte. We hope it’s a swift return for our friends on the coast as we all love our Cotillo away trip.

           GOALS

           0-1 min 22 Miguel Gómez

           1-1 min 70 Adán

The post UD LAS ZOCAS 1 LANZAROTE 1, 11th May 2019, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

(En Castellano abajo)

There have been many fine personal performances over the course of the season and I am sure that it will be one of the most difficult years to pick your top FIVE players.

It is now up to you to see which player will be honoured to be voted UD Lanzarote´s Fans Player of the Season 2018/19.

THE RULES

1. To vote you must choose five players which do not have to be in any order and each player will receive 1 point.

2. You can only vote one time either on the Facebook page Lanzarote football club or U.D.Lanzarote

Needless to say the player with the most points will be awarded the trophy which will be presented at the final home league game of the season scheduled for the 19th May. Voting ends Sunday 12^th May at 6pm.

THE PLAYERS TO CHOOSE FROM SQUAD PHOTO

Top row, left to right:  Josito, Juanma, Luciano, Fran Gil, Agoney, Alejandro, Rosmen, Brad, Dani García, Enrique Castaño.

Bottom row, left to right : Pedro Viera, Gastón Cedrez, Alex Yunes, Ayoze Pérez, Alberto Escudero, Miguel Gómez, Nico González, Alex Cruz, Javi Morales.

U.D. LANZAROTE JUGADOR DE LA TEMPORADA 2018/19

Ha habido muchas buenas actuaciones personales a lo largo de la temporada y estoy seguro de que será uno de los años más difíciles para elegir a tus cinco mejores jugadores.

Ahora depende de usted ver qué jugador sería un honor ser votado como Jugador de la temporada 2018/19 de los aficionados de Lanzarote.

LAS NORMAS

1. Para votar debes elegir cinco jugadores, no tienen que estar en ningún orden y cada jugador recibirá 1 punto.
2. Solo puedes votar una vez en la página de Facebook Lanzarote football club o U.D.Lanzarote

El jugador con más puntos recibirá el trofeo que se entregará en el último partido de liga local de la temporada el 19 de mayo. La votación termina el domingo 12 de Mayo a las 18 horas.

LOS JUGADORES A ELEGIR DE LA FOTO DEL PLANTILLA

Fila arriba, de izquierda a derecha:  Josito, Juanma, Luciano, Fran Gil, Agoney, Alejandro, Rosmen, Brad, Dani García, Enrique Castaño.

Fila abajo, de izquierda a derecha: Pedro Viera, Gastón Cedrez, Alex Yunes, Ayoze Pérez, Alberto Escudero, Miguel Gómez, Nico González, Alex Cruz, Javi Morales.

The post U.D. LANZAROTE PLAYER OF THE SEASON 2018/19 appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

Unión Deportiva Lanzarote are edging themselves closer to confirming a playoff spot however there are two points dividing three teams who are competing for the last two playoff places.

The Rojillos move up one position to third swapping places with CD Mensajero who lost 1-0 and there is just a point separating these two teams.

As it happens in football Lanzarote´s final league game of the season is at home against CD Mensajero.

CD Tenerife B are just outside the playoffs in fifth by a point but are bang on form winning their last five matches and it is in their own hands to claim one of those priceless playoff tickets.

Lanzarote dominated the first half with winger Miguel Gómez in electric form running and causing havoc at the Tenerife defence.

In the 11^th minute Miguel earned his side a free kick on the left. On form Alberto Escudero pinpointed a cross to the far post and Javi Morales lost his marker and powerfully headed the ball home from eight yards. This was a welcome 1-0 lead and calmed the nerves of the Lanzarote players.

A good performance by Javi Morales topped off with the winning goal.

The mid table side did have a few chances in the first half but were mainly restricted to long range efforts, one of which keeper Alejandro saved well low to his right and another powerful strike was blocked by Javi Morales.

In the 23^rd minute Nico González sent Rosmen clear on goal but the Lanzarote captain could only blast his effort wide from 10 yards.

Two minutes later and the Miguel Gómez show showed no signs of letting up when he brilliantly sent in a low cross across the six yard box. Two Lanzarote players slid in but neither could get their toe on the ball for a tap in.

The Rojillos were playing some good football and this was emphasized in the 38^th minute. The Lanzarote defence dug themselves out of a tight situation and calmly passed the ball around to create space for Miguel. The 27 year old wizard then sent a delightful through ball to Nico Gónzalez but the Argentine saw his effort saved by the keeper’s feet from an acute angle.

Nico González forcing the keeper into a good save.

Lanzarote should have gone into the break with at least a two goal cushion and in the final minute of the first half they came ever so close in doing so.

Miguel Gómez made the ball his as he shrugged off a defender and latched on to a ball through the centre, with the ball glued to his feet he drew the keeper but his side footed pass to the goal agonizingly went inches past the left hand post.

The exciting Miguel Gómez kept you on the edge of your seat.

The Tenerife side came out much more positive in the second half and as time passed the Rojillos defending got deeper and deeper as Lanzarote relied on counter attacks to extend their lead.

The visitors were pressing but there was little concern in the Lanzarote defence and in the final 20 minutes Lanzarote had a hatful of chances to increase their lead.

In the 74^th minute great work from Ayoze Pérez found Rosmen but as the big man slid in and connected he saw his strike fly off the right hand post and away to safety.

Two minutes later and Miguel again turned his defender inside out but his strike from 20 yards was brilliantly tipped around the right hand post by the Marino keeper.

Alex Yunes also found himself on goal with 10 minutes remaining but from 12 yards he couldn’t get a good connection and his effort went wide.

In the final minute who else but Miguel Gómez wanted the final say when for the umpteenth time he cut inside his defender, then fired in a strike which you know nine times on ten is going to be accurate and with power but again the keeper did superbly tipping the ball away for a corner.

With just two league games remaining Lanzarote are in a good position and even have a chance of catching second placed side CF Unión Viera who they trail by one point.

If the Rojillos can finish second it will be advantageous for the playoffs but it could also secure them a Copa Del Rey spot for next season.

Next Saturday the Rojillos have a wonderful opportunity to secure an away win when they travel to face bottom club UD Las Zocas, the Tenerife side are the first team to be relegated from this divison.

Voting is now taking place for Lanzarote´s player of the season 2018/19 on Facebook Lanzarote football club and also on U.D. Lanzarote Facebook page. Voting ends on Sunday May 12^th at 6pm. Photos of this match are also on that page.

Last years player of the season 2017/18 Ayoze Pérez collecting the award.

Fellow local club Yaiza are having a dreadful time at the moment. They conceded a last minute goal losing 1-0 to mid table UD Ibarra and have slipped into the relegation positions. They are scheduled to play CD Buzanada this Sunday 12^th May at 12 noon (please check) at home and all Lanzarote fans are welcome to lend their support.

Fuerteventura club CD El Cotillo´s Houdini act is still on. Once 14 points from safety they are now just a win away from pulling off an incredible escape. They are unbeaten in four games having won their last two.

Huge congratulations go to the Lanzarote´s Ladies team. In their inaugural season they are Champions of the Lanzarote/Fuerteventura Ladies league. Well done girls!

Lanzarote´s Ladies Champions

The Lanzarote Under 18´s have also done extremely well to reach the playoff final. In the first leg of the semi final they drew 2-2 away to CD Tahiche but in the return leg on May 4^th they beat Tahiche 4-1 to win 6-3 on aggregate.

Lanzarote´s Under 18´s reaching the playoff final

GOALS

 1-0 min 11 Javi Morales

The post LANZAROTE 1 CD MARINO 0, 5th May 2019, appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

Lanzarote are at home this Sunday 5th May at 12 noon versus 12th placed Tenerife side CD Marino.

With only 3 matches remaining Lanzarote are in fourth spot which is the final playoff position and are 2 points clear of 5th placed side CD Tenerife B.

The post HOME MATCH THIS SUNDAY 5th MAY AT 12 NOON appeared first on UD Lanzarote.

An early goal from Miguel Gómez calmed the nerves and proved decisive as Lanzarote moved back into the final playoff position, fourth spot.

The newly promoted Tenerife side had won their last two matches moving them up 41 points and looked relatively secure to maintain their Third Division status; however with all four sides below them winning they are now just two points from safety with three games remaining.

This result is exactly what Lanzarote was hoping for following their shock home defeat last week. The Rojillos are two points clear of CD Tenerife B who are in fifth but are also just two points off second placed CD Mensajero who they face at home on the final day of the season.

Finishing second in the league is not only good to play a so called weaker team in the playoffs but it will almost certainly qualify for a Copa Del Rey spot for next season.

If Lanzarote were to finish second it is still not sure whether a Primera Liga side would play on our artificial pitch but the possibility is there.

Manager Maxi Barrera will be delighted with the three points especially as his side has had a tendency lately to lose their lead.

It was Miguel Gómez who in the 5^th minute profited from a mistake from a goalkeeper clearance. Very rarely does Miguel miss the target when striking at goal and add power to his sweet strikes and it is so easy to see why this exciting player has won so many points for his team this season.

From 20 yards he powered a trademark low finish into the right hand corner leaving the keeper scrambling across but with no chance of preventing the goal.

The Rojillos protected their 0-1 advantage and in the second half midfielder Albero Escudero struck a post and once again Miguel Gómez forced the keeper into a good save in what would have been a certain goal.

Lanzarote were only threatened at set pieces and whilst a single goal is a very small margin to hang on to, it proved enough to earn all three points.

Next Sunday 5^th May at 12 noon Lanzarote are home and Maxi Barrera´s men will be looking for maximum points versus 12^th placed side CD Marino to cement their playoff ambitions.

League leaders UD Tamaraceite picked up an away point at the weekend and are edging towards the title whilst second placed CD Mensajero ran out comfortable 4-0 home winners versus mid table UD Ibarra.

The leagues form team CF Unión Viera left it late to win 0-1 away but have taken 17 points in their last seven matches and look playoff certainties sitting in third spot a point ahead of Lanzarote.

Down the bottom end of the table Yaiza earned a great 1-0 home victory against fourth placed side CD Santa Úrsula but as it turned out all three sides in the relegation positions just below them all won so it is still just one point between them and the drop.

Yaiza´s last game of the season is away to the side immediately below them so it looks like a desperate finish in their final three matches for our southern friends.

GOALS

 0-1 min 5 Miguel Gómez

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The Rojillos began the day in fifth spot following wins from playoff rivals but they knew that a home victory would push them into second position and back into the playoffs.

Many mascots for the match from many different nationalities.

On paper this should have been a straight forward home win against the mid table side who have no chance of reaching the playoffs or of being relegated. It did not work out that way.

Lanzarote completely dominated the first half and had plenty of chances to take the lead and possibly see the floodgates open. The clearest opportunity came in the 19^th minute when midfielder Alberto Escudero was hacked down inside the box and the referee ordered a penalty.

Lanzarote´s mister reliable Ayoze Pérez stepped up to what we all expected was his normal blast the ball home.

In contrast the vice captain praying that the keeper was going to commit himself to a corner gently dinked the ball into the air and to his horror his prayers were not heard as the keeper stood still and waited for the ball to fall into his arms.

A moment Lanzarote´s great servant Ayoze Pérez will want to forget.

Ayoze would have wished that the astro turf would have just swallowed him up but to be fair to last season´s player of the year continued the match positively and was one of Lanzarote´s best players.

Just a couple of minutes later Rosmen headed low into the corner but the keeper made an outstanding save to his left hand post tipping the ball around for a corner. A minute on and again the Lanzarote captain saw his header from eight yards narrowly go over the bar.

Rojillos captain Rosmen coming close on several occasions.

It was one way traffic as the Tenerife side had all men on deck scrambling the ball away to safety and managed to hang on until the interval with the game scoreless.

Lanzarote began the second period still the superior side and in the 63^rd minute a corner from Nico found Ayoze at the far post, he did well heading the ball down and Rosmen instinctively put out his right foot but the ball hit the post and went straight into the keepers arms. One had a feeling that this was going to be a difficult day.

Another chance goes begging as Lanzarote fans hold their heads in despair.

The Rojillos hero on many an occasion this season Miguel Gómez had come on as sub and in the 64^th minute, he typically ran at his opponents and let fly from 20 yards but the keeper again made a terrific one handed diving save finger tipping the ball away for a corner.

The visitors then seemed to think to themselves that “Right, you have given us a beating and we are not having it anymore”.

For the first time in the match the home defence had to work. In the 72^nd a brilliantly whipped in corner from the left could only be parried by keeper Agoney and in the scramble it was defender Jon who touched the ball home to silence the home crowd and give his side a shock 0-1 lead.

Digging in and celebrating their rewards for the Tenerife side.

As the Rojillos continued to press forward the Tenerife side broke on the counterattack. In the 75^th minute the ball was squared into the centre and from ten yards striker Adan thought that he had scored the second but Agoney did superbly well to scurry across the box saving the effort and keeping his side in with a chance.

Our ball girl Charlea did a terrific job keeping the game flowing as did the officials.

In the 84^th minute the forever hardworking Alex Yunes saw his volley just go over the bar from eight yards as his team were running out of ideas how to break down this stubborn defence.

Early in stoppage time Ayoze Pérez did well squeezing in between two defenders then picking out sub Dani with a perfect cross, unfortunately his free header from eight yards went inches painfully wide of the right hand post.

Sub Dani came so close in added on time to earn a point for his side.

This defeat was unexpected and did hurt but with four matches remaining a guaranteed playoff position is still in Lanzarote´s own hands.

I saw Ayoze after the match and he was distraught with his mistake from the penalty and has publicly apologised but one cannot fault his and his teammate’s commitment to the cause. There is no doubt that Maxi Barrera´s men will bounce back from this disappointment.

This lady wasn’t so disappointed with the defeat as she topped up on her tan.

On a positive note playmaker Enrique Castaño returned from injury as sub and also the outstanding Argentine centre back is imminent on a return from his injury.

Next week Lanzarote travel to Tenerife to face Atlético Tacoronte who have pulled away from relegation problems with two consecutive victories.

There are seven teams in the mix with four points separating them for the three available playoff places remaining. League leaders UD Tamaraceite have already guaranteed their spot and will shortly be crowned champions as second placed CD Mensajero are ten points adrift.

Lanzarote´s next home game is due on Sunday 5^th May but time and date will be confirmed on here closer to the game.

Photos of this match are on Lanzarote football club Facebook page.

GOALS

0-1 min 72 Jon

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