Now 61 years of age, CD Tenerife coach Pepe Mel was honing his coaching skills long before 16 year old Dani Fernandez was dreaming of becoming the youngest ever goal scorer for his local team. The exciting youth player coolly headed a Luismi Cruz cross past two visiting defenders after 36 minutes. It wasn´t just the inclusion of the rising star in the starting line up that signalled a bold approach by the coach. Marlos Moreno, a free agent signing, started the match, and although his lack of regular action showed at times, he put the ball in the Cartegena net before Fernandez, only to see it ruled out for an earlier hand ball. The 28 year old Columbian could prove to be a useful pick up, once Pepe has given him a shine.
Injuries are already adding to the uphill task that CD Tenerife have, Teto became the latest casualty in the week but another summer arrival, Josep Gaya, got a chance in the centre of defence as the boss shuffled the pack. There was a new intensity and belief on show, and the players are clearly responding to the wisdom and experience of the coach. Salvi has seized the goalies shirt, albeit with a few scares when under pressure, A quick recovery save from a shot by former Tenerife young gun Jairo, and a low post smother in the second half did their part in protecting the lead.
The 13,664 crowd were in good voice as the game moved into injury time and lapped up the second goal. Diarra flashed his skills again to take the ball to the byline before a neat lay off for Gallego tap the ball over the goal line for a 2-0 finish. The first win of the season was richly deserved but these are not times for relaxing, Pepe will remind the players, and the fans will keep the pressure on the majority share holder Garrido, the black cloud that still hangs over the blue revival.