Endangered and almost extinct, the rare Crested Dorada Bird is nesting in the back of one of the CD Tenerife goals safe in the knowledge that it will not be disturbed. CD Tenerife have failed to score this season in the Grada Popular end, noisy home to the Armada Sur and many of the other peñas and despite Tenerife netting twice in last nights 2-2 home draw with Granada, that sad statistic continues.

So much for the week of 3 home games, the points are slipping away and new coach Antoino Tapia is probably wondering what he has walked into. Leading 2-1 against 10 men, Tenerife wasted a golden chance in this game in hand, re-arranged after the air traffic controllers strike meant Granada couldn’t make the original fixture. It was a pig of a night, raining and chilly and that was refected in the 11,146 crowd, I even had to dig out my coat for the evening – wish I’d taken my snood.

There was an improvement in the first half, play was crisper with the ball on the ground more and earlier crosses pinging in. Juanlu and Alvarez started in place of Natalio and Kome and Hidalgo had one of his best games in a home shirt. Granada have done well this season and were sitting in 8th place and showed their class after 15 minutes when Benitez curled a perfect free lick past Sergio in the Tenerife goal. It was soon all square when 5 minutes later Alvarez set up Hidalgo who took his chance well prompting a strong spell from the Santa Cruz side. For once Tenerife got a decent break when Orellana picked up his second booking after 30 minutes and was sent off, Tenerife made it count almost immediately with Alvarez finishing off a good move to take the lead.

The second half saw old errors creep back into the home play and Nino was again struggling alone up front, a headed chance went begging underlining the need for another option in front of goal. It was tense stuff, the Granada keeper teased with some sloppy moments and Natalio and Kome took to the pitch for Bertran and Omar. The equaliser was a soft goal from Calvo, Sergio seemed to be comfortable with his shot but but it evaded him to tie the match. Tenerife finished strongly, Natalio looked through but the visiting keeper came good and a scramble in the area just needed a touch but neither Nino or Kome could connect. A draw clawed back a point on the other relegation candidates but with just days left on the transfer window we still live in hope of at least 2 more players.

What a difference a goal makes, there we were cruising to a 1-0 win over deadly rivals Las Palmas but the pios nipped in with a 87 th minute equaliser leaving us deflated and coach Mandia heading for the exit door. Honest I did have good intentions, I even asked for a coffee at The Royal Oak at 8am but the coffee machine wasn’t working and before I knew it a beer was plonked in front of me, oh well go with the flow. So began derby day with the pios of Las Palmas coming to town, always a great event and with both teams in a slump it took on extra significance and the beer is all part of the big day.

The sound of happy voices singing filled the 2 coaches of Armada Sur and even eclipsded the sound of bottles and cans clanking, we had a good run up to Santa Cruz with a quicker than usual stop at the Oasis for liquid top ups. We faced a dilema whether to get to our bar before or after the pio fans were marched past on their way to the ground, however the police dropped a surprise on us by not herding the yellow peril up the hill from the port until 10 minutes before the game. What a daft decision, it meant that some of us were held back at the side of the ground as they passed our turnstile and the upper tiers of the heliodoro stadium were able to have some free target practice at the pios. A few hundred of the 1,000 plus pios didn’t get into the ground until 15 minutes into the game, I know we would have been pissed off if the situation had been reversed, quite a few cars near the stadium got trashed maybe the police will pay the bill?

The game promised so much but Tenerife’s weaknesses came back to haunt them, the cause wasn’t helped by Alonso being ruled out with a training back injury. Coach Mandia failed to win all the fans over and his final selection had a few question marks in it, Beranger returned at left back and was as hopeless as he has been all season, Sicilia was put just in front of the back four and looked lost. Las Palmas had a good chance within 10 minutes when Sergio failed to hold a corner but Ruyman could only put his shot wide. Nino was again foraging alone up front, his shot was parried out but was just out of reach of Kome’s boot. Natalio was supposedly helping Nino but looked too lightweight and was easily charged off the ball. Tenerife had Sergio to thank for keeping it a stalemate at half time, he got a hand to a pio shot and Bertran headed the loose ball clear and another one handed punch could easily have fallen into the path of an away attacker.

The second half had a dream start, Omar set up Melli for the break through goal just 6 minutes into the restart, it was a deserved lead but as the 20,000 crowd roared their approval Tenerife failed to show the killer instinct and as the game went on Las Palmas stepped up the poace with young Argentinian sub Quiroga causing plenty of problems. The inexperienced forward brought a good save out of Sergio but with just 3 minutes to go Quero put in a good pass which Quiroga pounced on and finished in style. The pio fans cheered it like it was a world cup winner and we all knew it was 2 points dropped. Given the speed of Antonio Tapia’s appointment as new coach it seems he was waiting in the wings and even victory might not have saved Mandia. It just gets tougher and now the new boss has to work a miracle in the next 2 home games.

Every morning I recite at least 5 stupidly optimistic sayings like Worse Things Happen At Sea and It’s Allways Darkest Before The Dawn but even that doesn’t dispel my sense of impending doom over CD Tenerife. A 1-1 away draw at Ponferradina was better than a defeat but at 7 points adrift from safety it didn’t feel like enough, especially after going 1-0 up.

With no television coverage I was plugged into my MP3 listening to the local radio and the first half sounded encouraging, the neighbours must have wondered what was going on when I yelped with joy after 32 minutes as Mikel Alonso set up Pablo Sicilia for a CDT goal. We needed a win and under fire coach Mandia had set out his stall with a brave new format playing 5-4-1, Bellvis in at left back and Melli playing just in front of Sicilia and Prieto (pic) in the middle of defence. Big midfield letdown Ricardo was benched along with Julio Alvarez giving preference to the more attacking Kome and Omar.

At half time I was planning a few celebratory beers later but fate was cruel, Bellvis had to go off after 59 minutes with a calf injury and it was back to a flat back 4, that seemed to unsettle Tenerife. Sergio made some strong saves again but there was a certain inevitability to the 77 minute equaliser that came from Mayor. Bang went my beer plans as the second from bottom side (guess who’s bottom) held on. Not ideal preperation for the derby game home to Las Palmas on Sunday morning but we will be bright eyed and hopeful against the plunging Pios.

Not the worst performance of the season but probably the most frustrating. The better side for much of the game CD Tenerife made some suicidal mistakes on the pitch and paid with a 1-0 defeat. Off the pitch  in the Grada Popular area home fans boiled over with security staff having to dive in as the terraces started to resemble an episode of the Jeremy Kyle show.

Albacete arrived with 4 of their 5 new signings in the squad, where are ours? and with Saturdays results going badly Tenerife were already back on the bottom of the Segunda Division. The awfull Beranger was out injured so Pablo Sicilia switched to left back and Omar was picked ahead of Juanlu Hens. Tenerife started well, Alonso set up Natalio after 6 minutes but the visitors Costa Rica international goalie Keylor Navas saved well. Natalio looked a little livelier than of late and the tireless Nino made a good run through only to drag his shot just wide.

Albacete creatred few chances and Navas had to make a double save from a Natalio header and a Nino follow up that he hooked away with his legs. Just when we were getting our hopes up a Songo’o break should have been cleared by Melli but he made a hash of it leaving Luna to deal with Tato but his tackle was wild and the forward was only too happy to go down sending Luna towards the dressing room with a red card and giving Tato a penalty that he converted for a 1-0 lead after 25 minutes. That left Tenerife with a mountain to climb and their despondent players haven’t got enough confidence or fight to turn games around. Sicilia filled the central defence gap left by Luna and Omar wasan unexpected choice to fill in at left back but he made a good job of it.

Into the second half with Kome and Hens on for Ricardo and Alvarez but it wasn’t enough to provide a revival. Kome headed over a clear chance and Iriome replaced Natalio to offer another attacking option but it was hard work against an ordinary but rugged Albacete side. Sergio did well to slide out and cut off a Kike raid on goal but the visitors could sense a victory and strung out every stoppage when one of their players went to ground. Some of the 15,609 crowd started to leave early as the reality of another defeat grew, some of the Grada Popular section turned their frustration on the players with some quite savage chants while others urged renewed support. The 2 viewpoints produced a heated flashpoint with pushing, shoving and angry exchanges but as the pitchside security dived in the stand off just simmered away during the 4 minutes of added time. A sad way to end another desperate day and a home game wasted, all eyes are on the hill to see if reinforcements will come riding in – they better be quick.

Unsure of their positions, constantly wandering away from the action and looking lost and forlorn, well that was the plight of the smokers in The Royal Oak but although CD Tenerife were not much better at times, there was more character in their 2-2 draw at Valladolid. Captain and right back Marc Bertran was suspended for the game so Pablo Sicilia filled his position with Nino wearing the arm band and both responded well.

There was a nightmare start as the home side took the lead after 8 minutes, Prieto sliced a clearance high and it broke to Oscar who gratefully stroked it into the net. Tenerife responded quickly, Nino saw his long range blast just miss but Julio Alvarez put in a great cross for Nino to despatch for a 10 th minute equaliser. Sadly after that lifeline Tenerife lost their way and let Valladolid take control, the CDT midfield seemed to be missing in action, maybe they also popped out for an illicit ciggie, Ricardo was back to his invisible worst and even Mikel couldn’t get the engine running.

Valladolid came back in style, former Pio, Nauzet took a free kick and curled in a stunning shot into the top corner with Sergio Aragoneses well beaten. At least defensive flop Prieto went off injured and Luna slotted in nicely alongside Melli but it looked like another big defeat might be a possiblity. Tenerife showed their best form at the start of the second half, Beranger was taken off at half time in favour of Iriome, maybe Mandia has finally realised what a poor excuse for a defender he is. There were some seriously scarey moments, Sergio stood firm in goal especially after a triple salvo at goal which they somehow repelled. Julio Alvarez was getting more involved and Nino as always ran every yard, his christmas wish list must have included a big strike partner.

The game looked to be fading away from Tenerife but with 5 minutes left Iriome popped up at the post to plant a perfect header into the home net. Maybe it wasn’t the best performance but a few good signs and a vital point ahead of 4 home games in January. Another 5 yellow cards could be storing up more problems for Tenerife, even more reason to bring in some new players – over to you Juanjo Lorenzo our new Sporting Director.

What a way to go into the christmas break, a dismal 3-0 home defeat to Real Betis and we were lucky to get nil. After 30 minutes with CDT 3 down it looked like an avalanche but a mildly improved second half and Betis taking their foot off the pedal spared us that much. Fair play to Betis they are top and looked the best side we have seen this season, they should go up as worthy champions but the lack of fight and heart from Tenerife was scandalous and some players are just not good enough to play at this level.

Few players can be spared criticism after this, only Nino and Mikel Alonso put in the effort and goalie Aragoneses made some telling saves again despite being at fault on the second Betis goal. Prieto and Beranger were pitiful in defence, notably they are 2 of the new players brought in by Sporting Director Llorente – he hasn’t a clue. It took Betis just 6 minutes to take the lead with their first attack, the home defence was ripped open as Sevilla set up Emana for a cool finish.

The second goal came out of nowhere Las Palmas born Ruben Castro found himself through on Aragoneses when he released his shot, it looked like the keeper had it covered but he missjudged it and the ball was in the net. Sergio made up a little for his mistake with a few good saves, one at the feet of Molina and another double stop at close range. The third goal was a joke, Julio Alvarez lost the ball under no real pressure but Prieto had a chance to clear the danger but gifted the ball to Emana for a simple goal. The despair of the 14,191 crowd was clear as many turned theiir anger on the players and management.

At least it didn’t get worse in the second half but the damage was done and the players didn’t have enough ideas or heart to put things right. Mikel Alonso had a decent chance but put his shot high and wide. Kome was a puzzling choice for the starting line up and added nothing to the game, it was a relief when he was replaced by Juanlu after 54 minutes. Some 10 minutes later Omar came on for Alvarez, another abject failiure, and the young wide player started to make things happen, he jinked past 2 players and just put his shot over the bar. There was no way back though and the murmours of discontent will continue through the clubs AGM this week and into the January transfer window. Coach Mandia is under threat and just who will be selecting any new players is anyone’s guess. Things need to improve fast in 2011.

Typical, the first away win of the season and it wasn’t on television. I got some odd looks as I leapt up and punched the air in the pizza parlour when Natalio (pic) made it 2-0 at Villareal B, they were oblivious of my radio feed via my MP3. I spent most of the second half sheltering from the first wave of the tropical storm battering Tenerife, but once the final whistle went I could only see blinding sunshine as I splashed through the puddles and torrential rain.

What a difference that win has made, now we are off the bottom of the Second Division in 19th, 4 places up from the last spot. Nino was again the main man scoring just on half time after Omar pounced on a defensive blunder to set him up. With nails being eaten as a side order to my pizza Natalio ensured the points with a last minute strike thanks to Nino’s cross. The only blemishes were 4 more yellow cards, Ricardo and Natalio will have to sit out next Sundays home game with Granada but hopefully the new confidence will continue to drive us up the table.

It’s a real test of character watching CD Tenerife, you can’t relax for a moment, this 1-0 home win over Alcorcon was in doubt right until a shot over the Tenerife bar by the visitors in the third minute of injury time. Tenerife started so well and for the opening 25 minutes they looked to have found some style and rhythm but the old problems reared up again and it became a struggle.

With Luna suspended Melli returned to the centre of defence and thankfully Bertran camne through his injury scare, Nino had the first chance, flashing his shot across the Alcorcon goalmouth after 6 minutes. Natalio hit the post and Prieto failed to get a clean head to a hanging ball with the goal gaping in front of him.Alonso joined the near miss club with a glancing header and Ricardo missed a sitter from a corner.

This was good stuff, the passing was better and the purpose was evident but Tenerife eased off and let Alcorcon come into the game, they attacked in numbers and their big forwards led by David Sanz had the CDT defence on the run. The visitors were stronger physically and too often knocked Tenerife players off the ball, passing became sloppy again and Tenerife were also rans when it came to winning the ball. Borja tested Sergio who did well to smother his shot and half time arrived with worries growing among the 15,234 crowd.

Into the second half and Alcorcon clearly fancied their chances, Beranger is a liability at left back and he gifted the corner that had the home defence scrambling. The ball was driven across and beat Sergio, hit a post and teasingly rolled along the goal line before being cleared. It was anyone’s game at that point but Ricardo put a great ball into Nino who cut in behind the Alcorcon defence to make it 1-0 afer 54 minutes, a huge relief. The game was far from over, Sanchez skied a shot when he looked odds on to score, and Quini also managed to hit the post.

Hidalgo was brought on for Juanlu to give the attack more bite but a free kick threatened to undo Tenerife, Sergio although unsighted until the last second managed to pounce on the shot. Natalio made way for Kome as the game stretched on with Alcorcon determined to get a point for their efforts. The giant Sanz cloed down on the home goal but Sergio reacted well to puch the ball clear and Pablo Sicilia came on for the dying seconds and was as relieved as the rest of the stadium to see that last minute effort fly off target.

Winning is just the start, next week the poor away form gets another test at Villareal B who include for CDT reserve hotshot Airam in their side. Las Palma lost 4-2 at Salamanca on Saturday so jumping over them before they come calling in January should be a great incentive to put a run of results together.

This 0-0 draw at Huesca was like going out with a super model and only getting a peck on the cheek, something to be pleased with but it could have been so much more. Coach Mandia shuffled the pack again, dropping Josmar to the bench and bringing back Beranger after his supension. Thankfully Sergio Aragoneses was back in goal and he showed again what a reliable keeper he is.

Tenerife started well, Alonso had a first minute break and Nino looked to be held off the ball as he sniffed at goal, Natalio raided on the right and put in a good cross for the little forward to head down but it went just wide. The sparse home crowd, just 2,900, had something to cheer as Molinero let loose a rasping shot but it cleared the Tenerife bar. It was a cold afternoon in northern Spain and Nino had his romper suit on under his kit but Huesca began to turn up the heat. Camacho looked dangerous and Luna had to make a brilliant sliding interception to snuff him out, Gilvan went close but Sergio blocked him and forced him to shoot into the side netting. Bernager left the door open and Sergio had to shine again with a finger tip save and the half closed with Camacho’s long range blast just missing the target.

Sergio was sharp as the second half started, a shot through a crowd of players was hidden from him until the last moment but he punched the ball clear. Huesca were threatening but Tenerife had their moments, Natalio beat three defenders and forced the home keeper to earn his money. There was a defensive blow when Marc Bertran limped off to be replaced by Melli in the centre of defence with Luna fuilling the captains role. Nino had the best chance of the game but couldn’t force the ball over the line as Huesca scooped it to safety and Julio Alvarez (above) struck a free kick strong and true only to see the keeper pick it out. It would have been nice to see Mandia gamble with an extra forward for the last 15 or 20 minutes but the bench sat tight until the closing minutes when Omar and Hidalgo came on for Julio and Juanlu. A point is something but in our rock bottom position it still felt like a very small step on the road to safety.

With beer, without beer, a different place for dinner, I even washed my lucky pants, I’ve tried everything to change fortunes for CD Tenerife but after this 2-0 home defeat to Nastic I have to admit we are crap, useless, gutless, and clueless. Anyway that’s enough flattery it was all that and more, another bumper crowd of 16,462 turned out expecting a win against another bottom three team, they had never won in Santa Cruz before.

There was a pre match set back with Sergio Aragoneses failing to shrug off a leg injury, so Luis Garcia (below)Â took over in goal and hardly had a thing to do in the first half. Gimnastic de Tarragona looked a poor side and were there for the taking but poor finishing scuppered Tenerife. Josmar started again and showed his skills but with him and Nino both being small they were easily smothered by tight defending from the visitors. Nino never gives up trying but needs someone to take the physical strain off him, despite that he had great chance on the break but put his shot over the bar. The two best opportunities fell to Josmar late in the first half but the youngster showed his inexperience by blasting wide when a cooler head was needed.

It just got worse in the second half, sloppy passing, no energy or ideas and even bringing on Natalio for Julio Alvarez failed to provide a spark. Nastic couldn’t believe their luck when CDT let them stroll through after 55 minutes to force a corner, Gerrado floated the ball across and Eloy smacked it in the net. Could it get worse? yes, what little fight was left in the Tenerife team drained away and it was painfull to watch. Nino worked hard and thought he had won a corner winning a lost ball near the line which Nastic forced out, the referee just gave a goal kick. The crowd was getting restless and frustrated now and a 85th minute goal from Moran sealed a 2-0 defeat and unleashed anger and venom directed at the lazy, unmotivated home players.

Difficult to know where to go from here, it’s beyond a change of coach, the players shouldn’t need telling about the basics like effort and marking. All eyes are already on the January transfer window but if sporting director Llorente is still picking the new arrivals we are in big trouble.