Ian Lane reports from Northern Spain where the Rojillos slip back into the relegation zone.SPORTING GIJÓN B 2 LANZAROTE 1
7th March 2010
The Rojillos come off second best and slip back into the drop zone after defeat in the top north of Spain against a direct relegation rival.
The home side opened the scoring in the 7th minute. A corner viciously swung in from the Lanzarote´s keepers left found Borja Navarro. The striker’s neat header left keeper Vilches motionless as the ball flew into the roof of the net.
With the score 1-0 to the home side Lanzarote looked nervous about conceding a second goal. The Rojillos bolted its doors in defence but lacked any real threat up front offering only a couple of long distance efforts.
Meanwhile the Asturias side looked hungry and dangerous. In central midfield the Rojillos were without their suspended inspirational Captain Vladimir. Gijón dominated this area with youngsters Sergio and Juan Muñiz controlling proceedings.
Just before half time these two players combined with Sergio laying the ball across the goal but team mate Juan Muñiz was just inches away from connecting with the goal at his mercy. Lanzarote were glad to hear the half time whistle with only the solitary goal separating the sides.
Lanzarote came out from the break looking a much fresher side. They were first to the ball, winning the tackles, and put pressure on the home defence. Nine minutes into the second half and all this good work was in tatters.
A free kick by Juan Muñiz taken from long distance was launched into Lanzarote´s danger zone and got caught in the strong wind which deceived the Lanzarote keeper into a rare mistake and gave the home side a fortunate 2-0 lead.
On several occasions this season Lanzarote have only got themselves going when they are two goals down. Fifteen minutes after conceding the second goal the Rojillos pulled one back. A foul on Carlitos in the six yard box and the referee ordered a spot kick. The ever reliable Rubén Rodriguez stepped up and stroked the ball with force into the right hand corner but the keeper tipped the ball onto the post but the rebound fell kindly back to Rubén and he stuck the ball home with ease reducing the deficit to 2-1.
With 20 minutes left to play Lanzarote were now seriously looking to salvage a point and more importantly not allowing the side below them in the league to claim all three points.
As much as Lanzarote huffed and puffed, Gijon’s defence held firm not allowing the Rojillos a clear chance and the Rojillos flew back to Lanzarote via Madrid empty handed and back into the last automatic relegation positions, fourth from bottom.
Sporting Gijón B leapfrog Lanzarote with this win and climb out of the drop zone and up to 15th.
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