Quality opponents coming off a 5-0 win, Granada might have seen CD Tenerife as easy prey but it was the Santa Cruz team that showed the hunger, the eye for goal, and the pride in a comfortable 2-0 home win.

Changes are almost a foregone conclusion under coach Ramis, but they worked well this week with Aitor Sanz and Javi Alonso running a tight ship in midfield.  Juan Soriano was immense between the sticks for Tenerife, he was solid behind the ball and frusrated the divisions top scorer, Uzani, with first half stops with feet, knees, and head. The keeper even turned provider with a 31st minute long punt upfield to Ivan Romero, who muscled past two defenders for the opening goal.

Mo Dauda was a constant menace to Granada and 20 minutes into the second half he was shaping up in front of goal when the visiting goalie chopped him down in the box. Gallego stepped up to double the damage and deny Granada any lingering hope. There was further good news when Elady made a return from injury. The squad all worked hard for the common cause, and that instilled greater appreciation from the fans.

After the final whistle, the Tenerife team surged towards the 11,472 crowd to soak up the applause. That win pushed the team up to 12th position, eyes are certainly looking upward now, anything is possible on this form.

Well The defence was tighter and ensured a 0-0 home draw for CD Tenerife v Cartagena. Coach Ramis continued to ring the changes with Aitor Buñuel (right) and Andoni Lopez (left) starting in the full back slots. But the players that made way for them, Nacho and ultra consistent Mellot were back in their old roles within the hour. The constant tinkering is coming under the spotlight at the team struggles to put any prolonged form together.

Cartagena were revelling in their surprise status of third place. Home keeper Soriano had to be alert and agile to repel Borja Valle after the defence failed to cover the gap. Sipcic was magnificent at the heart of home defence, and Larrea was a quality playmaker in the middle of the park. It all ground to a halt in front of goal with Garces and Romero both struggling to cash in on the set ups from Appiah, and his later replacement Mo Dauda. The Ghana winger clipped the post with a rasping shot as frustration built.

Cartagena had their own hero in goalie, Escandell but were left to regret twice putting the ball in the Tenerife net – after straying into offside positions. Tenerife need to string a few wins together to get into the top half of the table and should be exploiting their home games. The crowd was up again, a bunper 12,180 turnout on an evening  of  extreme rain and sunshine but it´s the changing climate of the coach´s selections that are putting a few clouds in the Santa Cruz sky.

Waves of people poured downhill towards the sea with the statue of the Virgen de Las Mercedes de Roja held aloft. Cascades of drums, pipes, and guitars formed a musical undertow and barbecues sizzled with a meaty aroma that required beer and wine to soothe its digestion.

El Medano on the Granadilla coast of Tenerife savours its fishing founders whilst thanking nature for its continuing bounty. The precarious balance of nature meant the 2022 fiesta was put back a week as incoming storms licked at the Canary Islands The extra week allowed fine tuning on the 45 home made boats based on shopping trolleys and small trucks. White costumes dominated the days fashion, hats were welcome in the searing heat but dancing feet made light work of pavements and eventually the fine sand of Playa Grande.

Some held back to dance in the main plaza overlooking the sea, but a large invasion from the 15,000 or so revellers took the show to the gently sweeping waves. Guests like the Fanfarria band from La Orotava in the north, matched the music of the ocean. One of the biggest fishing boats was loaded with the statue of the virgen for the best seat in the house to watch the day flow on.

Tourists flying over to the nearby sourh airport would have been staggered if they could see the swirling mass of people below. Fishing is a tough way of life but this outpouring of joy and pride is generously shared with the wider community. The lines are already being baited for next years flotilla of home made boats.

Hermano Pedro (the Canary Islands only saint) rested on his crook outside the Arona Town Hall,home of the Ayuntamiento (council) as stalls and memories of a proud agricultural past started to fill the back streets. It was three years on from the last Dia de Tradiciones as I stepped off the first of the free buses from Tenerife´s southern tourist resorts of Playa de Las Americas and Los Cristianos.

Wine, cigars, beer, and home made wool and textile products vied for attention on the sparse mix of stalls. There were only 12 people on my free bus, it was going to be a tough sell in the back streets. The centre of attention was the plaza del Santisimo Cristo de La Salud and around the church. Musicians tuned up and animals stirred in readiness to deliver that cute factor. It wasn´t just crafts and animals that caught the eye, a vintage local police car looked dainty and a large Ford Thames Transit lorry, made in Dagenham, added to the mechanical history.

The Casa de la Bodega looked majestic  on the rise above the town, and the wine press was a reminder of the outstanding reputation of local wines. A practical demonstration of Silbo, the whistling language still used on the neighbouring island of La Gomera, was dramatic and impressive. Regular live music through the day until late into the evening seemed certain to help build the crowds, but my visit was only to be a brief one.

It was great to see the event back but sad to see such a low early turnout. The Plaza de la Paz at the bus drop off point had been a big display area at previous shows but was empty this time. Pre publicity for the event was too late and too limited. Arona town promotes its history all year round with posters of former times and key figures on murals. A group of modern performers seemed to step out of the sepia wall print down by the bus stops. The Casa de la Bodega doubles up as a free exhibition centre and is open weekdays. It´s well worth a trip up to look at the heart of Arona, many keen walkers have alredy discovered its secrets on route to the magnificent Roque del Conde mountain that towers over the town.

Even with three strong penalty claims not even referred to VAR, CD Tenerife were again their worst enemy in a 1-1 home draw with Real Sporting Gijon.

Just 15 minutes into the rain lashed action, Cristo Gonzalez was gifted the opening goal for Sporting. A long ball should have been cut out by Jose Leon but he committed the cardinal sin of turning his back on the attacker. The former Tenerife nurtured player was left with a simple, clear shot. These days an asset of Italian club Udinese, Cristo is on his fourth loan out and can´t have come across such generosity on his travels.

The home attack was off song with play continually drifting down the left side. Ivan Romero looked lightweight in front of goal as big built Gallego hung back deep. Young Teto chased and harried to pick up scraps on the right. Tenerife were better in the second half with more expansive football but Sporting had a tight clamp on them. Confidence was sapped as the ref ignored those appeals, the worst being a double hand ball as Teto burst through into the enemy goal mouth. A double change after 68 minutes saw home coach Ramis bring on Arvin Appiah for Romero and Javi Alonso for Larrea in midfield.

The return of local boy Alonso after long term injury breathed new creativity into the heart of the home team, something they will need as Alex Corredera undergoes treatment and possible surgery on his foot. Appiah tormented Sporting with his speedy right flank runs and inside charges. The former Nottingham Forest youth player launched a trio of strikes into the box, one was cleared into space where Nacho returned it quickly with a rasping shot past the goalie to level the game with just over 10 minutes left.

With eight games gone, Tenerife are still making too many errors and sit in 15th position. The fans are showing patience and belief, even on a soaking night, the gate was slightly up with a 11,057 attendance.

Oh the joys of wash day. Parque Las Lavanderas in El Sauzal has been pumping out 50 cubic metres of spring water an hour through the beautiful cascade of pools and greenery since it was formally welcomed into the caring arms of the municipality in 1987. Tenerife outdoor washing areas have always been a social gathering point and are conserved with pride.

I´m often waylaid by the latest artisitc masterpiece on the steep steps of the town hall. This time, sculptor  Luis Stinga had exceled himself with his tribute to this domestic chore that was transformed into a sicial occaision in the 8,000 square metre park, perched 200 metres above the coast line. Cafeteria Deleite nestles in the middle of the feast of nature, winter (september to may) opening is from 10 am to 7 pm. Most visitors can´t resist a wander around the split level pathways to spot dragon flies, fish, and lizards.

There´s plenty of pride in the local traditions of El Sauzal, posters invited entry to a photographic exhibition featuring the manzana reineta (Queen Apple), an import from France many decades ago that has won people over with its destinctive bitter sweet taste. I was also just a few days short of a classical instrument recital in a vineyard.

Like most remote rural areas, El Sauzal is constantly fighting to keep their population steady and thriving. A practical scheme backed by the Ayuntamiento (council) and the Gobierno (Canary Islands government) offers a 50% maximum grant of up to 10,000 euros to Spanish residents of El Sauzal, to rebuild properties that are in danger of being left to ruin. There are some impressive new residencies between the coast and the motorway linking Puerto de la Cruz and the capital Santa Cruz. Older buildings will now have an even chance of providing affordable homes as the municipality looks to the future.

With its modern outlook on old favourites, El Sauzal is always a good place to visit, I´m already looking forward to the festive season to see what adorns the town hall steps this year.

Just entering their fifth week of the Fiestas of Santisimo Cristo, a relaxed mood drifted through the back streets and plazas of Tacoronte. just 40 minutes on the Titsa bus from Tenerife capital city Santa Cruz. It would be hard to guess that Tenerife North airport was just over the horizon, the hills shield it from the former bus station plaza viewing point, which allowed nature to roll out below.

My focus for this latest visit was to see more of Santa Catalina church – and it impressed from all angles. Sebastian Machado, the founder of the municipality stood proud of the former hermitage that he had built in 1497. Curiously, different official notices identified the Portuguese founder as “a settler” and also “conqueror”. There´s no such difference of opinion about the founding of the main town of Tacoronte, founded in 1911 as noted on a sculpture on the top road.

Heading downward to the busy commercial streets, the theatre offered a range of live events, and the Plaza del Cristo further on is a big focal point for celebrations, and has plenty of references to the towns famous artist Oscar Dominguez who went on to wow the Spanish courts. Me eyes were drawn to the classic wooden balcony that frames La Casona within easy distance of the church.

Strikingly agricultural with its proud wine making tradition, Tacoronte boats a long stretch of black sand coast. El Pris and Mesa del Mar are both popular cooling off points and accessed by steep corkscrew roads. That pleasure would have to wait another day as my strides had already taken me further along to the neighbouring municipality of El Sauzal. There´s something for everyone along this north coast of Tenerife.

Even the club groundsman couldn´t cover as much pitch as 21 year old Teto, the new hero of the CD Tenerife fans. Making his first senior start, the local born forward drew on 10 years nurturing through the youth ranks to score a decisive goal to seal a 3-1 home win over Malaga CF.

Who cares if Malaga were a shambles even before a sending off left them a man short for 30 minutes. Tenerife were trying to break free from an injury crisis and learned a lot about the hidden depths of the squad. Midfielder Waldo Rubio showed his creativity from the left of midfield, Mellot was as solid as ever, defending behind him, and Gallego was the sharp and strong target man in front of goal. The powerful striker´s aim was true when Waldo beat two defenders and slipped the ball back to Gallego for a 17th minute lead.

It could have ben a false dawn, Tenerife have looked vulnerable when leading this season. Gallar levelled just before the break with a free shot after defender Sipcic´s soft clearing header fell at the visitors feet. Malaga didn´t have the quality to build on their good fortune, their desparate hacking of home players saw Bustinaza sent off for two bookings. Gallego wasn´t going to refuse a generous 76th minute home penalty to edge back in front.

It just needed someone to slam the door on Malaga. Sub Appiah had replaced Waldo on the left and his pace and a cross put the spotlight on Teto, who bulged the back of the net. Coach Ramis replaced Teto with a minute still on the clock, allowing the rising star to bask in the adulation of 10,177 fans chanting his name. The next step to climbing the table is  for CD Tenerife to win away. Teto will have to fight to keep his place as players begin to return from injury, but he has the talent and temperment to earn more ovations.

Mixing the completion of ten transfer window arrivals with an injury crisis, CD Tenerife had to show character, attitude, and aggression to clinch a 1-0 home win over Real Racing Club de Santander.

The 54th minute decider showed off those qualities as Sipcic, a late centre back replacement for Jose Leon powered a long ball upfield for Waldo to speed down the right and deliver a tight low cross for Borja Garces to slam past the keeper. Borja (a loanee from Atletico Madrid) had missed several first half chances and an advertising board felt the force of his frustrated boot as he celebrated.

Racing, rock bottom after three games, looked poor bordering on pathetic, but it was stalemate at the break as the unfamiliar home line up got to know each other. Gallego had netted after 38 minutes but a VAR offside call wiped it out. Alexandre Corredera played through the pain barrier in midfield and as Tenerife knitted together, the coach added rising youth forward Teto and the last of the loan signings Arvin Appiah for Mo Dauda and Waldo after 65 minutes.

The young gun Teto relished another run out, and Appiah looked strong and full of skills down the right. The Nottingham Forest developed England under 20 player was eager to please after parent club Almeria signed him for 8.8 million euros and then starved him of first team action. Five minutes of added time tested the nerves of the 11,804 Santa Cruz crowd, especially when German floored Teto with a wild crunching tackle.

Early season doubts were swept aside as in favour of hope and expectancy. Two more local lads, Ibra and David got late minutes and can look forward to more chances. There´s a lot of potential in the squad, given a hasty clear up of the injuries, a bright path beckons.

After three years starved of the Arona Carnaval, Virgen del Carmen is making a bigger show than ever of the celebration of the patrona of the local fishing community. Some new elements have been added and some tweaks to ensure a bigger splash than ever.

The main action takes place on the big stage outside the cultural centre,including food stalls and a mini fair, but the fishermens port will be ablaze with colour as they decorate their boats and take the statue of the virgen on a trip out to sea.

Thurs 1 September – FRom 8.30 pm to 9.30 pm the childrens festival takes place at the Plaza del Pescadora (by the statue of the fisherwoman). Then from 10 pm to midnight, Edwin Rivera will give a free concert at the big stage.

Fri 2 September – From 8 pm to 1 am, the White Party is a new addition to the agenda and takes place outside the Casa del Mar – the old town side of the tunnel between the beaches. Wear white to join in the fun and music. Meanwhile from 8.30 pm to 10.30 there is a concert from Las Cantadores at the main stage, followed by the Big Dance from 11 pm to 4 am.

Sat 3 September – From10 am to 1 pm, there is a display of classic and vintage cars near the old beach. From Noon to 8 pm, the Sombrero Fiesta takes centre stage at the Plaza La Alpispa – just off the old beach by the white house. Music, and crazy hat designs worn with pride.

Sun 4 September – From 10 am to 2 pm there´s more fun for the children with games and activities at the old beach. From 7 pm the statue of the Virgen will be taken out of the church and paraded down to the fishermens port with musical support from the municipal band of Arona. The Virgen is the spiritual inspiration and patrona of the local community, a small concrete shrine at the old beach is a scale model of a life size statue that is at the bottom of the bay so it can bless the fishing boats as they pass overhead.

From midnight to 1 am, firworks will rip through the sky, this is often bigger than the New Year display and lights up the old beach. Music and dancing will continue into the early hours.