Copa para los albinegros. By Steve.

SILVERWARE FOR LOS ALBINEGROS
BY STEVE HIBBERD

The coverted trofeo canal 7, an annual tournament for senior clubs from the province of Murcia, was won last Sunday by FC Cartagena.
This years competition, involving Lorca, Mazarron, Lorqui and Los Albinegros, spread over 2 days, was played initially at Mazarron on Weds 9 Aug, then at Cartagonova Stadium for the finals.

Mazarron - 0 Cartagena - 0 (Cartagena won on penalties)

A hugely disappointing match finished goalless after 90 mins, resulting in a penalty shoot out to decide a finalist. Three green ticks for Cartagena, as Sivori, Mariano and Borrell all converted their spot kicks, but the real hero was keeper Caballero, who pulled off vital saves to send his team into the final.

Cartagena - 0 Lorqui - 0 (Cartagena won on penalties)

Having overcome Lorca, Lorqui earned the right to meet hosts Cartagena in the final. Cartagena took control of the match, coming oh so close to scoring after 19 mins, when a sweet one two with Molist, culminated in Lafuente driving a shot against the post from over 30 yards. Midway through the half, Cartagena were reduced to 10 men when Charcos was given his marching orders. His over zealous challenge on the keeper was deemed worthy of a booking, then a red card quickly followed, as a somewhat incensed Charcos failed to keep his comments to himself. Stupidly, he then refused to leave the pitch, until being physically removed by a club official, which will probably cost him a lengthy ban. During the 2nd half, 2 opposing players clashed heads. Although the referee saw fit to allow the Lorqui player to be treated, his opponent was forced to stagger off the pitch (strange, to say the least!). On 70 mins, Lafuente once again hit the post. Not long after, Mariano was guilty of missing a sitter. With the game close to it's conclusion, Juvenal struck a tremendous free kick, which brought the best out of Lorquis keeper. Another strange incident occurred, when Los Albinegros full back Cabrejo, who had previously been substituted, once again entered the fray (a decision referee Graham Poll would have been proud of!! or did both teams agree for it to happen?). Neither team could beat the deadlock, resulting in penalties once again, much to the delight of 600 goal starved fans. A perfect 5 from Juvenal, Orlando, Mariano, Toledo and Sivori, meant that another great save by Caballero had won the cup for Los Albinegros.

Forthcoming Fixtures

Cartagenas final warm up match is on Sun 19 Aug, away at 3rd div side Relas Las Palas, before embarking on a new div 2b campaign the following week with a home fixture.
For further information on FC Cartagena, please contact Steve on 656579423.