It has been a tremendous opening 20 matches of the season for UD Lanzarote, with 13 wins and just one loss; but even with this super form the Rojillos (the reds) are in third spot and trail league leaders CD Tenerife b by four points in the RFEF 3 (fifth tier). Ian lane reports.
Normally a good season would end with qualifying for the playoffs, but with 14 matches of the campaign remaining Lanzarote find themselves 18 points clear of falling out of those playoff positions. The only aim now is to win the league and claim the single guaranteed promotion spot.
On the 20th of January one of the most anticipated local derby matches in years took place where UD Lanzarote travelled to the south of the island to face U.S. Yaiza with both teams level on points. It was a hard-fought match and did lack quality as the teams deservedly shared the points in a disappointing goalless draw.
The Rojillos then went on to win their next three matches by a 2-1 scoreline, including another derby match versus rivals CF San Bartolomé. The opening 45 minutes saw plenty of committed challenges but it wasn’t until the second half that the quality of the Rojillos shone through.
A belter in the 70th minute from Adrián Machín gave Lanzarote the lead and ten minutes later an outrageously powerful chip from 30 yards by defender Alex Cruz made the game safe. The hosts hit back with a penalty deep into added-on time, but it was all in vain.
In March Lanzarote are at home on three occasions with the first two games in consecutive weeks. First up on the 3rd of March is the hugely important match versus the league leaders and GAZETTE | FOOTBALL Lanzarote must win if they want to challenge for the title. This is followed by bottom club CD Unión Puerto a week later, then fourth placed side UD Las Palmas B on the 24th.
The club welcomes all visitors, and you simply have to turn up and pay at the gate on match day. It is easy to get to the stadium by bus or car. Details can all be found on my website and Facebook page (details below). Refreshments and merchandise are available inside the stadium on match day.
FORTHCOMING HOME FIXTURES
Normally it is Sunday at 12 noon but please check.
MARCH 3RD: LANZAROTE V CD TENERIFE B
MARCH 10TH: LANZAROTE V CD UNIÓN PUERTO
MARCH 24TH: LANZAROTE V UD LAS PALMAS B
WHERE TO BUY CLUB MERCHANDISE?
Go to Lanzarote Football Club (Facebook page) or www.mercancialanzarote.com for info, season ticket & membership details etc. All shirts and other merchandise can be bought at the Teguise market stall on Sundays; online at www.mercancialanzarote.com/shop/ or at the shop in Costa Teguise, which is based at Centro Comercial Nautical, local 25 (up from Decades bar and behind Café Bonjour). The shop is open Mon to Fri 10am to 1pm.
