FC CARTAGENA - 1 GRANADA FC - 0
BY STEVE HIBBERD
Newly appointed Cartagena manager Jose Montes, aka THE WALRUS, made an instant impact as his team won in dramatic fashion.
It took an 89th min strike by skipper Sivori to secure all 3 points from a bruising encounter, against a side hell bent on returning to the Sierra Navada region with a point. Club President Paco Gomez, finally selected a replacement to succeed the clueless (but reluctant) caretaker manager Pedro Arango, whose 2 match stint in charge was nothing short of disastrous. The ex Ecija, Algeciras, Melilla and Sabadell manager, elected on 2 changes from last weeks best forgotten humiliation at Cerro Reyes. Man mountain Caballero, was given the nod ahead of last weeks villain Cabrero, replacing him between the sticks, whilst Chito was recalled in preference to wide man Lafuente.
CARTAGENA TEAM
CABALLERO, LEO, LUSARRETA, ORLANDO, CABREJO, MARIANO (ELIAS 83), MARCO, SIVORI, MOLIST (CARMONA 60), SABINO, CHITO (LAFUENTE 55)
Uninspiring play from both sides, seemed to dominate first half proceedings. Los Albinegros made their first foray into enemy territory on 15 mins, but although Sivori controlled well from Chitos cross, his hurried shot sailed harmlessly over the bar. Referee Manuera, officiating Cartagena for the 1st time, stamped his authority on the game, booking Lusarreta, Leo and Granadas Pavon all within the first 20 mins, as the game developed a scrappy feel to it. From an inswinging corner, Sabinos diving header was comfortably cleared off the line. With 10 mins remaining, Caballero had been a virtual spectator, but when asked to deliver he came up with the goods. Bordi unleashed a powerful long range drive, forcing Cartagenas keeper to pull off an impressive acrobatic save.
Half time: Cartagena - 0 Granada - 0
A dream through ball from defence enabled Sabino to beat the offside trap. Faced with only the keeper to beat, he rounded his man only to give himself an impossible accute angle, wasting a glorious opportunity as he shot wide. Full back Cabrejo attempted an audacious cross come shot, which floated agonisingly the wrong side of the far post. Soon after his introduction to the action, Lafuente tried his luck from 20 yards, but he too just missed the target. Granadas best chance of the match involved Milla firing a thunderbolt, which not only beat Caballero, but thankfully the upright as well. Sivori was on fire. Having just seen his shot well saved, his next contribution involved a brilliant solo run and inch perfect cross to Sabino. Faced with an open goal, Sabino chose to blast the ball high over the crossbar. Just when the game looked to have slipped form Cartagenas grasp, man of the match Sivori had the final say. Under constant pressure, Granada attempted to clear the ball upfield only hit an unwitting referee, who inadvertantly played a cracking assist to Sivori. From his wide position, Cartagenas captain saw the opportunity and made no mistake with his well hit strike on the run.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Attendance - 2,000
Make no mistake, this win was so very very important for all concerned at FC Cartagena. It not only lifted them back into 3rd position, but gave that all important confidence boost which so often arrives when a new manager takes over. History had repeated itself, for at Granada in an early season match, Marcos 89th min strike was enough to earn Cartagena a share of the points - never say die eh!!
FORTHCOMING FIXTURE
On paper, a visit to bottom of the table Malaga 'B' should yield a handay 3 point windfall. ON PAPER!!!! Although having collected only 8 points all season, it's Malagas wretched away form which is mainly responsible. At home they have won 1 and drawn 3, but will vividly remember the 5-0 hammering which Cartagena inflicted on them during the visit to Cartagonova Stadium last September. Sunday 4 February ko 1200, is the date for this div 2b fixture at Malagas La Rosaleda Stadium.
Please phone Steve on 656579423 for further information.