
Revista Zona Efesé
SO NEAR YET SO FAR
FC CARTAGENA - 2 AD CEUTA - 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD
This wasn´t how it was meant to end. Can we start again please, but this time with a happy ending?
Goals by Sivori and Carmaona earned Cartagena a hollow victory over North African side Ceuta. The resulting 3 pointsl left them only 1 win behind 4th place Cordoba, who lost their final day fixture against fellow play off qualifiers, Portuense. One consolation is that by finishing 5th, although missing out of the play offs, Cartagena have gained entry into next seasons Copa Del Rey (Spanish FA Cup). Unfortunately for Ceuta, this defeat left them without the luxury of a potential cup run, as they slipped to a final league position of 11th. Cartagena caretaker manager, Fran Alcoy, gave a first ever start to Marcos Guill, who up to last Saturday, had played a total of only 9 mins football all season (the words key and don come to mind!!).
FC CARTAGENA TEAM
CABRERO, LEO, CABREJO, OSCAR, ORLANDO, MARIANO SANCHEZ, CARMONA (TEO), SIVORI, MOLIST, MARCOS GUILL (ELIAS 70), LAFUENTE (OSCAR RICO 90)
As a thankyou to their loyal fans, Cartagena made this game free entrance to everyone. Not much happened during the opening 10 mins play, the only noteworthy incident being a crunching tackle from behind, which earned oscar a booking. Play was mainly inside Ceutas half of the field, no surprise then, when Cartagena scored the opening goal on 28 mins. A wonderful run and cross from the right by Carmona, fell perfectly to Sivori, who hammered home a shot on the turn.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Three mins later, ´Banana Boots´ Carmona, again featured in the action, only this time it was for receiving the games 2nd booking. Carmona was becoming hot stuff. Cabrejo floated over a delightful cross onto the head of an eager Carmona, who gave a shell shocked keeper no chance, as Cartagena doubled their lead on 34 mins.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
All of a sudden it seemed to be raining goals. It took a spectacular diving heder by Javi Navarro to open the scoring for Ceuta, the 3rd goal in only 10 mins play.
Half Time; Cartagena - 2 Ceuta - 1
An audacious lob by Carmona had us all off our seats, but alas his great effort hit the crossbar. Back came Ceuta, requiring Cabrero to be at his best as he pushed Javi Navarros long range drive over the crossbar. Top goalscorer Molist (16 goals) Uncharacteristically picked up only his 3rd booking of the season, as his 2 footed lunge could well have earned him his first sending off. Mariano Sanchez has only missed 5 games all season (4 of them through suspension), and was sorely missed at Extremadura the previous week. He looked likely to add to his goal tally of 4, but his great effort on goal once again rattled the wookwork. From fully 40 yards, full back Cabrejo attemped to chip the keeper, who breathed a sigh of relief as the ball landed on top of his netting. Victim of the earlier x-rated foul by Molist, Victor Via finally got his revenge. His full blooded thrust caused Molist to receive treatment, whilst VV was receiving the games final yellow card. All that remained was for Mariano Sanchez to head just past the post, before referee Garcia brought to a close the final league game of a disappointing season.
Congratulations go out to fellow Murcian side Maxarron, who have reached the play offs in div 3. If successful in their quest for promotion to div 2b, they will form a foursome of Murcian based teams. Relegated Lorca, will next season join Aguilas, and of course Cartagena in a division which is largely dominated by sides from the Andalucia and Extremadura regions. Next week, all Cartagenas results plus end of season league table and any updates from the club.
CF EXTREMADURA - 2 FC CARTAGENA - 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD
It´s now 20 years since Cartagena last contested a season in div 2a, and unfortunately that long wait goes on.
Both teams had to win last Sundays div 2b clash for contrasting reasons. Extremadura had slipped into the relegation zone, whilst Cartagena had in recent weeks lost their play off slot, and found themselves a point behind 4th place Portuense. Over the course of the season, so many points had been needlessly lost, resulting in an unnecessary desparate end to the season. Politics too have played their part, manifested into the form of managerial changes, at a time when the players badly needed continuity. But the league table doesn´t lie - Cartagena just wern´t good enough. Certain players are still unable to shake off the disappointment of failure to gain promotion last season, having won the divisional champship by a mile. It is an UNFAIR SYSTEM when the champions are denied automatic promotion, but that is no excuse (although it doesn´t change the injustice of the whole Spanish football set up!!!). Leo and Mariano Sanchez sat out this important fixture through suspension, whilst injury once again, robbed the services of Chito and Lusarreta.
CARTAGENA TEAM
CABALLERO, RIVAS, OSCAR RODRIGUEZ, ORLANDO, CABREJO (LAFUENTE 46), TEO (SABINO 46), ELIAS, MARCO, OSCAR RICO (CARMONA 65), SIVORI, MOLIST
Four courtesy coaches were laid on by Cartagena Ayuntmiento, as over 250 Los Albinegros faithfull made the long 10 hour journey to Spains far flung western province of Extremadura. Estadio Francisco De La Hera (capacity 12,000), home of Extremadura, is based in the industrial town of Almendralejo, only a short distance from the Portuguese border. On arrival at the ground at 10am, we were greeted by the unusual sight of a pair of storks having made a huge nest on top of a floodlight pylon (thought I was seeing things - and I hadn´t even been drinking!!). So, the scene was set, as Extremadura kicked off at midday when the sun refused to shine (proving to be an unlucky omen for Cartagena). The first significant action fell to Extremadura after 19 mins, when the ball was pinging all around Cartagenas goal area. Eventually, the ball was cleared upfield, worked inside to Marco, who was fouled just outside the penalty area (the offender being the 1st of 4 home players cautioned during the game). Sivori almost scored from the resulting free kick, his header producing an acrobatic save from the home keeper. Clear cut chances were of a premium, so it was a surprise when Extremadura drew first blood on 33 mins. A well worked move found Argentinian DÁmico free on the left wing. His fine run to the goal line was equalled by a precision low cut back to team mate Chagui, who gave Caballero no chance with his well placed shot. A goal of real class, which certainly silenced the Cartagena fans massed behind the scoreboard end. Two mins later, Teo almost equalised, but his rasping long range drive sailed agonizingly over the crossbar. Stung into action having gone behind, Cartagena were playing positive attacking football, although their finishing lacked accuracy, demonstrated when Marco hit a drive over the top. High drama in the final minutes, when Cabrejo was caught by an accidental blow to his throat. Following lengthy treatment, Cartagenas gritty full back was stretchered off, leaving his colleagues to play out the remainder of the half with only 10 men. Twas during this periond that Extremaduras other Argentine, Wicha, almost doubled his teams lead, when his firm header flew over the bar.
Half Time - Extremadura - 1 Cartagena - 0
A needless booking for Marco early in the 2nd half, would later prove costly. When Sivori played an inch perfect through ball to Sabino, with just the keeper to beat, it was as if the script had already been written. He had time to round his opponent. But oh no, not Sabino. The low in confidence striker chose to lob the goalie, and alas the crossbar!! News broke that play off rivals Portuense were leading 3-0 at half time, meaning that Cartagena now had to win. Midway through the half, Marco stupidly tripped an opponent right under the nose of referee Arevalo (whom I thought had an excellent game) and was incensed when he received his marching orders (2nd yellow card). Funnilly enough, the numerical dissadvantage had a possitive effect on Cartagena. It took a brilliant goal line clearance to deny Molist a goal, which his precise header deserved. More Cartagena pressure ensued, as first Carmona saw his long range rocket well saved, then another Molist header rattled the crossbar. Extremadura were getting rattled themselves, none moreso that manager Angel Alcazar, who was dismissed from the dugout for his comments to the ref. With only 3 mins of normal time remaining, a slight glimmer of hope came Cartagenas way. Following a goalmouth scramble, the ball ricocheted to a grateful Elias, who sidefooted the ball home with aplomb.
GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL
No sooner had I sent a text to Sky Blue Fred giving him the good news, than our hopes were once again dashed, only this time there was no coming back. Once again, it was the excellent Changui who caused the damage. His determined run at the Cartagena defence, caught them unawares, as he released Sub Ruiz with a defence splitting through ball. As Ruiz slammed the ball home, sending the home supporters in raptures of delight, Cartagenas season, that had once promised so much, was now well and truely over. Portuense, as expected, won 3-0, to seal the fate.
Attendance - 2,000
Forthcoming Fixture
Although it´s about as welcome as a hole in the head, there is one more game still to play. On Sat 26 May, ko 7pm, 8th place Ceuta visit Cartagonova Stadium for the final div 2b fixture of the season. This is a change to the original published date, because of election day on Sunday throughout Spain. Cartagena are guaranteed of a 5th place finish, but Ceuta still need a win to finish high enough for qualification into next seasons Copa Del Rey (Spanish FA Cup). Therefore, an entertaining and competitive game is in prospect. Please phone Steve on 656579423 for further information.
SATURDAY 26 MAY
KO 7PM
SPANISH DIV 2B
FC CARTAGENA
V
AD CEUTA
CARTAGONOVA STADIUM
Si la demanda continúa, se estudiaría la posibilidad de poner otro autobús más, así que es necesario seguir inscribiéndose en la lista del pabellón central y a través de patrocinadores poder conseguir un segundo autobús.
A los 41 minutos, cuando ya íbamos al descanso con el 0-0, aparece Mariano y de cabeza establece el 1-0 y se desató la alegría en el estadio, más aún cuando llegaban noticias de que el Melilla iba ganando 2-1 al Portuense.Así se llegaba al descanso, en el cual más de uno lo hemos pasado pegados a un transistor para oír los últimos minutos del Melilla-Portuense y antes de que los jugadores saltaran al campo acababa el partido en el Norte de Africa con lo que nos poníamos a 1 punto del Portuense si se producía la victoria.A los 6 minutos de la segunda parte Oscar Rodriguez engancha un trallazo hacia la portería visitante y pega en el travesaño, da en el suelo, la parcela local cantaba GOL, pero el árbitro no lo concedió y habrá que esperar a las repeticiones para ver si entró o no.
Sería dos minutos después cuando Teo lanza a portería y el esférico es desviado desafortunado por un defensa alcalaíno y se establece el 2-0 en el electrónico. La locura se desataba y más de uno ya respiraba tranquilo.En el minuto 66 sería Oscar Rico, esplendido en la tarde hoy, quien dejaría su puesto a Carmona, quien nos ha regalado alguna genialidad hoy.Cuatro minutos después sería Teo quien dejaría el terreno de juego para dar entrada a Sabino, quien tendría labor en el tercer gol.En el minuto 83 era el Alcalá quien de falta al borde del área le daba al palo e inquietó a más de uno.Un minuto después se escapa Carmona por banda y yéndose por el lateral de la portería impacta el balón en el lateral de la red. En el minuto 85, es Sivori quien abandona el campo para dar entrada a Marcos Guill. En el 89, el Cartagena se inventaria uan genialidad que deja el balón en en los pies de Sabino, quien pasa a Molist, para que éste a placer le ceda el balón a Carmona que bate al portero y coloca el 3-0. En el 91 seria el Alcalá quien marcaría el gol de la honra.
El partido acaba 3-1, nos quedamos a un punto del ¨Portu¨, a tres del Linares y la semana que viene nos espera el Extremadura, equipo con la "soga" al cuello del descenso directo.
Alcalá, Extremadura y Ceuta serán los tres match boll que tendrá Alcoy, eso sí, aún ganándolo todo toca esperar que Linares y Portuense fallen, porque Córdoba y Sevilla Atlético ya están muy lejos.
Nada más comenzar la segunda mitad, un jugador local se deja caer, literalmente, al lado de Cabrejo y el trencilla no dudo ni un segundo en pitar la pena máxima que suponía el 1-1 y metía en el partido al Águilas, dejando muy tocado al Efesé que no tardó en encajar el 2-1. Mucho tiempo por delante para intentar al menos el empate, Sabino fue derribado, luego se verá por tv, pero pareció dentro del área y fue pitada fuera, alguna ocasión más, pero el equipo moralmente está muy tocado, bastante. Los jugadores desquiciados y la afición con rabia e impotencia de ver como un señor de amarillo fosforescente se decantaba una y otra vez por el equipo local.
Algunas lágrimas tras el pitido final y con Efesé, efesé se abandonó el "Rubial", antes, algunos jugadores del Cartagena agradecieron la compañía de los fieles regalándoles sus camisetas. La clasificación está más que complicada, pero todo puede pasar, Córdoba y Sevilla quedan a 8 puntos, Linares a cinco y Portuense a cuatro. Tres jornadas para jugársela, pero no sólo en el campo, mi opinión y la de muchos aficionados que hoy hemos estado en el "Rubial", es de que también se la "juegue" en otros terrenos, o a caso alguien duda que otros no lo hacen?.
En la web oficial del FC Cartagena tenéis colgado el vídeo "enganche" para este encuentro. El horario para retirar las entradas es el siguiente:
* Viernes 4 de mayo: 10 a 14 y 17 a 20 horas.
* Sábado 5 de mayo: 10 a 13 horas.
Por otro lado, Efese_for_ever, que el año pasado estuvo en Aguilas, nos manda esta interesante instantánea para que todos los que vayan a viajar se hagan una idea de en qué posición del campo vamos a estar y de qué manera nos van a colocar. Asumamos que no es el mejor campo de Segunda B, pero será donde consigamos tres puntos clave. Animo.
En la comarca de Cartagena, por suerte o por desgracia, tenemos esta afición y como tal, a mí todos me merecen un respeto, desde los Komandos que no paran de animar hasta el Frente Aladroke que dá colorido a la grada, pasando por el resto de peñas y por el abuelete sin dientes de tribuna. No es más aficionado el que más anima ni eso eso le da derecho a creerse mejor que los demás. Hay gran cantidad de aficionados que no animan y sufren como el que más el ver la grada vacía y perder a su equipo de la forma que se perdió ante el Linares. Cada cual tendrá su "historia" y sus motivaciones. Muchos ex jugadores no acuden al estadio. Grandes aficionados a estos colores han dejado de ir.
La solución inicial podría pasar por un ascenso, antes hay que disputar 38 jornadas más las pertinentes eliminatorias y estar con el equipo, pero el problema va más allá, la afición ha perdido su "cantera" y eso no se soluciona de la noche al día. Es un problema generacional que no se soluciona tirándose los trastos los unos a los otros. Hay que hacer llegar el club al ciudadano de a pie y que la gente joven vuelva al estadio y se enganche de nuevo al Efesé. Ir a institutos, universidad, centros comerciales, fútbol base, todo vale para acabar con el cemento del Cartagonova. De momento nos queda Águilas y el equipo nos necesita. Dejemos a JIM, a Amaral y todo lo sucedido a lo largo de la temporada, las espadas están en alto y aún hay posibilidades, ahora más que nunca todos con el Efesé. Después ya habrá tiempo.