LANZAROTE 2 TENERIFE B 0
The Rojillos took a gigantic leap towards the league title with a win against second placed Tenerife B on a scorching Sunday afternoon with second half goals from Ayoze and Jonathan Torres.
The visitors started the match in much better fashion than Lanzarote and were unlucky not to take the lead in the opening minute. Lanzarote centre back Saúl gifted the ball to striker Germán and after rounding the Keeper Saúl managed to get back to the goal line and clear the Tenerife strikers pass into the net.
Only a minute later and a poor clearance by the Lanzarote goalkeeper Ruymán was picked up by ex Rojillo Oscar Martin. The young winger who has been closing in on a first team call was quickly closed down and was unable to get his strike on target.
The defence of Lanzarote without their regular two centre backs through injury and suspension gradually began to calm their nerves and the balance of play became more even.
A strike from winger Toñito whistled over the Tenerife bar and minutes later a powerful effort from Ayoze was well saved by the Tenerife keeper Roberto. Moments before half time the Rojillos leading goal scorer Rosmen headed narrowly over the bar.
The Rojillos upped their game in the second half and Lanzarote´s midfield dynamo Vladi was in total control of the centre of the park. The Tenerife side was just about to pay for all their missed chances in the opening 45 minutes.
Four minutes into the second period and Ayoze turned his defender on the edge of the box and fooled the keeper by blasting the ball low just inside his near post to give the Rojillos a 1-0 advantage.
This goal took the pressure off the home side as the Rojillos began to stroke the ball around the Arrecife stadium with ease. Sub Jonathan Torres who has had an injury prone season was brought on at half time and his many years of playing Segunda A (Championship) football helped the Rojillos transform the match.
It was that man Torres who killed the game off in the 74th minute. Ayoze steamed down the wing and rifled in a great low cross and the poacher that Torres is, managed to get a toe on the ball directing past the keeper and to give his side that all important second goal.
The Rojillos were looking good for their 2-0 advantage and slowly took their foot off the pedal allowing the visitors to rally late on. The Lanzarote keeper who initially had a wobbly start to the match produced several top class saves and in the final minute produced a brilliant double save, first from a header and then the blasted follow up was superbly parried away for a corner. The Lanzarote number one refused to get beaten and Lanzarote were jubilant at the final whistle with a victory that all but sees off Tenerife’s title challenge.
Lanzarote have opened up a seven point gap between them and Tenerife B with four games to play however Las Palmas won away 1-2 and are back into second spot four points behind the Rojillos.
Another note of celebration is that Lanzarote have now guaranteed themselves entry into Spain’s biggest Cup competition next season in the Copa Del Rey. Only the league winners are guaranteed a place in the cup but with the B teams of Las Palmas and Tenerife unable to participate as their first team will be in the competition Lanzarote will be in the draw instead.
Fourth placed Atlético Granadilla can mathematically clinch the Copa Del Rey spot but they would have to win their remaining four fixtures and claw back a 22 goal disadvantage whilst Lanzarote lose all their games.
Memories will come flooding back to the fans when the mighty Real Madrid fought out a tough 1-3 victory against minnows Lanzarote. Cup successes against Athletic Bilbao and Mallorca will never be chalked off the minds of the local folk. Once more the Lanzarote fans can dream this summer as Cup fever will kick off early next season.
The league title is far from over as Lanzarote have to travel to La Palma next week and take on bogey side S.D. Tenisca. The Rojillos have only won once in La Palma against Tenisca in 16 attempts whilst the home side has won 10. The La Palma side is also one of only two sides to beat the Rojillos in Lanzarote this season.
GOALS
1-0min 49 Ayoze
2-0min 74 Jonathan Torres
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