CD Tenerife 0 Alcala 1

Atletico Madrid B 0 CD Marino 1

CDT wound down their home league campaign in low-key style as they were chinned by lowly Alcala for the second season running.

The result isn’t worth a tin of beans, unless you are a fan of Alcala. In that case, their battle to avoid the drop rolls into the final weekend.

For Tenerife fans, what should have been a celebration of winning the division turned into a damp squib.

In fact, the afternoon had the feeling of a wet January Sunday afternoon, when you were stuck at your grannies playing gin rummy. Nobody really bothered with what was in front of them.

The Tenerife side were unrecognisable from the first-choice line-up, and we also smothered a few myths. “Give the kids a chance,” is an often-used mantra. Well, Tenerife boss Alavero Cervera did just that  - and it didn’t work!

Ayose proved he is no lone striker, while fans will pray that Sergio Aragoneses doesn’t get injured or red-carded in the play-offs.

Young pup Roberto made his senior debut in goal and, hand on heart, he’s rubbish. Harsh?

Maybe, but even a competent school keeper knows when and when not to go for a cross.

His rush of blood on the stroke of half-time gifted Garcia with what would turn out to be Alcala’s winner.

Meanwhile, on the mainland, CD Marino continued their fine recent form with a stunning win at Atletico B.

Honestly, they have been a revelation since February. So, with just the pointless away trip to Salamanca on Sunday before the draw is made for the play-offs on Monday, it’s time to focus on the end of season fun.

Tenerife will play home and away to the winners of either section 2, 3 or 4. So what do we know about them?

ALAVES

THE side to avoid. Just like Tenerife, they are in the wrong standard. Someone obviously broke a mirror because they have had seven years of bad luck.

La Liga regulars until a financial implosion, they so nearly won the UEFA Cup in 2001. They played one of the finest finals ever, but were edged out 5-4 by Liverpool. Steven Gerrard, Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Jamie Carragher were among the Liverpool players that balmy night in Dortmund.

Mind you, Alaves had Jordi Cruyff, Javi Moreno and Cosmin Contra in their line-up.

They dropped out of La Liga in 2006 and went down again a few years later. And though they have retained the support, money problems have held them back.

But this year, everything has clicked under Natxo Gonzalez. They have amassed an impressive 79 points and have lost only twice at home, and both 1-0.

But it’s their away form which has really caught the eye. They have lost just once since Christmas and that was the only time they haven’t netted away ALL SEASON. Viguera is their top scorer, but he’s no world-beater.

He certainly didn’t look anything special when I saw him play for Albacete last season. But Alaves have goals all over the park.

They are a big side, well-organised and cherry-ripe. They were pushed all the way by Eibar and, make no mistake, they look a better side than Tenerife.

L’HOSPITALET

THE boys from Catalonia have work to do if they are to make Monday’s draw. They have a two-point lead over Huracan, but they have a tricky home match with play-off chasers Olimpic.

They also have 79 points, but there is no doubt that this is the weakest section.

The top five sides are head and shoulders ahead of the rest, even with Villarreal’s B team in this section.

L’Hospitalet have not tasted second-tier football since England won the World Cup, and to be where they are is quite an achievement.

They are full of journeymen, but manager Jordi Vinyals has got them playing some good football. He had a fine playing career and he has brought the team on during his third spell at the club.

They have the section’s top scorer in Cirio, and the 28-year-old is backed up well by Bakary. He is a handful and should be playing at a higher level, as his 48 goals in three seasons demonstrates.

Their free-flowing football sees them bag lots of goals, but, in a weak division, their defence is porous.

They will be awkward at home, but very beatable in Santa Cruz, and Tenerife would be strong favourites against L’Hospitalet.

REAL JAEN

IT has been 10 years since the Andalusians graced the second tier, but they have been knocking on the promotion door for the last five years.

They must hate the play-offs! Manolo Herrero is the latest manager to try to force them over the line, and they have had a remarkable season.

Big-spending Cartagena were everyone’s tip to win this section, with fellow big-guns Albacete and Cadiz not too far behind.

While the last two have had a horror campaign, Cartagena have never been off Jaen’s coat-tails.

Jaen’s success is built on their rock-solid defence. For a team top of the table, they have scored just 43 goals in 37 games! Second-bottom CD San Roque have notched 44.

That’s even more amazing when you consider they scored five on the opening day of the season against Villanovense.

They have lost just once at home, and have conceded just 12 goals in 19 away games. This shows them to be well-drilled, disciplined and patient.

They should beat San Fernando on Sunday, and they will be a real danger in the play-offs. You wouldn’t want to be chasing a tie against these boys. Dangerous.

Should Tenerife lose the two-legged tie, then they will be paired with one of the sides who have finished second, third or fourth in the last eight of the play-offs.

Win that and they face another two-legged tie before going up.

Fingers-crossed, this scenario will not happen. And, fingers-crossed, we don’t get Alaves in Monday’s draw!

The long-time leaders have spluttered in recent weeks and they have finally been toppled from their perch.

They suffered a shock 7-5 home defeat as Picasso’s claimed their prize scalp in the Torviscas derby.

This gave Exiles A a chance to grab the bull by the horns, and they were never in trouble at home to Bar 13.

The 11-1 scoreline showed their complete dominance, and though they still have a few tricky matches to play, they are odds-on favourites to take the title.

In fact, it was great night for Exiles as the B team stunned third-place Treehouse A 7-5.

Greg’s guys were never at the races, and Exiles B showed again that they can be a match for the top teams.

Bluebell A returned to winning ways as they got revenge over Hoppys, and Shortys also won 7-5. coming through at Toscales B.

Inn The Pink B are finishing nicely. They accounted for TPT 9-3, while Palms and Gaffers B shared the spoils in Wednesday’s make-up match.

Tenerife Hammers A took another stride towards the Division One title as they overcame a dogged Peacocks  side 9-3.

The game was closer than the scoreline suggests, but Hammers A were always in charge. They need just a few more wins, and second-place Gaffers A need snookers.

An 8-4 win at Inn The Pink A is perfectly acceptable, but they need Hammers A to slip up. Twice!

The battle for third is going to the wire. Phoenix Potters are in pole position after spanking Terrace Bar B 11-1.

Only Pat got on the scoreboard for the hosts, and the Potters will be delighted to have extended their frames advantage over Palms A. They edged past Toscales 7-5 to keep their good run going.

Phoenix Knights left it late before beating Terrace Bar A, while Dreamers returned to the win column with a bang. Only Steve and Mark dropped frames, as they beat La Caña 10-2. BOOM!

The 38-year-old East Londoner, has become a household figure throughout the world, and has made a fortune, said to be around £165 million, via football and his off-pitch activities, including promotional work for high-profile companies.

As well as winning league titles in Spain, Italy and England, he also holds the record for making 115 international appearances as an England outfield player.

Beckham, who kicked off his career at Manchester United and moved on to Real Madrid, Los Angeles and, briefly, Galaxy AC Milan, will reject an extended, one-year deal at current club Paris Saint-Germain. (PSG).

After winning the French title with the club, Beckham said he wanted to finish his career on a high.

“I’m thankful to PSG for giving me the opportunity to continue, but I feel now is the right time to finish my career, playing at the highest level,” he said.

“If you had told me as a young boy that I would have played for and won trophies with my boyhood club, Manchester United, proudly captained and played for my country over 100 times, and lined up for some of the biggest clubs in the world, I would have told you it was a fantasy. I’m fortunate to have realised those dreams.”

He added: “To this day, one of my proudest achievements is captaining my country. I knew every time I wore the Three Lions shirt, I was not only following in a long line of great players, but I was also representing every fan who cared passionately about his country. I’m honoured to represent England both on and off the pitch.”

Beckham, who was born in Leytonstone, has recently taken up a number of high-profile roles off the pitch.

He is the currently ambassador for Chinese football, and last month teamed up with Sky to champion the benefits of youth sport.

He married Victoria Adams – better known as Posh Spice in the record-breaking Spice Girls pop group – while at Man United, and they have three sons and a daughter.

More than 20 players took part in perfect conditions, and Jim Wilson showed the girls just how to do it by winning the men’s Nearest the Pin contest.

Competition winners were Brian Anderson & Graham Hewitt, followed by Keith Norman & Don Bennett, with Jim Wilson & Ian Burnley third.

The next Fun Golfers’ event takes place on Sunday, 2^nd June (note the change) and it will be the Three-Club Challenge.

For more info, call Clive on 922 797 640, and don’t forget: all monies raised goes to charity.

The Scallywaggs Golf Society are holding a two-day event on 9-10^th June at Adeje and for more details, call Frank on 661 187 334.

CD Tenerife 2 Fuenlabrada 0

Zamora 0 CD Marino 0

THE league table at the bottom of this article makes mighty fine reading for fans of CD Tenerife.

With just three games to go, they need just one victory to win the league and guarantee themselves entry to the winners’ play-off.

And they achieved this after their smoothest win of the campaign.

Tenerife have scored more. They have certainly been more dominant and outclassed their opposition this season.

But on Sunday, they produced their most polished performance against an improving, well-drilled team.

Manager Alvaro Cervera brought Inigo Ros back from suspension and, with Tarantino still injured, he handed Baltazar Rigo his home debut. And he would have a stormer!

In fact, bearing in mind that this team have been top since week 2, it’s remarkable to think that Rigo is the 28th player to have been used this season.

He is also the seventh to play at centre-back. Cervera is nothing if not ruthless.

On Sunday, Tenerife played with a swagger and a confidence that was found on a muddy field inOviedothe previous week.

They played like a side who knew they had another couple of gears. That said, Fuenlabrada deserve a lot of credit for the way they applied themselves.

They were well-organised, keen and disciplined. Marcos and Raul were excellent in the heart of defence, while goalie Basilio had a stormer.

Left-back Razvan had a battle royal with Suso, and I can easily see these lads being in the play-offs next season.

That said, this wasTenerife’s afternoon. Rigo nearly opened the scoring after just seven minutes.Tenerifehad a free-kick in a central position, 25 yards from goal, and while Basilio built his wall, Rigo was keen to get on with it.

He checked with the ref and then unleashed a pearler of a free-kick. It was dipping under the bar, only for Basilio to backpedal and tip it over the top brilliantly.

Minutes later, a sweet Llorente cross was met perfectly by Aridane. It was a bullet from 12 yards, but Basilio was perfectly placed to claw the ball out of the net.

However, Chechu pounced on the loose ball and his shot whizzed past Basilio.

Half the stadium were already on their feet, only for Marcos to throw himself at the ball and make the most amazing goal-line block. It was first-rate defending.

The chances racked up. Aridane twice had gilt-edged chances, and even hit a post, while Alberto should have opened the scoring just before the break.

The second half continued in the same vein butTenerife, safe in the knowledge that there was no real attacking intention from the visitors, kept their heads up.

Halfway through the second half, a Rigo thunderbolt was arrowing its way into the top corner, only for Basilio to again tip it over.

It was annoying for the fans, but Cervera decided to go for another one of his masterstrokes. He took off centre-back Bruno and brought in Cristo Martin as he looked for the knockout punch. (Sorry!).

Seconds later he was rewarded. Cristo’s move down the left drew the centre-backs, and he played in Luismi. He bore down on goal and picked out Aridane, who had ghosted past Raul.

The pass was perfect and Aridane skilfully ( I know, I know) rounded Basilio and turned the ball home.

And, of course, just like waiting for a bus, you get two goals in three minutes, Not that any of the home fans were complaining.

Luismi’s corner was met at the near post by Rigo, who this time was able to beat Basilio with his header.

The former Numancia man deserved the plaudits and, after the disaster of Natalio and Julio Alvarez, maybe a Numancia capture will pay off?

Canarian Weekly ratings

CD Tenerife: Aragoneses 6, Moyano 6, Bruno 7 (Cristo Martin 66min 6), Rigo 9, Llorente 7, Alberto 7, Ros 7, Suso 6 (Carlos 79min), Luismi 7, Chechu 6 (Yeray 71min 6), Aridane 6.

CF Fuenlabrada: Basilio 8, Anuarbe 5 (Josue 74min 5), Marcos 7, Raul 7, Razvan 7, Borja 6, Guti 6, Jesus Sanchez 6 (Lopez 74min 5), Ramos 6, Diego 5, Pachon 6 (Molino 63min 5)

Second-placeLeganesalso won on Sunday to keep up the chase, butTenerifeshould secure the title (not promotion) when they face Sanse.

The trip to north-westSpainis not the easiest, andTenerifehad problems with Sanse last season. But they didn’t look the same outfit to me when they came toSanta Cruzin December and they were lucky to lose 3-0.

They are in the final relegation place and have won only twice at home since Christmas. That said, their defence has tightened up in recent weeks.

A draw would be acceptable and, withLeganesno gimmes at Ourense, the league could be won on Sunday.

Meanwhile, spare a thought for CD Marino, who were officially relegated after drawing atZamora.

The result was perfectly acceptable and they deserve credit for their efforts since January.

Their season just started too late. And when you think that they actually beat Fuenlabrada in the play-offs last season, it’s really a case of what might have been.

This Sunday they host Real Madrid C, and it’s a chance to see some future stars on show. Real’s kids have done really well this season

By the way…

KEEP an eye out for Omar Mascarell. He was born and raised inTenerifeand has had a superb season. He’s done so well, in fact, that he has had a few games for Real’s B team in Segunda Division. What price he joins CDT on loan next season?

The Chayofa venue recently celebrated their second anniversary, and they had a thrilling cup-tie as part of the festivities.

Gaffers A have had a fine season, but they have not been at their very best over the last few weeks.

Yet they would still have been confident of sneaking past Phoenix Knights, who have probably under-achieved in the league.

But on their night they are a match for anyone, as Gaffers discovered. There was not much between the two sides and Gaffers will feel they had no luck as the match went to a one-frame shoot-out.

Harry was in control early on, but left the black in the jaws to give Ashley a chance to book the final place.

But theBurnleyboy couldn’t see it out, leaving a happy Harry to book their first final.

Gaffers will meet Division One leaders Tenerife Hammers A, who started fast against Next Door and never let the Division Two front-runners back in it.

The Hammers have timed their season to perfection, but Knights will bust a gut to deny them the double at The Terrace Bar on 18^th June.

The same Amarilla Golf venue and date will see Palms A and The Peacocks duke it out for the Tenerife Pool Tables Plate.

Palms A, former Cup winners, were too clinical for a Bluebell B side who were always competitive. The 8-4 scoreline was about right.

But Peacocks had it a little tougher against Ryan’s Bar before coming through 7-5.

There was also some league action, and the race for third in Division One could go to the wire.

Phoenix Potters are in the spot at the moment and they were delighted to win 8-4 at Terrace A. It would have been closer had Sparky Mark not lost all three matches for the hosts.

In Los Cristianos, Palms A left Dreamers with all three points. In a fine match, Palms just held their nerve a little better, as Gavin would tell you!

There were five matches in Division Two, where Exiles A are right on the heels of Next Door after seeing off Picasso’s 9-3.

They will need to win all five matches to win the league, but they have a real chance now.

Ryan’s Bar won their derby match with Shorty’s, while Toscales B gained a rare win over Picasso’s.

Palms B and Bar 13 shared the honours in Torviscas, as didJames Placeand Treehouse A after Greg’s last-frame success over Jim gave the visitors a nice point.

Real Oviedo 1 CD Tenerife 2

CD Marino 0 Leganes 2

THERE is something rather Canarian about having a beer at 11 in the morning. It’s seems such a wrong thing to do.

But then again, so is watching professional football at 11 on a Sunday morning. So the way I see it, you may as well do them both at the same time.

And then you take it to the next level. Which is what happened. Let me explain before you think I’m some sort of Barney Gumble from The Simpsons.

Last Sunday morning started regularly enough. A little lie-n (essential when you are a breakfast DJ), long shower, cup of tea, slice of toast. Then another slice, and another. Hmmm. Marmite on toast!

Then off to the Whisky Jar (hello Jock & Rachel) to meet my fellow Oasis Fm sports bunny, Adi Benson. A swift beer and a little animated team talk as we poured over the team sheets before the brief walk to the stadium in the heart of Las Americas.

That’s the joy of going to see CD Marino. It’s just so easy. No trek up the TF1. No hassle parking the coche.

And, despite having to pay to get in (us journos HATE that), there is a bar right inside the entrance. And none of this non-alcoholic rubbish. I’m telling you, this is the future.

Mind you, there was never going to be any drink-fuelled hassle. There were only 200 of us there. I reckon 50 of those were British residents, and there must have been another 40-odd on holiday. But more of that in a moment.

We collected the official team-sheets and retired to the bar where, of course, they were showing the CD Tenerife match.

This was obviously the biggest game of the season, but it felt right to go and support CD Marino in their desperate quest to avoid the drop.

The plan was to watch the Marino match, try to barrack the Leganes team, while keeping an eye on the CDT game – and enjoy a few Doradas. That, ladies, is what us men call multi-tasking!

No sooner had Marino kicked off than they should have scored. Chema tore down the right, slipped inside the left-back and his cross found Sandro unmarked at the back twig, six yards out.

He struck it well enough, but theLeganeskeeper produced a “worldy” to throw himself at the ball and deflect it behind for a corner. It was a gilt-edged chance and, little did we know then, as good as it got for Marino.

On the mainland, CDT were preparing to kick off in front of an amazing 13,000-plus crowd as Real Oviedo went for the win they needed to give themselves any chance of finishing top of the table.

They started well. Sergio Aragoneses produced some good saves to keepOviedoat bay asTenerifesoaked up the pressure.

Meanwhile, yards away from me, not only was the second beer being poured, but Marino were creating a plethora of chances.

Balduino spurned one and the lively Sandro (on loan, of course, from CDT) wasted the best. Shooting wide from 12 yards out. They were doing a really good job of makingLeganeslook average. Which, to be honest, they are!

It seemed only a matter of time before they scored and, of course, the moment I mentioned that on the terraces,Leganesstruck with their first shot on goal.

A defensive mix-up gifted top-scorer Dioni the opener. And then the morning turned even darker asOviedoscored.

The bar was filled with groans, and one cheer from the barman, asTenerifeshot themselves in the foot. A regulation shot-cross was spilled by Aragoneses and Diego Cervera reacted quickest to slip the ball into the unguarded net.

“Vamos Marino …. Vamos Oviedo,” cried one grizzled old boy at the bar. Yeah, of course, here we all are in CD Tenerife tops, drinking in the bar as CD Marino are playing.

Not that the four coppers seemed too concerned as they returned to their “non” alcoholic coffees!

It was at this moment that a guy in a Sheffield United top came over and asked us to take his picture. Mario was his name. He was on holiday and wanted to catch some Spanish football. I swear CD Marino have missed a trick here. But that’s a story for another day.

Mario is fromPolandbut has lived inYorkshirefor a good few years and no, he isn’t a plumber. But his Sheffield United shirt did have a “Visit Malta” logo on the front. Not that the message had burned into Mario’s mind.

You meet all sorts of football fans watching Marino. I saw a Spurs top, a Blackpool top, Oldham,ManCityand, bizarrely,Barnsley.

At half-time the talk was all about the comebacks. Surely, CDT would nick a goal and ditto Marino, who were the far better team on the day.

The police presence had swollen to five as Marino went in search of a goal. Alas, it never came and when Carlos Martinez sweetly curled one in from 20 yards after 66 minutes, the game was up.

Another beer was drained to drown the disappointment, and all eyes switched to the TV in the bar. I know we are crazy, us Brits. We pay 15 euros to watch the football at a stadium, and then we just go to the bar. But it was worth every cent.

Tenerife were starting to find their feet and Luismi Loro’s top-corner strike 20 minutes from time was well deserved. The bar erupted and theLeganesplayers knew what had happened.

Three minutes later,Oviedo’s keeper had a brain blast. He was out of his area and his clearance fell straight to Alberto inside theTenerifehalf.

The youngster looked up and then, David Beckham-style, thumped it from the halfway line. The bar held its breath as the ball sailed into the back of the net and produced the biggest cheer of the season at the stadium.

I caught the eye of aLeganesplayer, smiled and soaked up the moment as his head dropped and the reality hit home. It was gorgeous!

CD Tenerife had more chances to extend the lead and at the end, they were full value for the vital three points.

They will be confirmed division winners if they beat Fuenlabrada inSanta Cruzon Sunday (Live on Oasis Fm at 12noon) andLeganeslose at home to Rayo B.

Either way, it will not be more exciting than witnessing Alberto’s goal from the halfway line, 2000km away at the home of CD Marino.

Only inTenerife!

By Geoff Huxtable

ARE you a bar owner? Are you a keen darts player? If so, you can increase your revenue, while making your Friday nights more enjoyable, by joining our fine darts league.

The 2013/14 season starts on Friday, 17^th May, and lasts for a full 10 months. Players will also have an opportunity for team and individual glory in the well-supported knockout competitions.

Be quick though! The registration window will close on Monday (29^th April).

The AGM for the new season is on Sunday, 5^th May, at Xtreme Sports Bar in Las Chafiras. You can enter your team by contacting Geoff at oasisfmdarts@hotmail.com, or by calling 638 440 889.

For those teams already involved in the league, here are the important diary dates for this season’s remaining events – and the proposed dates for next season.

Monday (29^th April): 2013-14 Team Registration period closes

Sunday (5^th May): 2013-14 AGM at Xtreme Sports Bar, Las Chafiras

Friday (17^th May): 2013-14 season begins

Please note. The date for registration is important. The committee will not accept any team registrations after Monday.

This is to enable us to structure the league in the best way possible before the AGM, and avoid the sort of problems we had last season.

Of course, the way the league is structured will be open to debate at the AGM. The 12 days between the AGM and the season kick-off is there to give us time to prepare fixture lists and your captains’ handbooks.

When the time comes, you can register your team or teams by contacting Harry, Bubbles or me, preferably by e-mail.

And to top it off, we saw the highest number of trophies ever awarded by the league, all washed down with a few scoops. Only a few, honestly.

With Roscoe, Chris and Harry ably hosting and scoring, the proceedings were kicked off by Sarah, from Trap Door, who took to the stage to play Anna, of Bar Amistad, in the Ladies Memorial Trophy final.

Anna, who looks to be a good darter, was too strong for a gallant Sarah, claiming the title with a 2-0 victory.

It was time for the Division 2 final, which saw a new name go on the cup as Jamie, of Bar 180 C, beat La Caña’s Dave 2-1.

Taking a break from darts action, during which we were fed and watered handsomely, an appreciative audience enjoyed entertainment from Kevin Isaacs and his comedy Elvis show.

Even Kevin must have been taken aback by the antics of two Phoenix Flames’ girls – and a young man by the name of Beck, from Bar 180!

After drying our eyes, it was time for the last two finals. Hoping to defend his title, Nathan (Ourplace) faced Daniel (Palms Sports Bar), and what a match it was.

Many would have had Daniel as favourite, but Nathan put in a superb performance to retain his trophy.

The Premier League final featured Mick (Bar 180 A) and Tom, from league champions Xtreme Sports Bar.

The two teams are fierce rivals, which reflected in the determination of both players as they traded high scores and check-outs.

At 2-2 it was a really difficult call, and you could have heard a pin drop in the 200-plus crowd as Tom fired in two fantastic legs to win the Memorial Trophy for the first time.

Finally, a steady procession of winners and runners-up made their way on to the stage to collect gongs and cups. Some of them even managed to walk in a straight line!

The evening was rounded off by a raffle, which this year raised funds for local charity Helping Hands.

Amazingly, the raffle turned into an auction for the main prize, a large. flat-screen TV. A young lady from Ourplace Playgirls outbid everyone and boosted the coffers to the extent that over 1,000 euros was raised on the night.

It was a brilliant end to a brilliant evening. A big thank-you to the staff at Showtime and to everyone who contributed to the event in one way or another. Let’s do it all again next season!

The team registration window for the 2013-14 is open from now until Monday, 29^th April. And don’t forget, all returning teams and newcomers must register.

You can do so by dropping an e-mail to oasisfmdarts@hotmail.com or calling 638 440 889.

Luanco 1 CD Tenerife 1

CD Marino 1 Ourense 0

TENERIFEare potentially just four games away from clinching top spot in this league, and then just 180 minutes away from promotion.

But it seems that is still not good enough for some people. In the same way that Nigel Adkins’ superb job of taking Southampton from mid-table League 1 to mid-table Premiership was not appreciated; nor Brian McDermott’s progress at Reading.

It is hard to imagine what more Alvaro Cervera can do with this team and squad.

He’s hadTenerifetop of the table for all but two matches, blooded the youngsters and improved the players he has been asked to coach.

Oh, sorry. No, he has not been sacked. But judging from some of the newspaper columnists and internet “fan” sites, he should be. I honestly don’t get it.

Tenerife are a big fish in a small pond, but we are notBarcelona. We have a long and proud tradition, but we are not Real Madrid.

I mean, even Rangers have lost games in the Scottish Division Three this season.

Last Sunday,Tenerifereturned from the mainland with a perfectly-acceptable point at Luanco. They didn’t play well, fell behind in the first half, but still came back with something.

Aridane’s second-half equaliser was deserved, and they had chances to have won the game. Second-placeLeganeslost, so it was a point gained. Yet still the writers stuck the knife in.

FormerTenerifeboss Jose Luis Oltra said this week that he knew what Cervera was going through: “I am not surprised because I know the Island,” he said. “I know exactly what it is like. Cervera has had 32 games, and only twice he has not been top?

That’s crazy! The leader (manager) must have support. From everyone. He has played a settled side and is getting the best out of the players as the results show.

I lived inTenerifeand when the results were good, it was great. But when they were not? Alvaro needs to know that everyone is supporting him. Which I hope they are.”

Fine words from a man who will be back in the Heliodoro dug-out some day soon.

Back on the pitch, Tenerife are half-a-dozen points clear, but their head-to-head record withLeganesmeans, in reality, it’s a seven-point advantage.

And this weekend they host Sporting Gijon B, who should be there for the taking. Their season is as good as over and it should be another comfortable three points.

The big question is, who replaces Inigo Ros in central midfield? Ros has been my player of the season and he was man of the match against Lucano, but a booking sees him suspended.

There are three candidates and they all have a shout. There is an argument that Yeray is favourite. The likeable local lad has done okay this season, and he is starting to look like a decent prospect.

But he is not the same sort of player as Ros. He likes to bound forward and often gets caught ball-watching. With Alberto even younger, Cervera may go for a bit more experience.

Which means … David Medina. He has done little wrong this season and has been unlucky to lose his shirt because of injury, and the form of the replacements. ButMedinahasn’t played for a while and there is a feeling that the team have moved on. And while he gets his foot in, he’s not exactly a passer.

Which means … Fran Ochoa. He started well after his January move from Guijuelo and offers the more complete package. He is a fine passer of the ball, likes a tackle and has a sweet left foot.

But he will certainly not be match-sharp and doesn’t have a big physical presence. Which means …Yeray!

Maybe Cervera will surprise us all and play Cristo Martin, or maybe drop Luismi Loro back? But since we have no clue, neither will Sporting B’s manager, which is no bad thing.

Meanwhile Cervera has promoted another kid from the B team. Franco has spent the week training with the first team and, by all accounts, has impressed.

The left-back is behind Llorente and the injured Jesus, but the fact that he has been stepped up is significant.Tenerifemay have a few dead rubbers in a month’s time, and Franco may yet get the nod.

Finally, well done to CD Marino, who refuse to roll over and die. Another home win on Sunday and another clean sheet. If only they had done this in January!