Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote play-off hope fades.

Ian watched on as Lanzarote suffered a frustrated weekend and raises doubt about their play-off push.

LAS ZOCAS 3 LANZAROTE 0

It was a horrible day at the office for U.D. Lanzarote. It is never a good time to concede a goal but if you had to pick the worst times, surely it would be early on, just before half time and instantly in the second half. Lanzarote managed to do all three and despite the home side being reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute the Rojillos had no reply.

After just two minutes Lanzarote manager Fabián Rivero was forced into changing his game plan. A cross to the far post was watched by a dormant Rojillo defence and striker Ángel happily nodded the ball home sending the Tenerife side 1-0 up.

Lanzarote then dominated possession and created good chances for Toñito and Alex Yunes but as they have done all season were unable to convert these opportunities into goals.

Two minutes before half time and the Rojillos were made to pay for their lacklustre finishing when striker Juanjo volleyed in and double his sides lead giving the hosts an unexpected 2-0 lead to take into the half time break.

Whatever instructions the Lanzarote manager gave to his players during the interval was in tatters 50 seconds into the second half. Winger Angelito crossed towards the penalty spot and first to react was Juanjo to bang his second of the match giving his side a healthy 3-0 advantage.

This goal took the stuffing out of the Rojillos and even when the hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 54th minute it wasn’t noticeable on the pitch as the home side controlled the match with the Lanzarote keeper Ruymán being his side’s best player.

This was a huge opportunity missed as with teams around the playoffs losing, the Rojillos could have gone within two points of the final playoff spot. With three home games and two away matches left Lanzarote will have a big job on their hands if they are going to claw back the five point deficit.

There is no game next week due to Easter but on the 15th April the Rojillos will be at home versus 15th placed side Club Atlético Victoria.

GOALS
1-0min 2 Ángel
2-0min 43 Juanjo
3-0min 46 Juanjo