Two goals from open play in a 2-0 home win over Real Valladolid made for a joyous farewell to the Santa Cruz Carnaval – and raised hoped for the Canarian derby in pio land next Sunday. New coach Raul Agne must take a lot of credit for his tactical changes, including dropping out of form striker Aridane.

The shape of the team looked better, Juan Carlos Real started up front and interchanged well with captain Suso and that inspired their team mates to be more adventurous. Aitor Sanz tested goalie Varas in the first five minutes but Valladolid built well and looked a class side. Pereira, their small but nippy forward had plenty of tricks but proved to be the Carnaval clown. An outrageous penalty seeking dive earned him a booking and just two minutes later he was guilty of a blatant late trip that left the ref with no choice but to send him off with just half an hour gone.

Valladolid had to change their style and tighten their already mean defence, it made for an interesting contest as Tenerife were playing much more open football. Aitor Sanz picked up a booking to rule him out of the derby clash but he and Vitolo controlled the midfield to give a solid springboard for Diego Ifran. All level at half time with an upbeat feel among the 9.112 crowd, Tenerife came back out with a win on their minds. Suso was able to cut inside more thanks to Juan Carlos and his rasping shot wasn’t wide by much. Valladolid managed a few efforts but Dani was consistent as ever in goal and made his takes look easy.

The opening goal came from a flowing attack, Cristo Martin threaded through a gift of a pass for Suso to run onto in the centre and he latched onto it and slipped it past the keeper. It’s been good to see Agne continue to promote the rising young players, he brought on Victor Garcia on 80 minutes and he almost scored from his first touch, his run ended with a blast over the bar. The 20 year old was fast out of the blocks again when Diego Ifran laid the ball into his path, the finish was clinical and full of confidence. Quite a contrast for Sporting Director Serrano, his January signing Abdon Prats hasn’t been trusted with even a few minutes of action but Victor has burst through since the B team management signed him in the summer.

The Heliodoro was rocking again, the downtown bars were licking their lips at the increased trade, and most importantly CD Tenerife moved out of the relegation zone. The only sour note was the Sanz booking but defender Jorge and goalie Carlos should be fit for the short sea crossing to ensure competiton for a starting place.