Extremadura CF 2 - FC Cartagena 1. By Steve.

BYE BYE PLAY OFFS

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