The crusty juggler tapping up motorists outside our pre match bar can’t even begin to know how CD Tenerife coach Alvaro Cervera feels. Under pressure and under siege he has been juggling injuries, suspensions, and poor players as his Christmas card list shrinks by the day. Midfield star Vitolo was his salvation this week topping a fine individual display with a penalty for a 1-0 home win over Racing Santander.

The January transfer window pit stop is just two more games away so it’s all about wringing out as many points as possible before then, three points and a clean sheet fitted the bill nicely. Suso was again the inspiring leader with penetrating runs down the right and enough enthusiasm to cover up for those with less to offer. Racing had plenty of the early play and clipped the bar with a looping shot, the home defence did their jobs well, Hugo Alvarez is growing in stature each game and the full backs Camara and Moyano put some recent slip ups behind them to lock down the flanks.

Aridane had his reprieve from last weeks sending off and cruised through the game in second gear as always. It should have been Uli Davila’s time to shine before Diego Ifran returns from suspension but he couldn’t light up a phone box. If you wanted to scrap the loan system you would use Uli as your main reason, he moves from club to club wallowing in his comfort zone, there is a rude awakening for him when Chelsea cut his golden apron strings. A shot across the Racing goal and a point blank save from Mario kept the half time score at 0-0.

The second half showed an improvement from Tenerife, Aridane put a ball through to Suso and his attack on goal was stopped abruptly by Saul for a penalty within 10 minutes of the restart. Vitolo was having a sparkling game in midfield and stroked the spot kick home for the lead before racing over to embrace Cervera on the bench. Aitor Sanz returned from injury for the ineffective Rivero, he has been sorely missed. Carlos didn’t have too much to do in the home goal but looked comfortable and made an important low diving save with Racing threatening.

Uli departed after 79 minutes as Maxi arrived, strangely he slotted in on the right with Suso, it took five awkward minutes for him to be moved to the left where he looks more at home. Suso nearly made it 2-0 but was foiled by a good stop from Mario but there was more to endure before the win was safe. Guarrotxena was a last minute sub and was picked out for a run on goal, a defender clearly fouled him to take the ball and prompt a Racing breakaway that ended with the ball in the Tenerife net. At least the ref spotted the clear offside and ruled it out to the relief of the 8,379 crowd.

Tackles full of thunder, and theatricals worthy of the panto season but no goals at Atletico Granadilla v CD Marino. Early sun gave way to blistering winds off the hills and my little legs were shivering, the South Tenerife derby should have warmed me up but both sides lacked the killer touch.

Granadilla are a pale shadow of the side that has just missed out on promotion in recent seasons but they are picking up under new coach Antonio Gonzalez and they dominated the opening ten minutes. Alberto was in commanding form between the Marino sticks as the tricky Carlos caused problems for the visiting defence. Slowly Marino turned the tide and Balduino had a strong penalty appeal for a foul by Kevin after 15 minutes.

The ref was a strange one, as the teams emerged from the pitch side changing rooms he inspected them like an over zealous school sports teacher, I thought he was going to check their homework at one stage.
Marino tried to break with Sesma on the left and Pibe powering through the middle but found giant defender Kevin always ready with a crunching intervention, he reminded me of Jack Charlton complete with some of his more dubious tricks. Alberto was strong and punched clear when Granadilla floated the ball in, the ball spent far too long of this game hoofed up into the sky by both sides, the cattle grazing on the hillside must have been very distracted. The blues best chance came when Sesma beat his marker and slipped the ball into the Granadilla box but there was no attacker to meet it.

There was no easy welcome back to the pitch after the break as Kevin flattened Nestor with a slam that echoed in the cold air. Marino couldn’t create enough chances to trouble the home side and looked more and more content with a draw as the game went on. Granadilla wasted a clear sight of goal with a wide effort and Alberto easily covered a weak prod from Carlos. Marino added their own Kevin to the mix in place of Nestor, he had some initial success on the right as a flurry of yellow cards were branded at both teams.

A double sub saw Marino bring on Estefan and Mendy although the effect was minimal. The ref was having a bad day and sent Marino physio Angel Marrero off for for his helpful comments. The game was going nowhere, Sesma could have separated the teams with a header but it flashed high over the bar. Pibe surged through into a strong position but his finish let him down and there was more work for Alberto as he denied Granadilla with a low block. A draw should keep Marino top of their section but the pack are closing in and thus should have been a three pointer.

Purposefully prowling his area, marshalling his defenders, and flexing his body for some great saves, Carlos Abad defied Mallorca and some horrendous weather to star in CD Tenerife’s 0-0 home draw.

This was a test of character for the players and under fire coach Cervera, and although that match winning edge was missing, it was like a rub down with a warm, fluffy towel for the faithful 5,874 who braved howling winds and rain of biblical proportions. The walnut on the whip for Carlos was an injury time finger tip diving save from Marco that secured the point but there were other performances to admire.

A whole island groaned after last weeks sendings off seemed to condemn us to Aridane as the main starting striker, Cervera had other ideas and paired Guarrotxena with Suso in wide support. Vitolo was back in midfield and that added stability, Cristo Martin struck a fierce shot just before the half hour that Cabrero cleared with a two fisted block and Guarrotxena tried his luck with a header that was off target.

Play was pretty even, Mallorca relied on Pereira breaking down the left for their inspiration, the home defence got a little bogged down as the rain got heavier but Carlos built his confidence with good handling and decisive interventions. The half time break was the cue for the rain to open the tap a few more turns, Carlos had his wipers working overtime to pick out a low shot from Pereira and with movement on the bench we half expected to see Aridane lumber on but Cervera caught us out again by giving a debut to midfielder Cristo Diaz in place of Ricardo.

Suso cut inside for a short range header that was saved before Aridane finally arrived for Guarrotxena. It was difficult to play passing football with the pitch turning into a glue pot but both teams got stuck in and didn’t shirk the tackles. Diaz got through plenty of work and even picked up a booking for his full bloodied commitment, the final change brought the arrival of Maxi for Kike with just two minutes remaining. The curly haired winger had a clear sight of goal, on a dryer pitch he may well have scored but two defenders squeezed him and the ball held up slightly and his contact wasn’t firm enough. Four minutes of added time raised the tension, and the water level, Carlos ensured Tenerife got what they deserved, given the past weeks events it was definitely a point gained.

Menacing clouds and an orange alert storm warning hung over Los Cristianos but some blue sky football from CD Marino saw off second placed UD Lanzarote with a rearranged Wednesday afternoon home 1-0 victory.

From Sesma’s clever head down and run through after seven minutes Marino’s attacking intentions were clear. Missed chances in the 0-0 draw with CD Tenerife B cost Pibe his starting role up front, his replacement Nestor nearly struck 10 minutes in as he eluded the floundering goalie but put his shot over the bar. Marchena made a determined dash down the left but also missed the target. Lanzarote started to make an impression, Mauri burst through on the right but his big boot forward was swallowed by the home defence.

Sergio Aragoneses suffered a leg muscle tweak in the warm and Alberto took his place between the sticks and performed an impressive tip over after the half hour. Mauri switched wings and his determination found some reward when he hassled three markers to force a corner. At the other end Balduino spotted an opening but the visiting defence was alert and cut out his chance. Rosmen was a big target man for Lanzarote but he was marked well and Alberto was always ready to snaffle up any loose balls.

The promised rain greeted the players for the second half but it was nothing like the downpour that wiped out the original fixture a month ago. The pitch was firm and so were Marino, they pushed forward and Eslava was quick witted to crouch into a header from a Sesma corner pass and it whizzed by the visiting keeper to take the lead. Lanzarote attempted a quick reply but their attacks floundered on the goalkeeping rock called Alberto. Balduino should have done better with a shot that flashed across the Lanzarote goalmouth but they looked comfortable with their advantage. Pibe and Kevin came off the home bench and saw plenty of action, especially Kevin who had a hopeful half shout for a penalty after going down in the box.

The game got a bit ragged as the pitch started to cut up and tackles got wilder. Lanzarote allowed themselves to be side tracked by some personal duels, their sub Crisci had their best chance but Alberto cleared with a strong header. For the last five minutes of the game the red visitors got their act together and applied some pressure. The ball pinged around the home goal, clipping the post before Alberto could get his hands on it, Raul thought that his shot had sneaked over the line but the ref thought otherwise.

That signaled the end of the game, a couple of the Lanzarote players didn’t go quietly to the changing room, it was a big defeat for them from two storm interrupted island crossings. For CD Marino the coast is clear at the top of their Tercera group, the only down side of the win was a leg injury to Javi late on that saw him carried off.

It was daylight robbery under floodlights, Marino’s Aridani struck a goal bound injury time shot and a visiting defender stopped it with his hand. A bumper Saturday night crowd screamed for the penalty but the ref wasn’t having it and blew the whistle on a tight 0-0 game.

That was the big talking point but Marino were guilty of poor finishing during the game and that combined with resolute defending from Tenerife put the brakes on their runaway leadership of their Tercera section. It was a cagey opening half hour, Tenerife have quietly moved up into third place and are a strong side, the pitch was greasy from pre match rain and neither side wanted to make any slip ups. Home keeper Sergio Aragoneses was rarely tested against his old club but raced out of his goal after 13 minutes to clear danger with a header that any forward would be proud of.

Jorge is knocking on the senior door for Tenerife and the central defender had a strong game apart from a slightly hesitant back pass that gave goalie Dani a wake up call. Pibe and Amado both had speculative shots but they teams took the break on level terms.

Cristo Gonzalez replaced Carballo for Tenerife to start the second half, he looked lively and made some inroads into the Marino defence but the end product was lacking. Captain Jordan got through plenty of work as he marshaled the midfield and helped to break up the Marino raids as they searched for a breakthrough.

Nestor replaced Sesma up front for the blues and was aggressive and determined but still the goal wouldn’t come. Airam blasted a good chance high and a free kick stung Dani’s hands as he turned the ball aside with a full length dive. Marchena tried to unlock Tenerife down the flank but Federico stuck close to him to cut out the service. At the other end Sergio spilled a rare Tenerife shot but recovered to gather the ball at the second attempt. It was heading for a draw that would be more valuable to the visitors, one last surge produced the penalty appeal, as the players trudged off the ref received plenty of personal advice from the crowd and blue players but shrugged it all off.

If this had been a Subutteo game goalie Roberto of CD Tenerife would have been the one on a clumsy old metal stick while Manu of Deportivo Alaves would have been the hi tech flexi plastic version we all wanted. If your scratching your head to work out where the batteries would have gone, I will put it more bluntly, Roberto had another mare and Manu was an inspired, frustrating barrier in the 1-1 home draw.

There were a few other factors to blame for not making it three straight wins, a slow start with Suso struggling to find his groove, and a tendency to overcook the build up before taking a pop at the target. Carlos Ruiz could have kick started the party after eight minutes, he latched onto a Moyano cross and was unlucky to see his cracking shot ping away off the post. Suso tried the left side of the pitch and got a free shot but Manu took it cleanly.

The Alaves opener was partially due to poor defending as Raul Camara backed off from Ion Velez but it should have been a bread and butter save for Roberto , sadly it was more like a dogs dinner as he completely missed the ball. It just didn’t click for Tenerife in the first half, the visitors were happy to sit back on their lead so it was all left for the second half. There was a surprise when Hugo Alvarez didn’t come out after the break, Vitolo dropped back alongside Ruiz and Aridane came on to play a more interchangeable forward role with Ifran.

We were treated to the rare sight of Aridane sending in a good cross from the right for Ifran to meet, a defensive header cleared the danger but it was encouraging. Cristo Martin had an eye for goal, he saw his net bound strike skew off a defender to safety. Alaves tried to help our cause, Medina, already booked for one clumsy challenge made an even cruder one on Cristo and was red carded with 30 minutes to play. Kike Rivero replaced Ricardo to tweak the home midfield but Manu tightened his gloves and his resolve and set about defying Tenerife. The ball broke to Aridane from a corner, he turned and fired just wide, Cristo shaped up for a far post shot only to see Manu get down to turn the ball aside.
The leveler was well worked, Suso took the ball to the byline on the right and slipped it through a crowd of defenders to Ifran who finished with style. The striker turned supplier with a tempting ball to Aridane who was a bit too slow for the goalie who smothered the ball. Ifran tried a repeat of his wonder goal at Zaragoza, forced wide by Manu he tried to screw the ball in at the post but a defender had raced back in time to add a clearing touch. A double block was Manu’s star turn, punching a certain goal out and then saving from Ruiz.

The four minutes of added time offered some late hope, Suso was upended by Elberon, it looked a clear spot kick but in the refs eyes it was a booking for Suso. Sub Uli Davila could have proved his claim for more game time, Ifran opened the door for him but he hit the post. An in form goalie and some bad luck maybe but we should have beaten 10 men. A booking for Vitolo will sideline him for next Sunday’s game at bottom placed Llagostera, overall form is much better and there is a feeling that our Dorada is half full rather than half empty

They drew the curtains at the nearby Green Clinic half way through this game, the patients had enough to cope with without this yawn fest of a 1-0 home win for CD Marino over Arucas. Goalmouth action was very limited as the game descended into a dull midfield chess match but it does keep Marino top of their group.

Former Marino coach Jose Almeida was back on familiar ground and based his game plan on a tight knit defence that pushed up high and passed back at the slightest hint of pressure. It didn’t make for the most cheery of Sunday mornings but they played the system well with captain and centre back Cigala dominating.

Looking for breaks where possible, their winger Borja looked to be through on the right after 12minutes but Eslava hooked the ball back out of his path expertly. It took Marino 20 minutes to muster a proper shot, the ball came into Sesma just in front of goal and although he leapt well his header went over the bar. That encouraged the home team to try for more, Pibe wasn’t getting much of the ball up front, Balduino had a hurried snatch of a shot but goalie Raul wasn’t worried by it.

Sesma was making good ground on the left and a defensive slip let him in to unleash a fierce shot, it agonizingly clipped the post and bounced slowly back into the penalty area where it was ushered away. A clumsy foul produced a Marino penalty on the half hour, Raul delayed the kick as he fiddled with his gloves, maybe it had an effect on Pibe, his weak kick was parried and gathered at the second attempt. Sergio Aragoneses in the home goal could have called for a deck chair, he was rarely troubled by the visitors and their lack of ambition.

There was a flurry of Marino activity before the break, Pibe had an effort smothered by Raul, and Marchena was also frustrated by the keeper after hitting a firm drive. Maybe Raul would be the hero for Arucas or maybe he was just thinking that when he missed an easy intercept and had to be bailed out by a defender. Marino had shown the most desire of the two teams and were rewarded with a tap in by Eslava from a corner to send them in 1-0 ahead.

Arucas needed to come out flying if they were to make a contest of it, they didn’t and the game deteriated. Sergio was again underused in goal but at least the home attack made a few chances, Balduino slid into a shot and sent the ball over the bar and Marchena made a couple of good runs that Arucas broke up before hoofing the ball up field. Lamine came on for Javi Jerez and tried to add some drive from the middle of the park, it should have brought a second goal as Raul was put under siege with 15 minutes left but the keeper made some strong close saves.

Nestor and Airam replaced Marchena and Sesma as the game wound to a close. Even if they had looked willing to chase a draw, Arucas didn’t have the players to trouble Marino and the final whistle was a relief all round, especially for the fans. Winning without being at your best is a good habit to have and Marino still have a game in hand on all their rivals.

Thankfully he is not as hairy as Russell Brand but the big sloppy hug from Suso after his 26th minute wonder goal was very welcome by under fire CD Tenerife coach Alvaro Cervera. The final 2-0 victory over Barcelona B was even more welcome, especially with a clean sheet and vastly improved performances all round.

Let’s rip the wrapping open and go straight to the cherry cream delight in this chocolate box of a win. Raul Camara picked up the ball on the halfway line and fed Suso on the left, yes the left. The captain danced inside luring two defenders to him, he feinted past one and made a mug of Patric who tried to tackle him, then picking the top corner of the goal he flighted the ball beautifully into the net for the first marker.

Maybe the coach is learning that his over loyalty to some players is not being repaid, the starting line up was a pleasing one with Ifran preferred to Aridane and Uli Davila not even on the bench. From the start the home play was more flexible, Ricardo unleashed a long shot that Ortola in the Barca goal did well to touch over. Suso spent more of the early part of the game on the opposite wing from his normal right and it worked wonders.

Barcelona B always have plenty of skills on offer, tucking in behind thee home defence they set up a good chance but Roberto made a commanding save. They followed up with an effort from deep but this one sailed high over the bar. Tenerife had another strong chance just before the break, a cross from the right came to Ifran but the goalie was awake and snuffed it out. Ortola was wandering far out of his goal at times and the invite was there for more goals – something to ponder in the half time break.

Aitor Sanz was back in control in midfield, Hugo Alvarez continues to improve at centre back, and Ifran looked the part up front, early after the restart he did well to beat three defenders but the shot wasn’t quite as clinical. The second goal arrived within a few minutes, a corner landed just nicely for Ifran to muscle in between the defence to turn and shoot in one movement. There was a hint of handball but we wont argue with that and neither did Ifran as he dispatched the ball into the net.

Juan Camara went close for Barca but Tenerife were still shining, even when some of the floodlights clicked off at our end of the ground. Thankfully the ref didn’t seem bothered, and this one had better sight than most of the blinkered officials we get. Aridane came on for Ifran who left to a generous round of applause, the out of favour number nine slotted in nicely and was even spotted helping out the defence at one point. Guarrotxena replaced Ricardo with little disruption to the flow as Suso continued to torment the visitors. Patric had a torrid time in defence and launched a scathing challenge on Guarrotxena that earned him a straight red. Barca managed a few late efforts, Gumbau had a pop from long range but it curled over the goal with Roberto ready to cover it.

The biggest cheer of the night from the 9,062 crowd was for Suso when he was subbed with a few minutes left, he richly deserved the ovation he got, a truly inspiring captain. His replacement, 16 year old striker Cristo Gonzalez won a couple of headers, it was nice to see him get some time, on the same day that our last home grown hot shot Ayoze grabbed his first Premier goal for Newcastle. Everyone was happy at the final whistle but we know it’s just a start, at least coach Cervera could get a sound nights sleep.

With such poor away form it has to be fortress Heliodoro at home but once again CD Tenerife rolled out the welcome mat, this time in a 0-2 defeat to Recreativo. Coach Cervera’s name was whistled before kick off and the doubters were louder when the final whistle went.

Igor Arnaez came in for Raul Camara at left back and Suso was back in the starting lime up but too much of the home play relied on playing the ball up to Suso on the right, Recreativo soon picked up on this and closed him down quickly. The last thing we needed was a howler from keeper Roberto but after 11 minutes a break on the right found Joselu with a tight angle view of the goal. Roberto should have had it well covered but the shot trickled through his gloves and into the net.

Tenerife were poor, the passion of the derby game was nowhere to be seen and several players were cruising, Vitolo is still playing way below his experience and salary and Aridane might as well have stayed in the dressing room. At least Roberto pulled himself together and made some important saves, he tipped the ball over from a Joselu corner, that came from a near own goal by Carlos Ruiz, luckily for him the ball bounced the generous side of the goal. Whatever happened to the dominant and commanding central rock of last season, maybe he is missing Bruno, aren’t we all.

Visiting goalie Galvez had little to do, Tenerife had no cutting edge in front of goal, Uli was playing more of a striking role but looked lost. Cervera had to do something at half time, a double change saw Aridane gave way to Guarrotxena and Igor depart for Ricardo and it helped the balance a little. Tenerife found some spirit at last and made some good creative moves only to see them flounder at the feet of our forwards. The second goal seemed inevitable, after 67 minutes Recreativo pounced on a weak ball from Ruiz and opened up their right side to give Rios an easy task to slip the ball past a stretched Roberto.

Former Tenerife coach Oltra was enjoying his return but it was hard to take for the 8,155 crowd. Ruso got a run out for Uli after 74 minutes but he didn’t look much better, the lack of goals is a big worry this season. Galvez did get some work to do in the visitors goal, Moyano had one of the better chances with a headed duel against the leaping keeper but it was all too little and too late.

One coach left the field with his reputation further enhanced in the eyes of the home fans while the other is starting to run out of friends. Osasuna away next week is a toughie and another ghost from the past, Nino, will be waiting to pile on the agony – as always we hope for better things.

All the suffering of recent weeks performances was brushed aside as CD Tenerife re-discovered their pride, character, and team spirit to beat Las Palmas 2-1 at home after going a goal behind. It will go down as one of the great derby performances, the odds against a home win were stacked as high as Mount Teide. No one personified the proud, beating heart of the team more than goalie Roberto, the Icod born stopper stepped up to reclaim his gloves after an injury to Jacobo and his emotions were raw after his father died in the week. He shed a few tears after topping a brilliant game with a stunning injury time full length dive.

There’s always fun and games when the pios come to Tenerife, despite a scorching sunny morning, a car load of their fans experienced a full moon from our coach on the way into Santa Cruz. The pre game drinking session was interspersed with the burning of two stuffed pios, a little petrol and a few bangers helped them on their way, not sure what the police helicopter made of the plumes of smoke. The Heliodoro was decked out with fantastic tifo displays from the Frente Blanquiazul at our end, and the Zoneros behind the other goal, it was up to the team to match the mood.

Las Palmas sat top of the table, playing flowing football with plenty of goals but from the start the Tenerife midfield closed them down with Vitolo and Aitor Sanz on top form. Cristo and Guarrotxena both went close in the opening ten minutes with the pios looking very average but a defensive slip up let them open the scoring. Araujo out jumped Albizua to win the ball and slipped it to Aleman, his pass found Momo with space to score.

Tenerife were the better team and stuck to their guns, Guarrotxena forced a finger tip save from Lizoain as they kept the pios on the back foot. The leveler came from a Guarrotxena corner, as Tenerife attacked the ball, Araujo got in the way and diverted the ball into his own net. Pressure was the key, combined with relentless team work Tenerife strangled the visitors supply lines and set the pace. On the half hour Aridane put the ball in the net with a well measured header but the ref did well to spot it was offside. Suso was always ready to test the Gran Canarian defence and Aridane was an absolute menace to the back tracking pios.

There was a good buzz to the half time chat among the home fans and it got even better within minutes of the restart. Moyano carried the ball upfield, laid it off to Suso and he unlocked the back door before setting up Cristo to rifle in a quality goal. The pio fans faces turned a sickly yellow to match their banners, once again they had bottled their big moment. Tenerife looked comfortable, Roberto was commanding and the team never sat back on the lead. Ricardo replaced Guarrotxena, Maxi took over from Cristo, and Uli came on as Aridane departed to grateful applause.

Suso was tormenting the pios and was denied a goal by a high take from Lizoain. The stadium was rocking and the clock was ticking down. Four minutes of injury time was added to test the nerves, Las Palmas had a last ditch effort, first Roberto made a good block at the post and then in the final seconds he leapt across his goalmouth to touch away a certain goal. As the whistle went, the Tenerife players embraced and cheered Roberto, they knew how much he had poured into the game. Sometimes it takes an unexpected misfortune to pull players together, all through the game and in that emotional climax they were a team again.

The only let down was the crowd of 17,064, it should have been a 23,000 full house. Next Sunday it’s Leganes away, a lowly and very beatable team, it’s still early enough to make a big climb up the table, the belief is back and last seasons best form came after beating the pios.