Los Albinegros se vuelven locos en La Manga. By Steve.

LOS ALBINEGROS GO MAD IN LA MANGA
BY STEVE HIBBERD

FC Cartagena made light work of beating local rivals Cartagena FC, totally destroying them 9-0, in the 1st pre-season friendly match which was played at the La Manga Club complex last Sunday.
Playing a combination of regulars, new signings and trialists, Los Albinegros made their intentions clear straight from the start, when after barely a minutes play, last seasons top score Xavi Molist converted a well placed cross from the right. In similar circumstances, predator Molist doubled his goal tally 6 minutes later, before a fierce 25 yard free kick by Carmona made it 3-0, with only 18 minutes gone. Sporting their new home kit, Fran Alcoys men were playing with oodles of confidence. The games only booking arrived when an ageing referee clamped down on numerous unnecessary fouls from behind on Captain Marvel, Sivori of Los Albinegros. On the half hour mark, Mariano Sanchez headed home goal number 4, then 10 mins later, Sivori rammed home the fifth. Now it was raining goals - and on a regular basis. Just before half time, Sivori helped himself to his 2nd, followed by a 1st for trialist Koeman. When the referee brought 1st half proceedings to a close, Los Albinegros new keeper Alejandro had barely had a save to make, whilst his opposite number (who incidentally wore the no 90 jersey - American football anyone?) performed heroics to keep the scoreline down to an emphatic 7-0.

As is the norm with friendlies, wholesale changes were made by both sides in the 2nd half. One such sub, trialist Jose Ruben, made it 8-0, showing plenty of promise to warrant a further run out next week. Although Carmona scored his 2nd and the teams 9th goal, opportunities to reach double figures were few, as stout defending by hard working opponents prevented further humiliation.
To anyone who attended the match, expecting an 8pm ko, I must offer an apology. With only a days notice, the ko time was brought forward to 6.30pm - but hey folks, this is Spain (tranquilo, no pasa nada!!).

COMINGS AND GOINGS

Takings the squad number up to 16, another 2 new players have signed on the dotted line. Frenchman Philippe Toledo, has joined from Elche. Striker Toledo from Avignon has done the rounds, plying his trade at Zaragoza 'B' (where he scored 18 goals), Levente 'B' and Elche. Adding to the cosmopolitan feel, Juvenal Edjogo Owono Montalban has arrived for Tenerife. Midfielder Juvenal has full International caps, gained whilst representing his homeland, Ecuatorial Guinea. Former clubs include Espanol, Levante, Santander, Castellon, Alaves, Huelva and Tenerife.
Alas, we must bid a fond farewell to 3 crowd favourites. Giant centre back Oscar Rodriguez has reluctantly joined Portuense, whilst midfielders Elias and Marco (instantly recognisable by their snazzy hairbands!) have joined Ponferridina.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURE

Newly promoted 3rd division side CD Thader of Rojales, host the next pre-season warm up. A change from the original scheduled opposition (Totana), Thader should provide a much sterner test for Los Albinegros. CD Thader v FC Cartagena is on Sunday 29 July, with an official ko time of 8pm. Further information on FC Cartagena is available by phoning Steve on 656579423.