It’s the hottest ticket in town, 18,305 fans flocked to Santa Cruz yesterday to see CD Tenerife bear Eibar 2-0. It wasn’t the teams best display, but another clean sheet, achieved with key players Martinez and Ricardo missing, had everyone cheering.

Crowds continue to rise and there is a much higher awareness of CDT across the island, even old lapsed fans are digging out their ancient team shirts and showing their support again, I saw one shirt that was so old it was made of chain mail.

Bucking the recent weather trend, Santa Cruz was bathed in sunshine as the teams ran out, the large crowd welcomed CDT with a sea of scarves held aloft and a wall of sound. Tenerife shaded the early play and got their reward when Sicilia rose to head in the opening goal after 26 minutes, from a Juanlu cross. Lowly Eibar created a few problems but the home defence was again strong, Hector and Bertran were particularly impressive and Aragoneses was Mr Reliable between the sticks.

The second half saw Eibar players making late bids for BAFTA awards with some theatrical falls, and the referee let them get away with a lot. Tenerife held firm but we had to wait until injury time for a second goal. Visiting keeper Zigor, made a complete hash of a clearance and gifted the ball to Nino, who gratefully struck his 13th goal of the season to wrap up the points.

Tenerife remain second, 3 points behind Zerex and 3 in front of Zaragoza, next Sunday is another home game at 5pm, this time against Elche. The Armada Sur will as always be in good voice and the crowd looks likely to break the 20,000 mark.

Good news from the Tenerife government, Ricardo Melchior, President, has said that if CD Tenerife get promoted in June, fans will be allowed to dance in the man made lake in Plaza de España, without the fear of a fine of between 60€ and 300€ – now that will be some party.Â