FC Cartagena 3 - Extremadura 1. By Steve.

EXTREMADURA EXTERMINATED
FC CARTAGENA - 3 EXTREMADURA - 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Feliz año nuevo. It certainly was a happy start to 2007 for Los Albinegros, as they made light work of beating a poor Extremadura side.
Last Sundays win pushed Cartagena up to 3rd, only 3 points behind div 2b pace setters, Cordoba. Not for the 1st time this season, the home side were forced to come from behind, as a nervous start to the match was suitably punished. Extremadura arrived at Cartagonova Stadium lying in 14th place, but boasted an impressive 4 away wins so far this season. Injuries and suspensions have left Cartagenas squad threadbare, and in urgent need of reinforcements during the January transfer window. In a dramatic u turn by FC Cartagena, the signing that never was has left the club. Confused? so was I. Abel has returned to Salamanca when it was discovered that an unknown injury had been hushed up, which has also cost technical director Miguel Torrecilla his position at the club as el presidente Gomez was not a happy chappie!! Suspended pair Lusarreta and Elias were replaced in the starting line up by Carmona and Mariano Sanchez, whilst Teo was prefered up front instead of Lafuente.
CARTAGENA TEAM
CABRERO, LEO, CAMANO (CHITO 32), ORLANDO, CABREJO, MARIANO SANCHEZ, TEO (CARMONA 44), SIVORI, MOLIST, MARCO, SABINO (LAFUENTE 88)

Cartagena should really have emulated their last match of 2006, and scored inside the 1st minute. For when Teo was put through on goal with only keeper Arturo to beat, a hurried shot, way off target, was a sign of things to come. Shortly afterwards, Sabino failed to put the necessary touch required to score from Molists well delivered cross. Once again, Cartagena were hit on the counter attack. A speculative clearance from the Extremadura defence found striker Changui, unmarked and with oceans of space. He somehow turned and connected perfectly on the volley from fully 25 yards out to send the ball looping over an outstretched Cabrero, and into the net. Not quite the brilliance of a Matt Taylor wonder goal (surely his goal for Pompey against Everton is the best goal ever seen, and he is a must for the next England squad) but it was classy. After 20 mins, Sivori was quite clearly brought down inside the penalty area, but unfortunately both referee and his lino decreed that a free kick just outside the area would be awarded. This was one of many baffling decisions by a set of match officials who failed to inspire, sending incompetence to a new level! Following constant pressure, including the refusal of a penalty when Sabino appeared to be fouled (why was I not surprised when Mr Magoo booked him for diving?), Los Albinegros deservedly drew level on 36 mins. A sweetly taken corner fell perfectly for Mariano 'this year, I am mostly going to behave myself' Sanchez, who thundered home his header.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Half Time Cartagena - 1 Extremadura - 1

Sabino must have thought it wasn't his day, when for the 3rd time, Cartagena were refused a seemingly legitimate penalty, but his determination won the day. On the hour mark, a glorious Molist assist was seized upon by a rejuvenated Sabino, who having rounded the keeper, slotted the ball home from an accute angle.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Twas no more than last seasons top scorer deserved, as his personal play off nightmare has hopefully been put to bed, where he can now dream of promotion. "ACTION STATIONS, ACTION STATIONS". Extremaduras troops were certainly being pulverized by Cartagenas Strike Force. Only a crude foul stopped a menacing run on goal by Sivori, then the inexperienced Carmona twice failed to hit the target with the goal at his mercy. Having said that, Extremaduras number 8 should be shot for blasting over, missing an absolute sitter. Shortly afterwards his fellow striker (a Spanish version of Peter Crouch - bless him!) thankfully headed just over the bar - a miss which proved to be costly. Play, reminiscent of last season, involving a 4 man move eventually found Marco, who nonchalantly chipped the keeper from over 25 yards. The ball hit the post before nestling into the back of the net, as an ecstatic Marco celebrated his work of art, drawing similarities to that of a top class golfers bunker shot hitting the flag before disappearing down the hole - get in there!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
There was still time for Molist to round an overworked Arturo, but unlike his striking partner, he unluckilly saw his shot hit the post and rebound to safety.
Attendance - 2,700
Forthcoming Fixture
As the season reaches the halfway stage, Cartagena must be relatively happy with their half term report. Ceuta (on mainland Morocco) are next weeks opponents - Sun 17 Jan ko 5pm. With the top 2 teams playing each other (Cordoba v Portuense) a win at Ceuta would guarantee Los Albinegros a move up the table to 2nd place.
For further details on FC Cartagena, please phone Steve on 656579423.