BRILLIANT CABALLERO EARNS A POINTGRANADA CF - 0 FC CARTAGENA - 0
BY STEVE HIBBERD
Stout defending sensured that Cartagena left Granadas Nuevos Carmenes Stadium with a hard earned league division 2b point.
Mr reliable, Jesus Caballero, once again came to his teams rescue, making vital saves on numerous occasions. Cartagenas giant goalkeeper showed extreme bravery to deny Granadas attackers a goal their inventive play so richly deserved. Manager Alcoy chose to recall fit again Mariano Sanchez at the expense of Curro in defence, whilst Carmona was preferred over Borrell up front.
FC CARTAGENA LINE-UP
CABALLERO, ORMAZABAL, CHARCOS, LUSARRETA, CABREJO, ORLANDO (CURRO 57), MARIANO, CARMONA (CHITO 66), SIVORI, LAFUENTE (JUVENAL 83), MOLIST
Anders Lafuente showed glimpses of his attacking flair, but generally the 1st half belonged to Granada, especially debutant Gorka Pintado, who was proving to be a real handfull. After the interval, Lafuente almost put Cartagena in front, when he fired in an absolute stinger which was well saved. But it was Caballero who must claim the credit, following a string of saves from Granadas front men. Controversy in the 90th min, when Granadas sub Pinto appeared to be felled by Caballero at high speed, but thankfully referee Lopez Puerta deemed that Cartagenas keeper had got a touch to the ball first. Granadas bench went ballistic at the decision, resulting in their manager being expelled from the dug-out. Bookings for Cartagenas Orlando, Mariano, Sivori and Curro, couldn´t dampen a superb gritty display of mainly defensive football, designed to snatch a useful away point.
Attendance - 6,000
FORTHCOMING FIXTURE
Up next for Cartagena is the first local derby of the season. Newly relegated Lorca Deportiva, visit Cartagonova Stadium, struggling to find form. Having lost 3 and won only 1 of their first 4 matches, Lorca are currently lurking in the relegation zone. Cartagena meanwhile, will hope to build on their 2 home victories which has helped them reach 7th in the table. This league division 2b fixture is on Sunday 23 September ko 7pm.
More information can be obtained by phoning Steve on 656579423.
SUNDAY 23 SEPTEMBER
KO 7PM
LEAGUE DIVISION 2B
FC CARTAGENA
v
LORCA DEPORTIVO
CARTAGONOVA STADIUM
