Córdoba 4 - FC Cartagena 2. By Steve.

AWAY DAY BLUES
CORDOBA CF 4 - FC CARTAGENA 2
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Not since 16 September at Ecija, have Cartagena been victorious on the road, a statistic which was only briefly threatened, last Sunday at Cordoba.
Los Albinegros started the day in 3rd place, 2 points ahead of 4th place Cordoba. Manager Amaral was once again forced to re-shuffle his starting 11. Roberto Rodriguez replaced suspended Rivas at the back. Injured Cabrejo made way for Chito, whilst free from suspension Sivori, came in for Carmona.
CARTAGENA LINE UP
CABALLERO, RODRIGUEZ (SABINO 46), LUSARRETA (VERGARA 80), ORLANDO, CHITO, MARIANO, ELIAS (CARMONA 71), TEO, SIVORI, LAFUENTE, MOLIST
Cartagena started the match brightly, with Teo forcing a good save from Valle in the Cordoba goal after 15 mins. At the other end, it was Caballeros turn to earn his keep, diving at the feet of Moreno, preventing a certain goal. Cordobas Italian centre back Pierini, almost broke the deadlock, his firm header sailed just past the post.
When Pineda watched his shot cannon off the foot of the post, Cordoba were in complete control. The inevitable happened on 30 mins, as Caballero fumbled a long range week free kick, which trickled over the line to give Cordoba the lead. Shortly after, Moreno almost doubled his tally, but although his shot beat Caballero, it also evaded the far post. Following 10 mins of relentless pressure, Cartagena hit back, courtesy of another beauty from pint size Lafuente.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Back came Cordoba. Delightful wing play, culminated in Guzman hitting an unstoppable drive which wizzed past the helpless Caballero.
HALF TIME: CORDOBA 2 CARTAGENA 1
Sabino was introduced immediately, making an instant impact. Good work by Chito released Sabino, who with his first touch of the ball lobbed the keeper and levelled the scores yet again.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
On the hour mark, the home side had regained their lead through a wonderful solo effort by Pineda, who appeared to mesmerise his opponents defence, before nonchanantly stroking the ball home. Disaster struck on 73 mins, when the normally reliable Caballero once again fumbled a free kick, this time by Moreno, and presented Cordoba with an unasaillable 2 goal advantage, despite his frantic efforts to prevent their 4th goal. Referee Hidalgo had a field day, cautioning 7 Cordoba players plus Cartagenas front men (Teo, Lafuente and Sabino).
Attendance: 7,000
FORTHCOMING FIXTURE
Once again, Cartagenas next opponents are top 4 side. Leaders Sevilla, visit Cartagonova Stadium next Sun 26 Nov, ko 5pm, hoping to go one better than last seasons draw. An impressive away record of 4 wins, 1 draw and only 1 defeat, explains why they are this seasons in-form side in div 2b. But only 2 points separate the 4 places between the 2 sides, and a win for Cartagena would see the sides swap places. Come along and watch what promises to be an exciting encounter between 2 free scoring, entertaining teams. Admission is only TEN euros for men, EIGHT euros for women/OAPs and FIVE euros for children (not bad for a top class Stadium, full of atmosphere, where a high standard of football is on display!!).

SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER
KO 5PM
SPANISH LEAGUE DIV 2B
FC CARTAGENA
V
SEVILLA ATLETICO
CARTAGONOVA STADIUM