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.