Thursday 10 November 2011

Sol y Futbol: Lanzarote 4 points of play-off place

Ian Lane reports from Arrecife as Lanzarote win two on the bounce. The Rojillos are heading back to towards the play-off places.



LANZAROTE 1 LAS ZOCAS 0

Six points out of six for the Rojillos pushes them back up to mid table and only four points off the play off places following a second half penalty converted by sub Ayoze Pérez.

Prior to the match the Lanzarote squad had been pushed to its bare minimum. With only 18 registered first team players and with three out due to suspension as well as Toñito being disciplined by the club for doing a Tevez the week before and another two players injured, the Rojillos were forced to draft in regional and junior players. The makeshift team produced a solid display and deservedly claimed all three points.

The Rojillos began the match positively controlling possession and looking to break down the five man Tenerife defence. Rosmen forced Las Zocas goalkeeper into a good save in the 11th minute but even with the lion’s share of possession the Conejeros failed as they have done all season to turn their domination into goals.
The visitors slowly began to enter into the game and in the 37th minute striker Kike tried his luck from 25 yards with a wonder strike, the ball seemed destined for the top left hand corner as soon as it left his boot but the 39 year old Lanzarote keeper Santi Lampón produced an amazing finger tip save at full stretch which pushed the ball onto the bar and away for a corner. The first half ended as stalemate with the Rojillos just edging the match.

Las Zocas began the second half the much better of the two sides and had two clear opportunities to take the lead within the opening five minutes. Midfielder Manu had a clear strike at goal in the second minute but saw his effort fly straight into the body of the Lanzarote keeper. Two minutes later and the same player delivered a fine cross from the right to the far post and Cristo Marrero´s header flew off the top of the crossbar and away for a goal kick.

After these opening second half minute scares the Rojillos restored their control of the match and with the introduction of the talented Ayoze Pérez were looking the most likely to open the scoring. In the 64th minute Lanzarote striker Echedey was clearly brought down and the Ref did not hesitate in ordering for a spot kick. Ayoze who had only been on the park two minutes stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way by firing low into the bottom left hand corner giving his side a 1-0 lead.

The balance of play did not alter after the goal as the Rojillos remained in charge. It was only in the final minutes when Las Zocas went in search of a leveller but were met by a stubborn and well organised Rojillo defence that kept their visitors at bay.

Next week Lanzarote travel to Tenerife to take on fifth from bottom side Club Atlético Victoria.

GOALS
1-0 min 65 Ayoze Pérez (penalty)

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