It may look like something that has been sent in to Vision On (ask your parents) but the Teide Trophy is well worth winning and could be the first honour of the football season for CD Tenerife.

Last night the mighty Blanquiazul won through their semi final on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Universidad Las Palmas in La Orotava. Earlier in the day the 2 newest playing recruits signed in, Antonio Longas a midfielder from Zaragoza and at last a forward, Mikel Arruabarrena from Xerez.

Anyway back to the action. A typically boring friendly first half for 0-0 at the break then a Tenerife lead after 66 minutes via a penalty from Ayoze. Universidad levelled after 77 minutes, the first goal conceeded in 347 minutes of friendly pre season action. Penalties loomed with 5 each, Raul Navas saved Las Palmas 3rd and Tenerife hit the target with all theirs from Martinez, Iriome, Perez, Hormiga and the winner from Ayoze.

So it’s back to La Orotava on Sunday evening for the final against the winner of UD Las Palmas (the Pios) versus Sevilla Athletic. Vamos Tenerife, oh and please can we have another new forward (looks like Nino from Levante) and we can really start to be confident about the new season in 2 weeks time.

Is there no end to the wonders of Tenerife? Candelaria in the north, 15 km below Santa Cruz, was my port of call today, my first ever visit, and it was windswept and wonderful. The Basilica plaza was being prepared for the big pilgrimage on Wednesday August 15, to worship the statue of the virgin, found by the Guanches, the original island natives, in 1392. Thousands will walk for days from all over the island to pay homage.

Me? I came by bus. Firstly I visited the modern coastal resort of La Calitillas, with it’s large rock pools providing a safe bathing haven from the choppy sea. A short walk past secluded coves, and I was in Candelaria, fighting against the wind (too much tapas) and exploring the small sheltered beaches.

The main plaza is a site to behold, as the 9 Guanche kings look down with their backs to the sea. The church itself is equally impressive and a fitting home for the statue throughout the year. Just hope the wind drops a little before the 15th, it will be a special day for the island.