Thankfully and at last, back by popular demand and also because we have no one else, the one, the only Mr Ian Lane. Too much - you're probably right. Ian is back for our 3rd season with UD Lanzarote. We will be getting his match reports and the odd observation regarding the club throughout the season. This weekend saw Ian in the cold of Arrecife (just touching 90), to bring us his first report of the season and Lanzarote's first league win.
LANZAROTE 2 U.D. TIJARAFE 1
The Rojillos clinched their first league win of the season on their third attempt of trying. Two cracking goals before half time but then they allowed the La Palma side a lifeline early in the second half and had to endure the final 25 minutes with just 10 men, nevertheless the Conejeros (locals) deservedly claimed all three points.
The game couldn’t have begun any better for the Rojillos. Seconds before the first minute had passed Gustavo García teed up Ayoze Pérez from a short free kick and the midfielder let rip with a powerful dipping beauty from 25 yards to score Lanzarote´s first home goal of the campaign.
A minute later and the Rojillos should have been celebrating their second. Captain Jonathan Torres broke free of his marker at the back post but unfortunately his accuracy wasn’t as good as his awareness as his shot failed to hit the target.
Lanzarote were in control of the game with the visitor’s only effort in the half coming in the 18th minute from a free kick by Striker Borja which was neatly palmed away for a corner by keeper Santi Lampón.
Lanzarote´s second goal came in the 39th minute. Jonathan Torres laid the ball back to Gustavo García. The well travelled local boy saw the keeper just off his line and wonderfully chipped him from 20 yards to give his side a 2-0 advantage to go into the half time break.
The only concern for the new manager Fabián Rivero during the half time cuppa was that his side had not killed off the match with a third goal such was the dominance.
Only three minutes into the second half and the La Palma side were back in the game. Following a corner, the Rojillos failed to clear the ball and defender Iván Rodríguez pounced on the hesitance in defence to blast the ball home from close range to make the score 2-1.
The home side still made all the running but mid way through the second half left back Javi Morales picked up his second yellow card and the Rojillos were forced to end the match with 10 players. It was only in the dying minutes that Tijarafe threatened as Lanzarote deservedly held on to a victory which keeps them unbeaten in all league and cup matches this season.
Next Sunday Lanzarote travel to Tenerife to face the league leaders and the only side in the league with a 100% record this season Atlético Granadilla.
Before that, the Rojillos face another hugely important match in the Copa Del Rey second round. This Wednesday Lanzarote travel to the North of Spain to fight for the right to be in the draw when the Primera Liga clubs get involved. They will be massive underdogs against Segunda B (league 1) side S.D. Eibar but never write the Rojillos off in these cup matches as their history in the cup proves. Eibar have spent 17 of the last 20 seasons in Spain´s Segunda A (Championship) and were Champions of their Division last season but still failed in the Play off final to a return to the Division where they really belong. Ironically it was Lanzarote´s former and most famous manager Jose Luis Mendilibar who took Eibar to within inches of the Primera Liga a few seasons ago.
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