FC Cartagena 2 Águilas 2. By Steve.

THE FAT LADY WOULDN'T SING
FC CARTAGENA - 2 CF AGUILAS - 2
BY STEVE HIBBERD

A 96th min goal gave Aguilas a share of the points from this incident packed local derby. Keep on playing until the final whistle, is obviously Aguilas CF motto.
Having nothing to lose, they threw caution to the wind in search of an unlikely equalizer. It is so frustrating for players, club officials and fans alike, when the referee has indicated a minimum of 4 minutes stoppage time is to be played, he adds on a further 3 minutes for no apparent reason. Hopefully, it`s a lesson learnt (albeit the hard way) for Los Albinegros. Much better to avoid adventurous play in favour of playing it tight at the back when victory is in sight during stoppage time.
Manager Amaral reinstated Mariano Sanchez and Elias to the starting line up, following their served suspensions.
FC CARTAGENA TEAM
CABRERO, RIVAS, LUSARRETA, ORLANDO, CHITO, MARIANO SANCHEZ, ELIAS, SIVORI (MOLIST 72), LAFUENTE (MARCO 46), TEO (CARMONA 86), SABINO
Early play involved first Francoli of Aguilas shooting just over the bar, then Mariano Sanchez followed suit with his header. Francoli was again in the action when he lobbed Cabrero, only to see the ball evade the far post. An inviting through ball was seized upon by Tariq, who beat Cartagenas defence before having his legs clipped by Cabrero. To be sure (as good old Harry Redknapp would say), it was a cast iron penalty, but Aguilas wanted more. It appeared that Cartagenas keeper was the last line of defence, and consequently should have walked, but benevolent ref Megias only brandished a yellow card. As Patri sent Cabrero the wrong way, the small but vociferous band of Aguilas supporters behind his goal, celebrated with gusto. With time running out before the interval, a mix up between the Aguilas keeper and a defender allowed Teo to nip in and stroke the ball home into an empty net and level the scores.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Half Time - Cartagena - 1 Aguilas - 1
The opening exchanges proved to be quite even, as both teams put efforts just past the wookwork. Sabino looked to have a good case for a penalty, but an unimpressed referee waved asisde appeals, before prancing around the pitch impersonating a ballerina showing off his pirouette and exaggerated arm movements (a real showman!). Now for the miss of the season. Sabinos cross fell perfectly for Sivori, who transpired to blast the ball over the crossbar from almost on the goal line. The action was fast and furious, with tackles flying in from all directions. All within 3 minutes, midway through the half, Lusarreta watched on as his effort hit the post, then Sabino palmed the ball into the net, earning him a caution for blatent cheating. As is normal practice in Spanish football, the 2nd half was littered with unnecessary booking for both sides, as the ref struggled to keep control. On 79 mins, Cartagena at long last went ahead. Teo provided an inviting high cross, which Lusarreta met with such force and accuracy, that the goalie stood no chance.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Los Albinegos smelt blood and went for the kill. Great efforts by Molist and Teo were foiled by the impressive goalkeeping skills of Bermudez. When Aguilas captain Olivares headed over the bar in front of an open goal on 86 mins, it looked like the home side would hang on and secure all 3 points. WRONG!! As so often happens when attackers help out in their own penalty area, things invariably go pear shaped. From a corner, in attempting to clear the ball upfield, Sabino almost decapitated an opponent. The resulting indirect free kick, 10 yards from goal was hammered into the wall (massed on the goal line) by Patri. Resembling a pinball machine game, the ball hit a number of Cartagena players, before it heartbreakingly trickled over the line. The final minute was a mere formality. Queue the recriminations!!
Also booked for Cartagena were Orlando, Marco, Chito and Mariano `I didn't touch him ref´ Sanchez, whilst Raul, Olivares, Pelegina and Corona were Aguilas bad boys.
Attendance 4,000
FORTHCOMING FIXTURE
The last match before Spanish football embarks on its xmas and new year break, is another tough test for Cartagena, an away fixture at Alcala. Lying just below cartagena in 6th place, Alcala have a good home record, having lost only once this season. This div 2b fixture is on Sun 17 Dec, ko 1200 hrs. For further information on FC Cartagena, please phone Steve on 656579423.