Union Sur Yaiza are quickly learning how tough the second federation can be, as they head towards a season that could end with a brutal scrap for survival between up to ten sides.
Last year, when the side were back in the Tercera Federación, away games would involve a short island-hop to one of the other Canary Islands, and players would often be back home in the same evening carrying a Binter chocolate bar for the kids.
This year, every other week involves several hours of gruelling travel to Madrid, Extremadura or even North Africa before a ball is even kicked, and after a bright start to the season, the pressure appears to be taking its toll. This is tougher than anyone thought.
Yaiza began the New Year with a trip to Toledo, the historical city south of Spain’s capital, where hosts CD Illescas were waiting to take them on in a direct duel to avoid the relegation spots in Group V of the Second Federation.
Illescas immediately attempted to take control of the match, going close with a shot by Chaves and a header by Eu, but Yaiza met them head on and took the lead in the 12th minute when Malick’s pressure on Chaves allowed Marco Siverio to intercept the ball and pass it to Malick, who made no mistake with his shot.
After the first half hour, Illescas equalised after a Pesca run down the right ended with him beating Yaiza keeper Nauzet at the near post. All square at half time.
Unión Sur Yaiza could have taken the lead at the start of the second half when Marco Siverio volleyed from a throw-in, but the Illescas goalkeeper blocked the shot with his foot. CD Illescas answered immediately with a goal – César Gómez heading in a Pesca cross from the right wing.
From then on, Unión Sur Yaiza barely threatened their rival’s goal. The only event worth mentioning was a play by Emiliano Trovento on the left, who passed for Marco Siverio, but the striker shot wide.
Final result: CD Illescas 2, Unión Sur Yaiza 1, a result that tightens the relegation zone of the Second Federation.
At 14 points from the nearest play-off spot, it seems any dreams of a second successive promotion are now over, but survival remains entirely possible in an intensely competitive league where just eight points separate the 8th placed team from the 16th of 18 sides.
FORTHCOMING HOME FIXTURES
2ND FEBRUARY: GETAFE B
16TH FEBRUARY: CD COLONIA MOSCARDÓ
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