CD Baza 0 - FC Cartagena 0. By Steve.

ANOTHER POINT TOWARDS QUALIFICATION
CD BAZA - 0 FC CARTAGENA - 0
BY STEVE HIBBERD

With only 11 games of the season remaining, Cartagenas aim of qualifying for the play offs is very much on target.
Ok, so last Sundays point at Baza was courtesy of a ´NO SCORE BORE´, but at this stage of the season, every away point is priceless. This point retained Los Albinegros standing in 3rd place, still 4 points ahead of their nearest rivals. Although there is a slight advantage from finishing 1st or 2nd, all that really matters is doing enough to clinch a top 4 place.
A trip to near neighbours Baza (just across the Murcian border into Andalucia) was always going to be tricky. On their last visit to Cartagonova Stadium, they earned a hard fought 2-2 draw, and currently sit in mid table.
Missing from the previous weeks win over Portuense were 2 suspended players, Chito and Leo. Making his full debut was Oscar Rico, whilst Rivas replaced Leo at full back. Also, Molist replaced Sabino as Cartagenas main striker.

CARTAGENA TEAM
CABALLERO, RIVAS, OSCAR RODRIGUEZ, LUSARRETA, CABREJO, MARIANO SANCHEZ, ORLANDO, TEO (MARCO 67), SIVORI, OSCAR RICO (LAFUENTE 65), MOLIST (SABINO 67)

Early play saw both sides adopting a cautious approach. After 15 mins, Caballero pulled off an excellent double save from first Benjamin, then Pinto, denying Baza taking the lead. Minutes later, Sivori provided a dream cross which his strike partners failed to get a touch on. Both sides lacked any imagination needed to unlock the defensive walls, in a game which already had 0-0 written all over it.
Second half action came alive when Teo unleashed a shot which Campo in Bazas goal did well to tip over. With 20 odd mins remaining, the walrus (Cartagenas coach) decided apon a fresh approach, replacing 3 players (like for like) in a bid to stimulate some urgency into a game which was in danger of dying on its feet. A clash of heads between Cartagenas defender Oscar Rodriguez and his opposite number Gavilan, resulted in them requiring a precautionary hospital check up, leaving both sides to continue with only 10 men (no substitutes available). In the final minute of normal time, the home side wasted a glorious opportunity, when Carlos Ruiz blasted wide of an open goal. All in all, the Walrus must be satisfied with a point from a game which neither side wanted to lose (or win!). Sensible refereeing by Sanchez Cano contributed to the administering of only 2 bookings - Moral of Baza and Cartagenas midfield dynamo Orlando, who now serves a 1 match ban.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURE
On Sunday 18 Mar at the slightly later ko time of 6.30pm, Cartagena take on 8th place Merida in a div 2b clash at Cartagonova Stadium. Merida have an excellent away record (winning 6, drawing 2 - only bettered by Sevillas 7 wins), and must be given the utmost respect if Cartagenas unbeaten home record is to remain intact.

LEAGUE DIV 2b TOP 6
1. Cordoba - 54 points
2. Sevilla B - 52 points
3. Cartagena - 50 points
4. Portuense - 46 points
5. Marbella - 46 points
6. Linares - 44 points

HOME SWEET HOME
My recent visit to Malaysia enabled me to go along and watch a Super League game in Kuala Lumpur. As with Spanish football, which is dominated by Barcelona and Real Madrid, Malaysian football fans are obsessed with Liverpool and Manchester United. Unfortunately, this is to the detriment of top class local Malaysian football. State of the art stadiums are attended by only 1,000-5,000 loyal fans, which is not enough to keep professional football alive in their country. I don't know about ´Video killed the radio star´, but tv is certainly killing the football star!!! Local football needs more support the world over.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CLUB - SUPPORT CARTAGENA
Many thanks go out to Sky Blue Fred, who did an excellent job of covering Los Albinegros matches in my absence, ably supported by his hard working assistant, Lyn.
For further information on FC Cartagena, please contact Steve on 656579423.

SUNDAY 18 MARCH

KO 6.30 PM

FC CARTAGENA

Vs.

MERIDA

CARTAGONOVA STADIUM