LANZAROTE 3 ATLÉTICO GRANADILLA 3
The last time Lanzarote were beaten at home was on the 30th October 2011 but to maintain that fine record a converted penalty by Captain Jotha was needed three minutes from full time.
Judging by the football on display both sides will be fighting for promotion places come the end of the season. It was the Tenerife side who were off the blocks instantly and stunned the home crowd in the opening minute. A cross from the right flank by midfielder Juan Ramón was met by striker Amray who reacted quicker than any of the defenders and he tidily tucked the ball home to give the visitors a shock 0-1 advantage.
Immediately the Rojillos sprung into action and only good saves from former Lanzarote keeper Marino kept Rosmen and Jotha restoring parity. In the 16th minute a cross to the far post was headed home by striker Miguel Yunes to even up the score at one apiece.
The Rojillos were looking dangerous in every attacking move. In the 26th minute a short corner to the edge of the box was met cleanly by a first time strike from Jotha, his shot took a deflection on route which flat footed the Granadilla keeper and crept into the right hand corner of the goal giving Lanzarote a 2-1 lead.
Shortly before the break the Lanzarote manager Adolfo Pérez was forced into a substitution when centre back Kamara injured himself winning the ball in a tackle. The Rojillos began to dominate possession and looked as though they would increase their lead when in added on time the Tenerife side shocked the hosts again by creating something out of nothing when striker Airam pounced on a loose ball in the box and shot low past the Lanzarote keeper Machín to even up the score at 2-2.
The Rojillos began the second half the better of the two sides but the visitors were not going to surrender and restricted Lanzarote to long range efforts. Midway through the second period sub Yosimar who had brought a new freshness to his side was upended in the box by Alex Yunes and the Ref had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Iván Martin dispatched the spot kick to put Atlético Granadilla back in the driving seat with a 2-3 lead.
The final 25 minutes were pulsating with Lanzarote throwing everything at their opponents. The Rojillos introduced Taja in a midfield attacking role on the left and immediately he became the danger man running at defenders and creating the best chances. Jotha in midfield was orchestrating matters and with his never say die mentality along with his wealth of experience Lanzarote were never going to be buried until that whistle blew.
With three minutes left on the clock right back Ángel darted down the wing and delivered a good cross, Striker Rosmen went to meet the ball but was pushed by defender Faruk and the Ref pointed straight to the spot. The ex Lanzarote defender received his second yellow card of the afternoon as Jotha coolly sent the keeper the wrong way to bring the score back at level pegging 3-3.
It was a red attack for the final minutes and with just seconds left on the clock Miguel Yunes fired the ball low and hard across the goal but Sub Echedey was beaten by the pace of the cross and could only glance the ball wide. He held his head in his hands realising he had spurned a glorious opportunity to claim all three points.
The signs look good for the Rojillos. Last season winning on their travels was rare and their shyness in front of goal definitely lost them points away from home but this season Rosmen is joined up front with Miguel Yunes who seems dangerous every time he receives the ball. The pairing combines well and an exciting season may lie ahead.
Next week Lanzarote are away and will face Tenerife B who are one of only three teams to still have a 100% record.
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