Málaga B 0 - FC Cartagena 1. By Steve.

SIVORI DOES IT AGAIN
MALAGA CF 'B' - 0 FC CARTAGENA - 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD

For the 2nd week running, long serving club captain Arturo Sivori scored the match winning goal, enabling Los Albinegros to move up to 2nd in the table.
If Sivori was the hero, the days villain was certainly his striking partner (in more ways than one!) Sabino, who for the 2nd time this season, received his marching orders. Rock bottom Malaga, only last season relegated from div 2a, seem certain to make a further drop to div 3, unless a miraculous change of form materializes. A goals against column of 45, includes the 5 conceded when they visited Cartagena back in September. The Walrus, in his wisdom, made 3 changes from last weeks dramatic win over Granada. Elias replaced Marco in the midfield berth, whilst up front, Lafuente and Carmona were preferred ahead of Chito and Molist. New signing Oscar Rodriguez made it onto the bench, but the other deadline signing, Oscar Rico, failed to make the squad (at last, Cartagenas talent has been recognised, by winning a pair of OSCARS - boom boom!!).
CARTAGENA TEAM
CABALLERO, LEO, LUSARRETA, CABREJO, ORLANDO, MARIANO, ELIAS, SIVORI (OSCAR 82), SABINO, LAFUENTE (CHITO 60), CARMONA (MOLIST 46)
It was back in mid December at Alcala, when Cartagena last recorded a victory on the road, and they were given a great opportunity to make Malaga their next scalp, when constant early pressure was rewarded with a goal. Fed by Sabino, Sivori found himself in a similar position to last weeks winning strike. Once again, he cut inside from out wide on the left, and fired a broadside shot just inside the far post. You beauty, and only 6 minutes gone - get in there!!
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Encamped inside Malagas half of the field, it seemed only a matter of time before Cartagenas lead was doubled. A glorious through ball by Sivori, presented Sabino with a great chance to do just that, but his weak shot was indicative of the mans play. On the half hour mark, Carmona should have done better, but his wayward header from Leos kick was pathetic. Having already been booked for diving in the box (he's good at that!!), Sabino petulently (and unwisely) slapped an opponent across the face (take that you bitch!!) earning him another yellow card. With only 33 minutes on the clock, Cartagena were forced to play the best part of an hour with only 10 men. Even with a man short, Los Albinegros continued to dominate play, but only had Leos long range free kick, which hit the crossbar, to show for their efforts.
Half time: Malaga - 0 Cartagena - 1
Just on the hour, Malaga came close to equalizing, but Caballero proved too good for Leon as he pushed his fierce shot onto the crossbar. Moments later, Chitos cross found the head of Lusarreta, only for his fine effort to be cleared for a corner. Having been a virtual spectator for most of the match, Caballero earned his keep in the dying minutes with a 1st class double save from Malagas midfielder Kiko. In addition to Sabinos dismissal, Orlando and Lafuente both picked up silly bookings.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURE

Sunday 11 February ko 5pm, is when Cartagena next play a div 2b fixture. Ecija, currently lying in 9th position, visit Cartagonova Stadium hoping to avenge their home defeat to Cartagena back in mid September. For the next 4 weeks, I will be visiting family in Malaysia, but Sky Blue Fred has kindly offered his services, taking over the reins in my absence (please don't send him to Coventry!!).

SUNDAY 11 FEBRUARY

KO 5PM

FC CARTAGENA

V

ECIJA BALOMPIE

CARTAGONOVA STADIUM