Like so many times before, CD Tenerife wilted on the big stage as 16,660 fans, responded to promotional tickets and upbeat plans by the new club management. The 0-0 draw wasn´t impressing anyone, another opportunity missed and another nudge towards a relegation battle.
Dreary football, like wading through treacle has alienated coach Ramis to the fans, even against lowly rivals, Ponferradina, the same lack of attacking ideas made the score almost a foregone conclusion. The mainland visitors had the best chances in the first half, Yuri, a thorn in Tenerife´s side on many past clashes, latched onto a good block by home goalie Soriano, but blasted his strike wide.
Sam Shashoua got a rare start as talks over a contract extension hung in the air for the English born play maker. As a link player he can open up opposition but Elady and Gallego were too slow to pick up on his hard work. Home grown striker Teto was missing with an injury and it left a creaking attack.
The disco show from the stadium lights brought the best entertainment of the evening before the on field labours continued. Alex Corredera, on for Aitor Sainz after 63 minutes raised hopes but they came to nothing. Waldo Rubio on the left, another welcome sub also showed a glimmer of intent. Ramis remembered right winger Mo Dauda after 74 minutes and brought him on, although it was too late to make a difference. Mo must also be wondering if he has much future under Ramis.
With two away games coming up, the relegation trap door is looking menacing. The January transfer window offers the most obvious remedies to salvage a season of gloom, or maybe a bold change to the coach could inject new purpose. Hurry, hurry, hurry.
