UD Lanzarote have been competing at the top of the league all season but a recent poor run of five matches with just two points saw them slip out of the playoff positions for the first time this year. Ian Lane reports.
On the 9th March, the Rojillos (The Reds) faced relegation-threatened UD Los Llanos. Even though the La Palma side were five points from safety they went into the match with the better form, having taken 10 points in their last five matches.
But Lanzarote were irresistible and raced into a 2-0 half-time lead, then added a third late on for a convincing and morale -boosting 3-0 win which also saw them return to fifth spot and occupy the final playoff position.
With nine matches remaining, UD Las Palmas B are seven points clear at the top and look as though they will claim the only automatic promotion position to RFEF 2 (Fourth Tier). Fellow Gran Canarian teams UD Tamaraceite and UD San Fernando have almost guaranteed themselves two of the four playoff positions which leaves two remaining playoff places to be fought out between four teams.
The son of Diego Maradona (Diego Jnr) took over Tenerife side UD Ibarra late last year and has lifted his team from one point off the relegation positions up to fourth, making them one of the favourites to claim one of the other two playoff places. In sixth position is the much-fancied CD Mensajero who have taken 19 points out of a possible 24 in their last eight games. A further two points adrift is Tenerife side CD Marino who are still in with a good shout of stealing a playoff finish.
The Rojillos have been playing their home matches in Tías following refurbishment work being carried out at the home ground of Ciudad Deportiva in Arrecife. The new playing surface has been finished for some time and the Cabildo (local government) have said the running track should be completed by the end of March and are hoping UD Lanzarote will be back in Arrecife for the match versus CF Unión Viera on Sunday 6th April, but please do check.
For more info go to www.lanzarotefootball.com, Lanzarote Football Club on Facebook, email info@mercancialanzarote.com or call Ian on 649 963 943.
Strips can be bought at the club stall at Teguise Market on Sunday mornings or at the Club Shop in Costa Teguise, CC Nautico, local 25 (opposite Pueblo Marinero and behind Café Oppa.) The shop is open 10 am to 1pm Mon-Fri and also 5pm-7pm on Weds.
FORTHCOMING HOME FIXTURES
(Normally it is Sunday at 12 noon but please check)
17TH APRIL LANZAROTE V ARUCAS CF (THURSDAY AT 12 NOON)
27TH APRIL LANZAROTE V UD VILLA SANTA BRÍGIDA
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