Comienza una nueva temporada. By Steve.

BRING ON THE NEW SEASON
BY STEVE HIBBERD

After a less than impressive pre-season run out, FC Cartagena must sharpen up, especially in the goal scoring department, if a serious challenge for the forthcoming play offs is to be mounted.
Although it can be unfair to form an opinion of new signings during pre-season matches, most of the headlines made from the 8 games played, have come from the established players. But let's not be too critical, for although goals have been sadly lacking, the defence have performed well, conceding only 4 goals during open play - an average of only a goal every other game.

FC Cartagena - 0 Elche - 1

Playing against a side one division above them, Cartagena acquitted themselves well, and on chances created, should easily have won this entertaining friendly match. Xavi Molist was guilty of having a 'mare' during this midweek match, when he should easily have scored a hat trick within the first 15 mins. But football is a cruel game, and if you don't take your chances, you will get punished. Elche's goal arrived on the stroke of 90 mins, scored by an unknown 16 year old named Alvaro. His speculative shot from outside the penalty area evaded Cartagena's defence, before finding it's way into the back of the net.

Las Palas - 1 FC Cartagena - 1

Last Sunday, Los Albinegros started the local derby against 3rd div Las Palas with 8 new signings in their line up. One familiar face was Koeman, who after performing well as a trialist for Cartagena, has returned for Las Palas. Having scored 12 in their first 2 friendlies (albeit against much weaker opposition), only a further 2 goals had been added in the next 5 matches up to start of play. Las Palas had the best of a poor 1st half, although Cartagena came closest to scoring when Toledo first hit the post, then headed the rebound wide, with the goal at his mercy. Favourites Sivori, Lafuente and Mariano Sanchez, all came on midway through the 2nd half. Las Palas scored first, in the 80th min, with a superb individual effort. From the halfway line, senor Anon Y Mouse was allowed to run unchallenged before planting a low drive, which although keeper Alejandro got a hand to, eventually trickled over the line. Two minutes later Cartagena were level, when Sivori took control of a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area, rounded 2 defenders, then coolly slotted it past a bemused goalie. New boy Curro looks to be a class act, and should prove to be a great acquisition.

FORTHCOMING FIXTURE

Next Sunday, 26 August ko 8.30pm, FC Cartagena embark on a new division 2b campaign. Real Jaen, who last season finished 7th, visit Cartagonova Stadium, as Los Albinegros will no doubt look to emulate last seasons 3-0 victory over them.
For further information on FC Cartagena, please phone Steve on 656579423.


SUNDAY 26 AUGUST

KO 8.30PM

NATIONAL LEAGUE DIV 2B

FC CARTAGENA

V

REAL JAEN

CARTAGONOVA STADIUM