FC Cartagena 1 - Córdoba CF 1. By Steve.

SLACK DEFENCE PUNISHED
FC CARTAGENA - 1 CORDOBA CF - 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Without wishing to sound like a cracked gramaphone record, once again Cartagena failed to capitalize on territorial advantage during this top of the table clash.
Cordoba were there for the taking. They certainly didn't perform like a team boasting 63 goals scored, pacesetters since the new year and the bookies favourites for a return to div 2a. Cartagena have no one to blame but themselves. They play lovely entertaining football, but unlike last season, lack a predatory goalscorer. Although Molist has come on leaps and bounds, his 15 goals pale into insignificance compared to Sabinos tally of 42 last season. Sabino has gone from hero to zero. His paltry 5 goals indicate what a poor season the front man is having. But, it was hesitancy at the back, which ultimately proved to be Cartagenas downfall. Once again, 2 key players were absent from Cartagenas 16 man squad. Missing central defender Lusarreta and midfielder Chito, is tantamount to Chelsea losing Terry and Lampard - need I say more?
FC CARTAGENA TEAM
CABALLERO, LEO, OSCAR RODRIGUEZ, ORLANDO, CABREJO, MARIANO, ELIAS, SIVORI, LAFUENTE (OSCAR RICO 64), MARCO (TEO 77), MOLIST (SABINO 67)

Having said all that, on a positive note, Cartagena are creating loads of chances, which gives us all hope that the promised land is just around the corner! Chance no 1, fell to Molist, whose deft header from Lafuentes cross, just beat the far post. Another header, this time by Mariano, achieved the same result, as chance no 2 went begging. Unlucky for some, but certainly not Xavi Molist, in the 13th min, chance no 3 was converted. Marco delivered the perfect cross for Molist to plant his header over the goal line, via the far post.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

Cordoba then set about stifleing any inventive play, by showing their ugly side. Although arbitro Blanco correctly dealt with the offenders, it didn't seem to appease Cartagenas coach. In stoppage time, the by now red in the face Walrus, apparently hurled abuse (roughly translated as "I am the eggman, we are the eggman, I am the Walrus") at a somewhat stunned Basil Fawlty lookalike, who comically ordered a lived walrus down the tunnel, to play no further part in the proceedings. I have been reliably informed that the hairy creature did manage crafty peaks over the tunnel wall during the 2nd half (wot, no fish!!).
Half Time: Cartagena - 1 Cordoba - 0

End to end stuff was on display, almost from the kick off. First off, a Lafuente-Sivori partnership resulted in Cartagenas skipper shooting just off target. Not to be outdone, Cordoba found probably their best form of the whole match. Just after having watched a header inch past his par post, Cartagenas giant keeper dived bravely at the feet of 40 goal man, Javi Moreno, to prevent a certain goal. Then it was the home sides turn to exert some pressure. Elias saw his powerful long range drive tipped over the crossbar before Molist went even closer, when his effort struck a post. It was becomming a frustrating day for the home side. Sivori was presented with a golden opportunity, but shot straight at the keeper. With 20 mins remaining, Cordoba stepped up a gear. Cartagena fans, had their hearts in their mouths, when a great Cordoba effort only just missed the target. And then it happened. With seemingly nothing on (goalscoring opportunity that is!) Cordobas Asen took the ball past at least 4 Cartagena defenders, before stroking the ball past a helpless Caballero, to level the scores. What was so dissapointing, was that not a single challenge was made, bringing back painfull memories of Maradonas world cup individual goal against England. It could have got worse. Moments later, an unmarked Cordoba striker should have scored, but his free header went wide. Sabino then made the headlines for all the wrong reasons. Not satisfied wth putting his header way over the bar, our crestfallen marksman then hopelessly muffed an attempted chip over the goalkeeper, who was hopelessly out of position. Once again, a ridiculous amount of players were cautioned. Sivori now misses the next match, as a consequence of receiving his 10th yellow of the season. He was joined by Elias, Mariano, Leo and Oscar Rico, into the refs book, along with 4 Cordoba players.
Attendance - 5,000
DIVISION 2B - TOP 5 TEAMS
1. CORDOBA - 62 POINTS
2. CARTAGENA - 61 POINTS
3. SEVILLA 'B' - 60 POINTS
4. PORTUENSE - 58 POINTS
5. LINARES - 57 POINTS

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
Another hard battle lies ahead for Cartagena. On Sunday 22 April, ko 1130, they travel to Seville to face the side currently only 1 place below them, Sevilla 'B'. The following week, another play off contender, Linares, visit Cartagonova Stadium for another important league fixture.
Please phone Steve on 656579423 for further information.