LANZAROTE 0 C.D. MENSAJERO 1Ian reports from Arrecife, on a disappointing defeat for UD Lanzarote. Let us hope they can get back on track next week.
U.D. Lanzarote are knocked off top spot following a shock defeat to lowly C.D. Mensajero and a win for the Rojillos closest rivals Las Palmas B sees the Gran Canarian outfit leapfrog Lanzarote to regain leadership of the Tercera Division (fourth tier).
All clubs at some point in the season have to deal with an injury crisis and for Lanzarote their time had come. Eight of the squad were injured and a further two out due to suspension. The four outfield players sitting on the bench were either carrying knocks or returning from long term injuries.
Drafted into the squad was Cadete player (under 16´s) Wilson. The shocked 15 year old debutant started the match on the right side of midfield.
Neither side dominated in the opening stages however the first good chance of the match fell for the Conejeros (locals). Ironically it was the youngster Wilson who was going to taste his first strike at goal in Spain’s fourth tier of football. The under 16´s star was put through with just the keeper to beat but with the knowledge that the defender was rapidly closing him down he rushed his attempt and the keeper saved with ease.
Meanwhile the La Palma side were making a mockery of their poor league position confidently passing the ball around and were a constant threat to the Rojillos back four.
In the 25th minute the visitors had an unbelievable chance to take the lead. Striker Yeray muscled his way past the last central defender but with the ball positioned perfectly for a clean strike, he somehow hooked his six yard shot wide of the left upright.
The reprieve didn’t last long. Less than a minute later the La Palma side got the goal they deserved. Midfielder Joel lashed the ball low and hard from 12 yards which whistled past the Lanzarote keeper Ruymán ending his run of five games without conceding.
Just after the half hour a terrific run from Toñito down the right flank was finished off with an inch perfect cross into the centre, striker Yaco arrived on cue but his powerful header flew a foot over the bar. The visitors could have extended their lead just before the break but the header from Borja Martín flew straight into the arms of the grateful Lanzarote keeper.
The visitors came out for the second half not looking to sit back and guard their slender lead; on the contrary the first opportunity fell to them in the 52nd minute. The hard to handle front man Yeray fed Borja Martin but the midfielders second clear cut chance of the game was fired wide from just in front of the penalty spot.
Lanzarote began to match the tempo of the away side with Jotha orchestrating the attacks from the centre of midfield. The visitors organized defence made life difficult for the Rojillos and to break through this stone wall was not going to be an easy task. In the final 10 minutes the home side was firing on all cylinders. Sub Rosmen still nursing an injury was brought on and so nearly the gamble paid dividends.
In the 42nd minute Toñito raced to the byline and pulled the ball back for Rosmen, Lanzarote´s top marksman blasted the ball goal bound but incredibly keeper Kevin saved with his toe sending the ball high and over. Two minutes later and a good header from Rosmen from 2 yards was smothered on the line by the impressive keeper.
The match could have gone on for another twenty four hours but it just seemed it was one of those days where the high flying Rojillos were not going to score.
Las Palmas B now open up a two point lead at the top. Tenerife B also won and move back into third position seven points behind Lanzarote.
The Rojillos will travel to Tenerife next week and face another in form bottom club Las Zocas. Whilst spending a large part of this season in the bottom four a nine game run with only one loss has pushed the Tenerife side up to 16th spot three points off the drop zone. Meanwhile Las Palmas B begin their three consecutive away matches including the tough derby game against arch enemies Tenerife B.
GOALS
0-1 min 26 Joel
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