El Cartagena derrotado y sonrrojado. By Steve.

CARTAGENA WELL AND TRUELY TANGOED
FC CARTAGENA - 2 TALAVERA CF - 3
BY STEVE HIBBERD
Against a side that had previously won only once away all season, Cartagena dominated this match, yet contrived to once again rue the numerous good chances that were squandered.
This defeat gave 2nd to bottom Talavera (playing in an all bright orange kit) a double over promotion chasing Cartagena. President Gomez has threatened not to pay his players until they next win a game - could be a long wait! When Talaveras 1st goal arrived on 37 mins, it was their first shot on target. Prior to that, both Molist and new boy Koeman had spawned 1 on 1 opportunities, although Koeman was very unlucky with his effort that hit the post and rebounded into the hands of grateful keeper. It took less than 2 mins for Cartagena to equalise. A lovely inswinging corner was met perfectly by Charcos who powered his header into the back of the net. Cartagena came closest to adding to their 1st half tally, when Leo headed just over the bar.
New half, same story. Cartagna threatened the Talavera goal, but could not find a way through. Talavera meanwhile, scored their 2nd with only their 2nd shot on target. Once again, Cartagena hit back within a few minutes. Another corner produced dividends, when a deftly placed back header by Koemans crept into the goal. Try as they may, Los Albinegros could not add to their score, but Talavera could. An almighty scramble in Cartagenas goal area, resulted in an appeal that the ball had crossed the line. An eagle eyed linesman signalled that it had, meaning that the home side had once again fallen behind. Only this time there was no way back. The closest that they came was when substitute Juvenal struck the post deep into stoppage time. Crestfallen home players left the field to a sea of white hankies, which have once again reared their ugly head.

There were bookings galore. Although not a dirty match by any stretch of the imagination, referee Rodriguiz chose to book 10 players. Charcos, Mariano (his 10th of the season!) and Juvenal, were Cartagenas bad boys, whilst a total of 7 Talvera men found their way into the refs little black book.
Contrary to Spanish news reports, new boy Rocha is no defender, for he was employed as an attacking winger in preference to the fans favourite Lafuente. Pichi Lucas has this week made his 3rd new signing. Benitez has joined from div 2a side Hercules, but what is surprising is that he is another winger, making him the 5th wide man at the club.
Cartagena line up
CABALLERO, LEO, CHARCOS, CURRO, ORLANDO (JUVENAL), MARIANO, CABREJO, CARMONA, MOLIST (TOLEDO), KOEMAN, ROCHA (SIVORI)
Attendance - 1,500
Forthcoming Fixture
Next Sunday 27 Jan, ko midday, Cartagena travel to Lucena for another div 2b fixture.