In the last game of the year, on 17th December, UD Lanzarote confirmed their status as serious contenders with a superb 1-4 away victory against the much-fancied UD Tamaraceite, as Argentine striker Di Renzo banged in a hat trick and lifted his team into the play-off zone. Ian Lane reports:
Following the three-week Christmas break the Rojillos (The Reds) returned on the 8th January with a comfortable 2-0 home victory over Gran Canarian side Estrella CF and gave themselves a five-point cushion in fifth spot, the final playoff place.
Only a few weeks earlier Lanzarote were midtable and 11 points adrift of top spot, but six wins in eight matches not only saw them into the playoff positions but also just six points behind the league leaders.
Going into the local derby match on the 15th January against relegation-threatened Yaiza, the Rojillos were brimming with confidence. Yaiza were bottom of the league and were the only side without a win going into mid-December, until two wins on the bounce lifted them to third from bottom. A 0-3 away defeat in the first match of the New Year looked as though it may have dented their confidence as we headed into the derby match.
Lanzarote learned early on that Yaiza´s confidence had not been affected, as the visitors took the lead in the 20th minute from a deep corner which was headed in by striker Acorán. Lanzarote piled on the pressure but were met with a rock solid midfield and defence, and for the second season running, Yaiza ran out 0-1 winners over their local rivals.
Lanzarote are two points clear in fifth spot and still six points from the league leaders CD Mensajero but missed out on a wonderful opportunity to close the gap to top spot to three points. Yaiza remain in the final relegation position, but only on goal difference.
To come and watch a home match there is no need to book in advance, simply turn up on match day and pay 8 Euros adults and 6 Euros Pensioners, (2 Euro discount for residents), children under 16 years of age are admitted free of charge.
FORTHCOMING HOME FIXTURES (normally it is Sunday at 12 noon but please check)
12TH FEBRUARY: LANZAROTE V CD MENSAJERO (league leaders, check k.o. time)
5TH MARCH: LANZAROTE V UD LAS PALMAS B
For regular updates, pictures and videos of Lanzarote be sure to like and follow our Facebook page “Gazette Life Lanzarote”.
