Otro resultado decepcionante. By Steve.

ANOTHER DISAPPOINTING RESULT
LUCENA CF - 0 FC CARTAGENA - 0
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Once again, Cartagena put on a below par performance, against a side who played with only 9 men for the last 40 mins.
For the 2nd match running, manager Pichi Lucas chose to leave out fans favourite Lafuente and the hard working Ormazabal from the squad. New midweek signing Benitez, went straight into the starting line-up, at the expense of top scorer Molist, who was relegated to the subs bench.
Back in September, Cartagena easily dispensed of a newly promoted Lucena side who looked out of their depth, but since then Lucena have risen to a respectable mid table position. Cartagena started brightly inside the 6,000 capacity Municiple Stadium. Orlando brought out a good save from Lucenas keeper early on, but gradually Lucena got more into the game, and had 2 clear cut goal scoring chances midway through the 1st half, following almighty bloomers from the clearly out of form goalie Caballero. Towards the end of the 1st half, Cartagena were well on top, Toledo being unlucky with 2 good attempts on goal.

The 2nd half started in spectacular fasion, when not 1 but 2 Lucena players saw red inside the first 5 mins. Firstly, Juanlu received his marching orders following a 2nd yellow, then team mate Nene Montero, joined him down the tunnel as a result of his prolonged abuse at the referee. Down to 9 men, Lucena dug in well, and could even have scored on the hour mark. It was becomming obvious that Cartagena needed to bring on fresh blood, if they were to break the deadlock. On 70 mins, Sivori replaced Benitez, then shortly afterwards Molist came on for Toledo, and Curro made way for Juvenal, as Pichi Lucas used up all his aces. The Juvenal-Sivori combination almost paid dividends, but a good looking effort flew just wide. Inside the 5 mins of added stoppage time, Juvenal appealed in vain for a penalty following his brilliant solo run, then Mariano went close with a good effort. There were bookings for Toledo, Cabrejo and Lusarreta, as Cartagena matched their opponents in the physical department, although both sides drew a blank as regards goals.
FC Cartagena Line up
Caballero, Leo, Orlando, Lusarreta, Cabrejo, Mariano, Curro, Rocha, Benitez, Toledo, Koeman
Attendance - 1,700
FORTHCOMING FIXTURE
On Sunday 2 February ko 5pm, Cartagena have a home fixture against 8th place Granada, who are currently 3 points and 2 places above their hosts.