In a season of more dark clouds than sunshine CD Marino played some bright football in the first half but although I braced myself to be soaked and whipped by heavy winds the storm heading for Tenerife didn’t arrive and neither did the home win that was there for the taking. A 1-1 draw reflected two teams with little to play for and not enough desire to force a victory.

Suspensions and injuries again forced changes onto Marino but after a couple of early openings for SS Reyes the home side took control with Rafa Hernandez making some good runs from the left back position. Balduino was the lone Marino striker but Aaron pushed up to support him and Sandro was nippy as ever. Gomez had a simple chance for Reyes but scuffed his shot before the referee awarded a harsh spot kick to Javi for a handball by Rayco – it actually hit his chest, thankfully Alberto repeated his penalty save of the previous home game to deny the visitors.

Sandro neatly unlocked the Reyes defence with a neat back flick and passed to Balduino who slipped on the greasy surface. After 20 minutes Marino fell behind to a fortunate goal, the ball fell to Ismael after a team mate had missed a swing at the ball and Ismael drilled his effort through a bunch of defenders to score. At the other end there was a hopeful appeal for a Marino penalty when Amaya clashed with Iker but the ref wasn’t keen. Just after a corner from Sandro was met by the head of Ayoze forcing Eladio to make a smart one handed save.

Marino got their reward a few minutes later when Pablo cut in from the right and picked out Sandro who finished with a crisp shot (below). Reyes came back, Alberto made another strong close stop and Amado cleared danger with a decisive header. Barcos had a half chance but the visiting keeper Eladio raced out of his goal to cut him off. Balduino needed more help up front but still skinned Amaya only to screw his shot wide of the target. The half ended with a crude foul on Sandro by Ramon which brought him a deserved yellow card.

All it needed now was a concerted charge by Marino in the second half, sadly the game slumped into a dour midfield slog. Poncho and Chema came off the home bench but added little to the struggle. Reyes were lucky when a poor clearance by the goalie wasn’t pounced on by the home players and Diego missed a soft chance for Reyes. Balduino was finding it increasingly hard to lead the line without much support, he powered through and put the ball across the goal mouth and his frustration was clear when the ball went begging. Alberto was having a quiet half, it was only in the final minutes that Reyes put any pressure on him, he of course responded with a safe pair of hands to ensure a point.