Benítez al rescate. By Steve.

BENITEZ TO THE RESCUE
FC CARTAGENA - 1 GRANADA CF - 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD

A well worked goal by recent signing Benitez, rescued a deserved point for Cartagena, against a hard working Granada side.
Granada took the lead after only 18 mins when full back Suarez rose majestically to head home from an inswinging corner. It was no more than the visitors deserved, as twice before their goal, keeper Caballero had twice come to his teams rescue. Neither side looked like scoring for the remainder of the half, resulting in the players leaving the field to a somewhat disgruntled set of home fans (some waving white objects), although the Granada fans behind the scoreboard end were in fine voice accompanying their band.

Cartagena started the 2nd half with far more urgency, equalising on 3 mins inside the half. A beautiful crossfield pass by Mariano found Cabrejo on the left wing, who crossed into the goal area for Benitez to sidefoot the ball home for his 1st goal for his new club on his home debut. Referee Piquerez was having a fine game, having complete control as well as playing good advantage. The game was now very evenly poised, even when Granada were reduced to 10 following the dismissal of Salva for his 2 yellow card offences. Cartagena could not make the extra man advantage count, indeed it was Granada who almost snatched a dramatic late stoppage time winner when Caballero pulled off a top drawer save to deny them. In addition to the sending off, the referee also cautioned Cartagenas Leo, Lusarreta, Rocha, Benitez, Koeman and Orlando, plus 2 from Granada. A mass of white hankies etc greeted Cartagena players at the final whistle, as the home faithfull are becomming more and more disguntled at the very poor performances on view.
Attendance - 2,000
CARTAGENA TEAM
CABALLERO, LEO, ORLANDO, LUSARRETA, CABREJO, CURRO (JUVENAL), MARIANO, ROCHA (LAFUENTE), KOEMAN, BENITEZ, MOLIST (SIVORI)

Forthcoming Fixture
On Sun 10 Feb ko 12 oclock midday, Cartagena visit local Murcian rivals Lorca for another div 2b match. Lorca are currently in 13th place, only 3 points behind their opponents.