2nd December 2012

It may not be a win but with only 10 players for more than half the match and seven points taken over the last three matches the Rojillos have good reason to be pleased with themselves.

The first half of the match offered little in entertainment with the Rojillos best chance coming as early as the 2^nd minute when Alex Yunes did well to control the ball inside the area but his strike didn’t trouble ex Lanzarote keeper Santi Lampón as the ball flew over the bar.

The home sides only shot on goal in the first half was on the half hour when the well travelled striker Futre let rip which produced a good save from the Rojillos number one Marco Machín.

The final five minutes of the first half produced the best of the action. Jotha fired in a powerful strike which was destined for glory until the Gran Canarian goalkeeper spoiled the celebration with an outstanding save. Two minutes before the break and a second yellow card for Rojillos midfielder Victor Rodríguez meant that Lanzarote were going to have to play the second half a man short.

Nobody seemed to notice the numerical difference in the second period as the balance of play tilted towards Lanzarote. Rosmen had a great chance to give the Rojillos the lead but his effort failed to hit the target.

The Lanzarote defence looked strong and with centre back Adrían Martín clearing off the line on the hour mark it was going to take something special to score against a defence that hasn’t conceded in over 300 minutes of play.

The Lanzarote keeper again saved well from a header by midfielder Maikel but the Rojillos were also unlucky when Echedey thought he had put his side ahead but the goal was disallowed for offside.

It was drama in the final minute of the match when the Gran Canarian side were awarded a penalty. Their captain and another ex Lanzarote player Yeray Ortega stepped up but could only fire against the post and Lanzarote held on to claim a vital point which pushes them up to 14^th spot in the table.

This is a fantastic time to find some form as the Rojillos play five of their next six matches at home kicking off this public holiday, Thursday 6^th December in a re-arranged fixture versus 8^th placed side SD Tenisca at 12.30pm followed by this Sunday 9^th Dec at 11.30am against lowly UD Telde.

Match report from 25th November 2012 UD Lanzarote 2 Estrella CF 0

The Rojillos record their first home win of the season with a goal in each half and make it two wins on the bounce whilst keeping clean sheets from their leaky defence on both occasions.

Welcoming back the Piña (Pineapple mascot) and the drums whilst the Lanzarote Zumba ladies entertaining us with a half time boogie added to a festive atmosphere for the Rojillos largest crowd of the season.

Lanzarote began the match similar to the confident side of last season who only suffered one home defeat the entire campaign. In the 13^th minute striker Rosmen forced the Estrella keeper into a very good save from his headed effort.

The Gran Canarian side looked strong in defence and sharp on the break. Knowing a win against Lanzarote would lift them into a playoff spot they were never going to be an easy side to beat.

In the 26^th minute Toñito had the opportunity to cross on the edge of the box however he cleverly feigned a cross and took on his opponent, the defender was a second too late and took away the Lanzarote winger’s foot and after a hard stare from the well placed official he pointed to the spot for a penalty.

The Lanzarote captain and playmaker Jotha stepped up and neatly tucked the ball beyond the keeper and into the right hand corner and the team celebrated their 1-0 lead by diving all over the Piña.

The fifth placed side began to threaten, though last season’s tight defence looks as though it has returned and were not allowing the visitors a second on the ball as the score remained 1-0 at the break.

The home side came out for the second half in a desperate search for that all important second goal. Ten minutes into the second period and Lady Luck who has not been shining too much this season dramatically shone in Lanzarote´s favour. A cross from the extremely impressive right back Kamara deflected off defender Omar and with the keeper completely wrong footed the ball gently rolled in between the unguarded sticks to give the Rojillos a 2-0 lead.

The visitors tried to assert some authority and began to hold possession but nothing was getting through the Rojillos stubborn defence. Late on and on a break Alex Yunes had a great chance to increase the score but shot straight into the arms of the Gran Canarian keeper.

Lanzarote comfortably held on to claim all three points and move one place up the league table to 16^th. GOALS

1-0   min 26 Jotha (Penalty)

2-0   min 55 Omar (Own goal)

These football reports were brought to you by Ian Lane. If you want to know anything about the Rojillos (UD Lanzarote) or buy the Official Merchandise for the Lanzarote football team, Ian’s contact details are on the Mercancia Lanzarote website or you can find him at the Teguise Market every Sunday.