At times frustrating, always entertaining, but ultimately a fair draw as CD Tenerife shared the home spoils 1-1 with Sporting Gijon B. After losing 3-2 in the away fixture and with Mr Reliable Inigo Ros suspended this was no time to ease off in the promotion hunt but Tenerife seemed to be already looking ahead to the play offs.
The big decision was who would replace Ros, coach Cervera went for Fran Ochoa but he proved to be a bit lightweight to fill such impressive boots and with Chechu having another poor game the midfield lacked bite and ideas. Moyano and Tarantino both made good defensive clearances early on as confident Sporting tested them out. Jairo looked a quality player for the visitors and easily knocked Moyano off the ball to create danger. Raul Llorente was in adventurous mood from the left back slot and combined well with Cristo Martin after 18 minutes to set up Aridane, the striker saw his first shot blocked but followed up to grab a home lead.
Jairo was full of threat and it took a strong body block from Sergio Aragoneses to deny him a clear shot. On the half hour Sergio got his fingers to a high effort that rattled off the bar. Guerrero blasted a shot wide but was back a few minutes later to head in from a corner and level the game. Ayoze could have closed the half by restoring the lead but his shot hit the bar.
Suso started the second half in place of Fran Ochoa and was his usual busy self, running at the Sporting defence. Aridane had the goal in his sights only to be denied by a solid intervention from Julio but Tenerife were struggling to take control of the game. Chechu’s departure was hardly greeted with surprise, Yeray took his place but still the supply lines were patchy and frustration was getting to Aridane and Suso. Chances did come knocking, Tenerife will wonder how they failed to score as Ayoze shot into the side netting from close range after the goalie slipped. Guillem replaced Cristo in an attacking gamble, a free kick almost caught the keeper out as he back peddled and slammed into the post somehow keeping his composure.
It was anyone’s game, Sporting made a real contest of it and had it not been for more classy saves from Sergio they could have taken the lead. Tipping the ball away from the roof of the net after a corner was matched by a robust two footed block. The 9,412 crowd had to settle for a point, it was a fashionable result on the day as stalemate affected the chasing pack. Now with just five regular games left the lead stays at six points, a play off berth is now guaranteed but there is still work to do before a chance to win promotion in the home and away final of the group champions.