Ian Lane reports from Arrecife for SOL y FUTBOLLANZAROTE 2 VILLANOVENSE 1
14th December 2009
U.D. Lanzarote has won their last home game of the year which will give them hope for the battle of survival which lies ahead.
The Rojillos began the game well and were boosted by the return of the experience and class of possibly Lanzarote’s best ever player, striker Maciot.
In the 5th minute a wasted throw by right back Kamara was chased by the ever eager Maciot. He chased round the back of a Villanovense defender and not only kept the ball in play but laid the ball on for winger Toñito to fire in a dangerous cross, steaming into the far post and only six yards out was left winger José Manuel who fluffed his volley and the chance had gone.
The Conejeros (locals) made no mistake with their second opportunity of the match. In the 7th minute Rubén Rodriguez drilled in a cross from the left and the much improved tall striker Rosmen rose tallest and headed Lanzarote into unfamiliar territory by taking the lead in a match. 1-0 to the Rojillos.
In the 14th minute the Rojillos were a whisker away from doubling their advantage. A corner from Toñito was tipped onto the bar by the keeper and Maciot´s follow up header struck the far post.
Lanzarote’s front line looked dangerous on every attack and even right back Kamara had a good effort from 20 yards saved well by the Villanovense keeper in the 25th minute.
Good one touch football instigated by central midfielders Vladi and Jotha made Lanzarote look at ease with the ball. On one such occasion the midfield duo released José Manuel on the left wing and his cross found fellow winger Toñito on the far post but his volley was saved with ease by keeper José Fuentes.
On the half hour a corner given short to Rojillos Captain Vladimir was mishit and drilled low which was easily controlled by the Villanovense defence. The Badajoz team broke quick with winger Guile. His inch perfect pass led striker Jaraiz with a one on one with Lanzarote keeper Miguel. The Lanzarote keeper stood tall and then went down at the last instant and saved brilliantly with his feet. Two minutes later and it was déjà vous with Miguel again saving well with his feet from a strike from Sub Miguel Angel.
Seconds before half time, danger man Toñito was at it again. A beautifully swung in corner teased the centre back into having to deal with the ball, the defenders glancing header struck the far post and the visitors were glad to hear the half time whistle moments later.
Talk about a game of two halves. Lanzarote must have been congratulating themselves on a good first half performance but for the first fifteen minutes of the second period the team from the first half were nowhere to be seen.
The side from the edge of the Portuguese border in Spain had the Conejeros chasing shadows in the mid day sun. Five minutes after the restart and an acrobatic overhead kick by ex Rojillo Juanjo leveled the score at one a piece. Villanovense smelt blood and not for the first or last time in the day a great save from the feet of Lanzarote keeper Miguel from striker Moraga kept the Badajoz side at bay.
Lanzarote began to find their first half form and in the 63rd minute Toñito laid on Jotha in the centre and his 25 yard effort went narrowly wide. A couple of minutes later and the same combination of Toñito and Jotha fired Lanzarote back into the lead. A fierce shot from 20 yards by Jotha beat the Villanovense keeper’s outstretched dive as the ball curled into the far right hand corner giving the Rojillos a 2-1 lead to defend.
Ten minutes later and keeper Miguel’s feet were at it again saving superbly from sub Miguel Angel. Rojillos manager Carmelo Hernández boosted up his defence by replacing the impressive José Manuel with centre back Faruk and a few minutes later Barnsley boy Ian replaced the tiring Rosmen.
The Lanzarote defence was deep yet strong and knew a counter attack with the pace of Toñito and Ian Robinson could prove deadly. In the 87th minute the two broke, Toñito fed Robbo but the Englishman goal bound effort was blocked by a last ditch tackle. Nevertheless the Rojillos hung on and reduced the deficit to safety to six points.
Next week Lanzarote are away and play their last fixture before the annual Christmas break against Real Oveido. Stan Collymore’s old side is riding high in seventh position and remains unbeaten at home this season. Meanwhile the Rojillos must improve on their dreadful away form this season which has produced only three goals and a dismal solitary point.
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