CD Alcalá 1 - FC Cartagena 2. By Steve.

SANTA MOLIST DELIVERS TWO SPECIAL PRESENTS
CD ALCALA - 1 FC CARTAGENA - 2
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Xmas came early for FC Cartagena last Sunday, in the form of a first away win since mid September.
Xavi Molist scored 2 very important goals to secure all 3 points for Los Albinegros, lifting them back into a play off position. Alcala started the day in 6th place and must have fancied their chances against a Cartagena side which had drawn their last 2 matches. Los Albinegros manager David Amaral made no fewer than 4 changes from the side which drew at home to Aguilas last week. Recalls for Leo, Cabrejo, Marco and top scorer Molist, gave the team an experienced bias.
FC CARTAGENA
CABRERO, LEO, LUSARRETA, CABREJO, ORLANDO, MARCO, ELIAS, SIVORI, MOLIST (RIVAS 46), LAFUENTE (CHITO 68), SABINO
Cartagena kicked off their final match of 2006 inside the compact Francisco Bono Stadium, as the Andalucian winter sun warmed all concerned. Unbelievably, the first Alcala player to touch the ball was keeper Julio Cruz, as he scooped the ball from the back of his net following Molists snap shot after only 30 SECONDS on the clock.
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Only a breathtaking save by Cabrero denied Alcala striker Nando from capping an inspired solo run with a goal after 12 mins. Fortune was to shine on Los Albinegros, as they doubled their lead just 2 mins later. Marcos free kick appeared to be as accurate as Harmisons bowling during the 1st ashes test, but an involuntary deflection off Molists rear end wrong footed a bemused keeper, who watched in horror as the ball sailed into his unguarded net.
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Molists 11th goal of the season put him top of this seasons div 2b gp iv goalscorers chart, as his confidence goes from strength to strength. On the half hour mark, Alcala almost reduced the deficit when Christians long range effort brought off yet another Cabrero wonder save. The remainder of the half seemed to centre around the midfield, as both keepers found time to take a well deserved back seat.
Half time: Alcala - 0 Cartagena - 2
With full back Rivas replacing Molist at half time, a defensive strategy was probably one that Cartagena would employ for the 2nd half to preserve their lead. An hour of the game had elapsed when Cabrero pushed to safety another great effort from Christian. Yet again, Cartagenas inability to keep their mouths firmly shut, and accepting referees decisions, cost them dearly. Following his needless show of verbal dissent, Elias received a 2nd yellow of the day, and his 2nd red of the season. Perversely, the loss of Elias appeared to motivate his team mates - perfectly demonstrated when Sabinos solo run and shot was well saved by Cruz. The same combination produced an action replay on 82 mins, but a minute later Cartagenas lead had been halved. Alcala needed a slice of good luck in beating Cabrero, when a Lopez free kick took a wicked deflection to make it all square on the flukey goals front!! The 10 men held on gallantly, punching the air in jubilation at the sound of the full time whistle. Alas, in addition to a pending suspension for Elias, bookings for Lusarreta and Cabrero means that they too will sit out the next match, as they reach the dreaded 5 mark. Leo and Marco also fell foul of strict refereeing, in what is becomming a nightmare season for suspensions, requiring a more disciplined approach by the gaffer.
Attendance - 800
FORTHCOMING FIXTURE
Cartagenas next league fixture is on Sun 7 Jan 07 against 14th place Extremadura, who will arrive at Cartagonova Stadium having won an impressive 4 matches on the road so far this season. The next edition of RTN will concentrate on statistics, including results, fixtures and league positions. From all involved with FC CARTAGENA, we wish you all a very happy black and white Xmas and new year. Come on you Los Albinegros!!!
Please phone Steve on 656579423 for further information.