Keys and bolts are not the literal consequences of the Coronavirus Lockdown but that didn´t persistent quarantine breakers from from getting a year, and six months in two extreme Tenerife cases in the last week. Helicopters and drones are spotting casual offernders enjoying illicit sun bathing on remote coasts, and arounnd apartment complex pools. By and large though here in Tenerife, people are living within the guidelines and life is ticking on with a few yawns and the odd frown or two.

It´s Day 30 as we start the third stretch of the restrictions, running up to 26 th April. Tough early controls have allowed some relaxing of restrictions from today, the biggest being a return of constuction worlk to boost the sagging economy. Spain´s President Pedro Sanchez, whose socialist PSOE paty hold sway in a fragile coalition government has already indicated that a further extension of lockdown is on the cards to 10th May – but there are strong hints of a relaxing of restrictions in that 15 day phase if death and infection rates continue to fall.The Canary Islamds government are pressing for more local leniency due to our encouraging figures and isolated distance from the mainland. That´s a long shot, the Baleares Islands could well use the same plea but Spain could see it as unsettling to a unified fight against the virus.

Here in Tenerife the first 30 dys have tested our resolve and brought out hidden depths of adaptability, responsibility, and new routines. Normality is now a cherished sight. The daily rubbish collections and the upkeep of public spaces, trimming hedgerows and palm trees all help to show we are looking ahead. The nightly 7pm clapping in support of the health workers are established as a tonic to the many who join in. Nature is paicking up the slack left by the absence of tourists, birdsong is loud and proud, the air is fresher, and the nights drawing out is also a great lift.

Some visitors are still waiting to return home. Swallows our mostly British, mature winter guests are hoping for flight updates. Jet2 upset at least two couples I spoke to who booked May flights but were then notified a few days later that flights and holiday packages will not restart until at least 17 June. Other nationalities are in a similar position, 372 Italians were repatriated in three planes a couple of days ago and more of an estimated 1,000 late waiters will follow shortly. Hopefully incoming visitors will start to trickle in from June but the summer tourist season will be a pale shadow of former years. Winter is the big focus as our climate gives us an edge over the summer destinations but its going to take time.

I can´t wait to get back out there to visit and publicise places, events, walks, and new adventures via my blog. Domestic chores will be cast aside in favour of swimming, exploring, and football. The latest disputed plans to resume the 2019-2020 Spanish season are looking at around 6 June with teams playing every 72 hours and four water breaks a game to counter the soaring summer temperatures and unrelenting schedule. Then a few weeks break and straight into the 2020-2021 season – with CD Tenerife promoted to the top flight? Well I can dream. Reality is much mor uncertain as money is always the sticking point in sport these days. Anyway, stay safe and keep positive.

Nothing, no clatter of suitcase wheels over the tiles, nobeeping of car horns, amd mo murmour of conversation. It´s day 17 of Spain´s Lockdown and as I stroll onto my Tenerife apartment balcony at “Kirby Towers” in Los Cristianos, my mind is seeking reassurance that i´ve not been left behind by a secret evacuation. The tourists are gone and the hotels sit empty awaiting deep cleans but life goes on across the island. The pulse is slower and more subdued but still strong.

Mundane routine is a small sacrifice as the front line medical and emergency workers strive to stem the tide of infevtion and death from the coronavirus. Boredom and negativity are the enemies, chopping the days into manageable chunks is my chosen route to keep sane. Going out for supermarkets, chemists, and banks is still allowed in short daily, singular doses. The shelves are well stacked and the toilet rolls have lost their superstar status after the intial panic buying, and once past the plastic gloves and antiseptic gel, the aisles are spacious. People crave brief moments of interaction, a casual wave or a cheery hello at a respectful distance goes a long way. Police and army checks keep the general flow of people moving and many cars are being stopped to ensure they obey the one passenger limit. The Titsa bus company is running a trimmed down free bus service with just 18 passengers allowed on at any time, and a reduced ferry service continues o link the seven Canary Islands.

The weather has been a mixed bag, bright sunshine is great for balcony reading but the twinkling of the complex pool is a tease to me as it is sealed off like the beaches, they are forbidden fruit. Anything that attracts groups of people is a seroius no no. Cold nights have heralded snow on Mount Teide and short bursts of daytime rain have fuelled the indoor cleaning frenzy. Tenerife is a melting pot of different nationalities and backgrounds. Swapping stories of homeland responses to the virus is giving us a feel of the scale of the crisis. The daily 7 pm minutes support of the front line workers has caught the imagination along iwth the balcony messages of families, and provides a moment of solidarity, purpose, and shared hope. The recovery from the Coronavirus will be lomg and complicated, and for a tourism reliant island like Tenerife, the impact on business will be brutal. For now its one step at a time, encouraged by the outpouring of positive thoughts and actions, and the kindness of so many people.

Montaña Grande doesn´t just mark the half way point from Los Cristianos in the south to the Tenerife capital Santa Cruz in the north. Looming large over the motorway, it´s also a punctuation mark between El Puertito on the coast and Guimar up in the hills.A mere 275 metreshigh, the volcanic cone has long been calling me to have a look. It´s peak remained enigmatic as the pathway wound around the base without delivering me to the summit, but it still woke up my walking mood.

From the bus stop just north of the crossroads, I could see Candelaria in the distance. I have often trodden the Samarines coastal walk from the spiritual heart of the island, through El Socorro surfers beach and along the edge of Malpais de Guimar to El Puertito. This time the solidified volcanic flow stretched out between me and the sea as I enjoyed the clusters of prickly cardon plants and breaches in the stone walls. Tomatoes, lettuce and other crops once flourished here and attracted a range of insects to the rugged landscape.

El Puertitp came into view over an hour after my start.Cloud had bubbled up as it often does over the bowl like valley near the mptorway. The large plaza facing the sea was quiet and the calm sea stretched down to the south àst the modern sports marina. Catching a 120 Titsa bus gave me a 15 minute ride up and under the motorway into Guimars older core. The cloud was pressing down as I admired the Plaza Las Flores with its fountain and statue tribute to the gardeners who created and maintain this tranquil spot.The explosion of colour at the bus station was in marked contrast to the stark, austere frontage of the old Guardia Civil HQ.

There was an air of apprehension in the quiet Friday afternoon streets. I wqas hopeful that my day out would allay thoughts of the Coronavirus threat but notices of cancelled shows at the former Cinema Los Angeles, and instructions for safe communion at the imposing San Pedro church added to the sense of forboding. As further cases of the virus were confirmed, I caught the Spanish government announcement of the State Of Alarm via the TV in a local bar, it was a sobering moment. However the enduring culture and history of Guimar gave me cause for hope. The HQ of a local radio enthusiasts network backed up the statue dedicated to “ham radio” trail blazers of earlier decades. Cimmunication brought people together then and will continue to do so.

Getting off my return bus to the motorway I had to smile at Guimrs name written large in the paving stones outside the old cement works. and on a proud welcome sign of tiles, leading into the municipality. Recently Guimar announced a 120 million euro investment in tourosm. Maybe it was with one eye on the proposed new beach and four hotel project for Punta de Abona just down the coast. Plans can change so quickly , as events were about to prove.

Masks, gloves, and bizarre pre match rituals were making headlines across European football, but in Santa Cruz, the home  crowds hand wringing was over poor eye sight. The dreary first half should have produced at least a CD Tenerife goal from the spot after a blatant defensive hand from visiting Ponferradina. At least the refs focus was better for the 77 th minute winning header from outstanding home defender Sipcic to seal a 1-0 win.

The creativity of midfield maestro Luis Milla was lost to a suspension but Undabarrena got a rare run out and worked hard to break uppromising early moves from Ponferradina. Shaq Moore also serving a one match ban, was a more difficult gap to fill. Daniel Lasure overcame an uncertain start on the left as Nahuel switched to the right. Neither side showed much first half flair, too many square balls and back passes sucked the excitement out of the game. The best opening was made from a deep ball that Dani Gomez held up only to see Nahuel snatch at this shot and clear the crossbar.

Ponferradina arrived in 8th place and had two good play makers in Omar Ramos and Nacho Gil but neither sides goalie had much wear and tear on their gloves in the first 45 minutes. The second half perked up a bit. Lasure started to show some ideas, and a goal mouth scramble saw the visiting keeper get a viral touch to the squirming ball as Dani Gomez tried to toe poke it over the line. Another corner from sub Javi Munoz needed a stretch from the goalie to ward it away.

Bermejo replaced Nahuel on the hour but he was still some way short of match fitness and the sparkling form he showed in early season. Dani Gomez tried a nifty interchange with the newly summoned player but it didnt quite work. Joselu´s goal scoring form after his January arrival has evaporated and he gave way to captain Suso. Sipcic has grown into a dominant central defender and also adds threat to set piece attacks. Another Javi Munoz corner was met by the Serbian´s glancing header as an away defender played him marginally onside. The goal was a fitting reward for the dogged determination of Tenerife. Otola was awoken from his slumber in the home goal to expand his muscles to tip a dangerous shot past the post to secure the three points.

It was not a scintillating performance from Tenerife but coach Baraja has added a steely resolve to the squad and the 9,392 fans were even more delighted to see that the win leapfrogged the team above inter island rival Las Palmas. Both sets of players showed the usual respect at the end of the game by embracing their opponents but the shadow of the Corona Virus outbreak was destined to throw more challenges in front of the upward charge. The next two games will be played behind closed doors, the second of those being a real relegation six pointer at home to Malaga – oh yes it´s still that close.

Multi coloured wigs, garish dresses, and fantasy figures filled the Heliodoro stadium with joyous song as CD Tenerife beat Elche 1-0 in the Santa Cruz Carnaval game. But top billing of the afternoon went to the mean spirited home defence as they underscored another impressive team performance.

The gradual encroachment of the thick sand and dust calima turned the sky into an oppressive hot dome but it was the 6th placed visitors who looked parched and drained by the end of the game. Former Tenerife scoring legend, Nino, may be 39 now but he led the visiting attack and his wide shot after 7 minutes was a warning that he still has goals in his locker. At the other end of the pitch, and age scale, Dani Gomez, a mere 21, boosted his growing status with his 6th goal of the season. A headed ball down to the young gun was hooked to his right and despatched between goalie and post.

Home coach Baraja has instilled a sense of team responsibility, Dani even came deep to cover for Elche´s few forays forward. Luis Perez and Alex Munoz were keen to turn defence into breakaways, Perez is being courted by several La Liga teams for next season but he was as consistent and focused as ever, he made Cruz look like a novice when he nicked he ball off the forward. Alberto is also attracting envious eyes at a time when he is back to his brilliant best. The central defender was strong and aggressive but without the lapses in concentration that had haunted his early season form. Sipcic, alongside him, has upped his game too as shown with his perfectly timed header to defuse Pepe Milia.

What would Carnaval be without a clown? VAR and the ref filled that role with the worst example so far of man and machine in perfect disharmony. The ref with no clear incident or complaint, checked in with VAR and then gave a free kick way out in midfield with no bearing on any game affecting offence. Dani Gomez started the second half with another close shave at goal and just past the Elche post. Munoz had a half chance after Shaq Moore had made good inroads down the right wing as Nahuel worked he left flank. Joselu´s early goal burst after his January arrival, had been quiet in recent games but he worked hard and was sharp to turn into the box and poke a shot just beyond the post. The tall striker had a penalty shout when Verdu bundled him over but VAR was having a nap.

Javi Munoz and Mazan took over from Joselu and Nahuel for a cautious last ten minutes, and forgotten striker Mierez,got another few minutes run out to encourage his return to favour. There was still time for Dani Gomez to be clattered over when in a promising position. The score held as the home crowd poured out into the night to lubricate their calima dried throats. The revival trundles on and even the awful weather couldn’t obscure that.

Irresistible in attack and resilient in defence, CD Marino surveyed their Tercera division rivals from a three point lead after seeing off Union Puerto Rosario 2-1 in Playa de Las Americas. Chata was the first  player to have a go at goal, his wild blast didn’t trouble David in the home goal. The blues keeper had more of a test from a Juanmi back pass but claimed the ball comfortably.

Precious was making things tick at the heart of the Union midfield, he dug out a dead ball to feed Cebolla whose run floundered against the defensive resolve of Marino. It only took 15 minutes for Marino to take the lead, and it was a text book goal. Nami sped down the right and casually laid the ball across into the path of Santi for an easy slot in. Nami worked his magic again a few minutes later, this time the pass was to Charni who shot straight at the goalie. Ahmed has been a welcome return to the Marino numbers on the left, he can play the flicks and neat lay offs to set others on their way, but also has a keen eye for goal. On the half hour, Ahmed rode a defenders tackle and went on to tease his way past the outstretched goalie to double the lead.

That should have been enough to kill the game but Union came out for the second half with a positive attitude and made Marino work for their points. Precious saw his chance down the left for an unchallenged raid on the home goal and finished well to reduce the arrears. That woke up his team mates, Sandro came close to scoring from a corner but Diego and Saavedra held firm in the centre of defence. Ahmed was always ready to pounce for Marino, this time Paquito cleared the danger. Hector picked up from the visitors defence and aimed at David but the keeper plucked the ball under control.

Cebolla managed a weak header that hardly tickled David’s glove and Marino made a couple of quick swaps with Javi Gonzalez and Zeban forming a new frontal spearhead as Santi and Diego departed. Union tried to claw their way back but Marino have a sterner look this season and know how to close a game down. Paquito did well to repel a late bombardment from Marino, especially in the air, but the points were well already under lock  and key. There was more good news when second placed Tenisca slipped up with a defeat at CD Tenerife B to ensure some space between the blues and second placed Atletico Paso. It’s a test of nerves now to see if Marino can hold off the teams snapping at their heels. Top spot would deliver a shorter play off path when the 18 regional group winners fight for the promotion to Segunda B. Those left behind in the three runner up places face a long drawn out series of games to claim the big move up into the third tier of Spanish football.

Riding the wave of confidence from their improved form, CD Tenerife swept Sporting Gijon aside for a 2-0 half time lead. The down side of the epic Kings Cup battles was physical and mental tiredness, leading to Gijon´s 83 rd minute peg back before a tense 2-1 home victory.

Alberto shielded the ball well and back to Dani Hernandez as Vazquez waited for early scraps. Dani Gomez and Joselu as an attacking pair promised much but it was centre back Sipcic who delivered an eighth minute lead with a powerful header through the midst of the visitors defence. The improving Serbian used his head again, this time at the other end soon after to clear a dangerous shot. Djurdjevic had an ambitious overhead bicycle kick with his back to goal but it trickled wide of the post. Alberto, back to his best form, denied Vazquez with a well timed header and Tenerife looked in control.

Injuries have blighted Tenerife´s season and it happened again when Dani Hernandez fell to the floor in agony after taking a goal kick. Treatment got him to his feet briefly but he was clearly in distress and had to go off , later diagnosis said an injured abductor muscle and at least five weeks side lined. Ortola took over between the sticks and a second goal in injury time put some welcome distance between the teams. Dani Gomez made the run into the box, Gijon half cleared and Joselu struck the rebound for his fourth goal in four games since arriving from Real Oviedo. Djurdjevic powered a header at Ortola to open the second half, the replacement keeper was equal to it and gathered the ball with ease.

Good interplay between Dani Gomez and Joselu hinted at a blossoming partnership but Dani fired straight at the goalie. Nahuel sliced a shot over the bar and Ortola made the goalies union proud with a smart save under pressure. Coach Baraja could see his players batteries running down and opted to sit back on the lead by bringing on Undabarrena for Joselu. As the home pace slackened, Luis Perez showed some speed down the flank and dropped in a tempting cross that the Gijon keeper plucked out of the air. Alex Muñoz for Nahuel was another safety move but it didn´t prevent a Pablo Perez goal as he slipped in between Alberto and Sipcic and finished smartly.

Tenerife did enough to play out the final seven minutes to keep them just above the relegation zone. The next few hours added to the upbeat mood as the club rejected a 2.5 million euro Girona offer for Luis Milla. The January transfer window was a positive one for Tenerife, Joselu has settled into scoring form, Daniel Lasure from Zaragoza had a steady home debut at left back, and late arrival midfielder Javi Muñoz from Alaves, and centre back Lluis Lopez from Espanyol are waiting in the wings. Trimming the wage bill, the club farmed out top earning shot shy strikers Malbasic (to Cadiz) and Naranjo to Lanaraca of Cyprus.

Overcoming a 10 th minute SD Tenisca goal, CD Marino surged back for a 3-1 win to move three points clear at the top of their Tercera Division group. In the process they leapt two teams from the island of La Palma, as Atletico Paso had joined the level points summit with a win the previous evening. It could be an omen, a prophecy, or simply a fitting reward for another strong team performance in Playa de Las Americas.

The large inter island following of Tenisca fans vented their anger at the referees decisions, but their team should have built on a well struck Agoney goal after 19 goal top scorer, Dani Gomez, showed his play making side by winning the ball with his back to goal before passing. Marino are good at reeling teams in and started to find their shape and purpose. Roy picked out Nicki who set up a Nami shot that the visiting defence covered. Jorge Gomez threatened for Tenisca but Lopez was being closely shadowed by Diego.

As Roy got more involved, Marino started to pressure the white shirted visitors. Ahmed was drifting in from the left and Nami got the better of Cardenas to force a couple of corners that came to nothing. Agoney slipped his chains and let fly a good shot that David controlled at the second grab. It was a good open game as the teams tested each other. The swirling wind that had blown the subs dugouts over pre game, made high crosses difficult to predict and Oli made some important interventions for the blues. Ahmed managed a few wide strikes but Marino needed to put more direct pressure on goalie Garate.

The half ended in frustration for Tenisca as Chus fouled  Samuel with a high trip, his booking was quickly doubled up to a second yellow and he was off, his team mates and supporters were incensed but the decision stood. That put the pressure on Tenisca, Cardenas served them well with some tight, calm defending. Charni should have done better with his wide shot but there was better to come as after good work from Ahmed, Charni was fouled in the box and Javi Gonzalez  scored from a penalty to put Marino level. Jorge Gomez went close to answering with a shot past the Marino post but just three minutes later Ahmed got the goal his efforts deserved and Marino were in front.

Oli did well to bottle up Gomez as Tenisca sought a way back, a corner made little impact on the Marino defence and Roy went close again at the other end. Home sub Michael was making good headway down the left and left Cabezola trailing behind as he rounded him but couldn´t produce a telling shot. A third goal was needed to ensure a home victory, sub Santi Ramirez obliged in the 76th minute , latching onto a ball in from the left. Tenisca´s mood was not helped when the ref denied a penalty appeal for an Oli tackle on Gomez in the box. The La Palma side staged a late rally, Dani Lopez missed a good chance after Agoney and Cabezola cut loose but it was too late and Marino were delighted to claim the three valuable points.

Six open play goals, extra time, a penalty shoot out, and two players sent off. But those dramatic ingredients were just tasters of the sumptuous feast of football as CD Tenerife´s Copa Del Rey dream ended in glorious failure, losing 2-4 to Athletic Bilbao on penalties after a 3-3 draw.  Bilbao goalie, Herrerin floored Shaq Moore as he jumped for a high ball just five minutes into the game, and a late VAR call ensured a red card for him and a penalty for his replacement Ezkieta to face. Joselu slotted the ball past the new keeper and ignited the 17,484 crowd that included a good sprinkling of Basque fans mixed with the home supporters.

It was already brewing into a great celebration of the good things in football, and Bilbao striker Inaki Williams received wide spread applause and the chanting of his name during the ninth minute from the home fans as a show of disgust at his racial abuse from Espanyol fans in his last game. The young striker was one of the jewels in the star studded line up from the La Liga team and showed his goal touch after 17 minutes from a Yuri raid down the left. Home coach Ruben Baraja has cultivated a growing resilience among the Tenerife players, it shone brightly just a few minutes later. Elliot found a burst of speed and cut in wide behind two defenders before setting up Joselu to restore the lead.

Even a player short, Bilbao looked a class outfit, they seemed to have more time on the ball, better options, and a willingness to spread the play quickly. Ortola had to make a couple of good saves to guide Tenerife to the break, and he carried on after the restart by tipping another chance aside. A little confusion between a Milla back pass and Javi Alonso´s stretch to intercept the ball, left the door ajar and Inaki didn´t need a written invite to pick out the back of the net to square the scores. It was all finely poised and the atmosphere in the stadium was red hot as the home fans turned up the volume. Extra time was looming, not an ideal situation with vital league games ahead and several key players injured, but the magic of the night swept the players along with it.

So 15 minutes each way was the next hurdle. Dani Gomez was brought on for Undabarrena, a positive attacking swap to show Tenerife´s ambition. Play got more frantic as nerves frayed, Dani got brought down by some sturdy tackles but shrugged them off and continued to battle. Carlos Ruiz got an unwelcome second sending off in consecutive games when his loose tackle on Inaki earned a second booking. The continued threat of Dani Gomez brought its reward, Leicue chopped him down in the box and the ref pointed to the penalty spot. The 21 year old showed nerves of steel to convert the kick with just five minutes to hang on for a momentous victory.

There was more drama to squeeze out. A loose ball outside the home box was crashed in to the Tenerife net by Yuri and the agonising remaining three minutes ebbed away to usher in the dreaded five penalties each ordeal. Bilbao led the way and the alternate shots were finished with precision until Joselu put the ball over the bar. After Vilalibre netted, the pressure was all on Shaq Moore who missed. It was a cruel end but the Heliodoro was bouncing with pride and praise. Tenerife gained so much from their performance and will look to use it as a springboard to continue their improvement and rise away from any relegation threat.

Talk about a slow burner. There were wholesale changes to the regular line ups of CD Tenerife and Real Valladolid and it showed in a half pace first half, but the home side grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck after the break to win this Copa del Rey (Kings Cup) tie 2-1. The Tenerife starting line up was particularly baffling with full back Shaq Moore wandering in a midfield no mans land and surplus defenders Sipcic and Isma Lopez could have put a card in a newsagents window to get a new club, their play was so poor. Ortola started back in goal and was relieved that Sandro hit his early strike straight into his body. Javi Alonso ha a let off when he miss timed a defensive tackle and it was all far from a feast of football. It was a different story in the second half as both sides warmed to their task.

Elliot was getting some good home crosses in, new signing Joselu showed that he would be a real asset up front with his heading ability. Sandro made the break through though with a shot that was only part saved by Ortola, he showed nifty footwork to tuck the loose ball in the goal.  Lopez got adventurous and unleashed a shot that just missed the Valladolid post as belief spread through the home side. Just after the hour, Elliot launched another teasing cross and Joselu rose between the markers to head the ball down and past the goalie. That raised everybody spirits and the arrival of sub Dani Lopez for Joselu cranked up the forward momentum. The 20 year old strikers first chance came when he latched onto a deep pass but couldn´t squeeze it the right side of the post.

Valladolid´s goalie had to be replaced after picking up an injury, his replacement had plenty to keep him busy. Dani Gomez was a real livewire as always, his enthusiasm rubbed off on his team mates and the 8,408 crowd. The cold night air and the glare of the floodlights promised a little bit of magic to come, and it did. Into the final five minutes and the charge was on, Dani was just short of reach to poke a squirming ball past the struggling goalie but the next surge was more fruitful. Sandro had a mixed night for the visitors but his lingering memory will be of his clumsy push on free flowing Dani Gomez that brought a penalty. From the moment the striker put the ball on the spot his determination was clear and he sent the keeper the wrong way to claim the lead and hurdled the boards to milk the fans applause.

The final few minutes were full of celebration, cup success has been elusive in recent seasons so the outpouring of joy went on after the ref had signalled the end of the game. Two home wins on the trot is not to be sniffed at, with the derby at Las Palmas and a possible La Liga giant at home a few days later in the next cup round, the smiles are back among the CD Tenerife fans.