CD Linares 1 - FC Cartagena 1. By Steve.

MAKESHIFT TEAM SECURES POINT
CD LINARES 1 FC CARTAGENA 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Injuries and suspensions have ravaged cartagenas squad to the extreme. The teams character was given a stern test, during a difficult match at Linares, who also have aspirations of once again qualifying for a play off slot. Last season, Linares inflicted Cartagenas first defeat, when they comprehensively won 2-0 at the Linarejos Stadium. This season, they have developed into draw specialists, resulting in them being placed in a mid table position. Cartagena meanwhile, have been struggling to pick up points on the road, and need to show more battling qualities to turn defeats into draws or victories. Whilst Elias and Mariano 'No me gusta arbitros' Sanchez, sat out their 1 match ban, the clubs injury list just grows and grows.
CARTAGENA LINE UP
CABRERO, RIVAS, LUSARRETA, CHITO, ORLANDO, GALDOS (MARCO 46), TEO, SIVORI, SABINO, LAFUENTE (GUILL 89), CARMONA (CARMANO 84)
For the opening 30 mins of an exciting 1st half, Linares had a stranglehold on the match, as Bouza, Postigo and Diaz, all came close to opening the scoring. Having ridden the storm, Los Albinegros attacking trio of Sivori, Sabino and Lafuente, went on the offensive themselves, testing the ability of Linares keeper, manu. Indeed, it was a confident solo run by Sabino which indirectly produced the opening goal. Having beat his markers, and with only the goalie to beat, he was unceremoniously bundled off the ball, as he rounded his man. Referee Zafra quite rightly awarded a penalty, but as with Pompeys David James the day before at Fratton Park (the ref probably felt sorry for him - sporting that dodgy hair style took some guts!!) failed to send off Manu, prefering to only issue a caution. At long last the penny has dropped!! Previously, whenever Sabino has been on the pitch, the role of penalty taker has befallen to him. But as he has failed so abysmally recently, the task was passed to Carmona, who cooly converted the spot kick, much to the delights of his relieved colleagues.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Normally, when a team goes ahead on 44 mins, it is regarded as a psychological advantage, as the teams embark on the half time break. Not this time. Deep into stoppage time, the manacing Postigo, connected with a cross on the half volley, and although Cabrero got his hand to it, he could not prevent Linares reaching parity, as the half time whistle sounded within seconds of the equalizing goal.
Half Time: Linares - 1 Cartagena - 1
Amazingly, it was a role reversal in the 2nd half, as Los Albinegros took a shell shocked Linares team by storm. Chances galore were created for Teo, Sivori and Carmona, only for Manu and the woodwork to come to Linares rescue. The last 10 mins belonged to Linares, as their strikers finally awoke from a deep slumber. Pick of the bunch was definately Postigo, who was only denied 2nd and subsequent goals, by the sheer brilliance of Cartagenas outstanding goalie Cabrero, who yet again more than justified his recall to the side. All in all, a draw was probably a fair result between 2 sides who must fancy their chances of a play off place. In addition to Linares keeper Manu, his team mate Romerito picked up a booking, as did Chito and Galdos of Cartagena.
Attendance: 2,500
FORTHCOMING FIXTURE
Everyone loves a local derby. Whether it be Arsenal v Spurs, Rangers v Celtic, Liverpool v Everton or Portsmouth v Southampton (whenever the latter get themselves back to the premiership!!), there's nothing better than a good old derby to get the fans passionate - wanting to put one over their arch rivals. The local Murcian derby between Cartagena and Aguilas is no less fervent than anywhere else. Last season, Cartagena recorded a narrow 2-1 victory over their near neighbours at Cartagonova Stadium. This season, Aguilas have been less convicing, although they still sit handily placed in 8th position, in the reckoning for an end of season play off place. If you only watch one Cartagena match this season, make it this one. An early kick off of 1230 hrs on Sun 10 Dec at Cartagonova Stadium, for a div 2b fixture, should whet your appetite for more of the same. Please note: Admission for this match has been increased slightly, but is still excellent value for money, and compares favourably with a certain div 3 side.
Please phone Steve on 656579423 for further information.

SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER
KO 1230 HRS
NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION 2B
FC CARTAGENA
V
AGUILAS CF
CARTAGONOVA STADIUM