Victoria en la costa del sol. By Steve.

VICTORY ON THE COSTA DEL SOL
UD MARBELLA - 0 FC CARTAGENA - 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD

On a wet windswept Sunday afternoon, Los Albinegros ground out a hard fought result at Marbellas Municiple Stadium.
Last October, Marbella became the first side this season to win at the Cartagonova Stadium. At the time, they were very much rooted to the bottom of div 2b, and although they have since recorded some good results, they are still entrenched in the relegation zone. In front of less than 500 fans, Cartagena started the game as if they meant business. Toledo came close to scoring in the 14th minute, but 10 minutes later Cartagena had an even better opportunity, but Benitiz failed to convert his spot kick. Only 3 minutes had elapsed before Los Albinegros were awarded another penalty, only this time it was fruitful. From an inswinging corner, a Marbella defender was judged to have handled the ball inside the penalty area, resulting in Captain Orlando dispatching the spot kick with aplomb (his 1st goal of the season). A Marbella player, Ibon Diez, used strong language to the referee on their way back to the centre circle, inevitably staring at a red card for his troubles.

Making his first start for some months, Sivori blotted his copybook in the 55th minute, when he was shown a straight red card for a bad foul. With both sides now down to 10 men, it was Marbella who took the initiative, launching wave after wave of attacks on goal. In the 89th minute, Lusarreta was booked for fouling an opponent inside the penalty area (he now joins Sivori in missing the next match). Fortunately, the resultant penalty was expertly saved by Caballero, who was then mobbed by his relieved team mates.
At long last, Cartagena are starting to play with some passion. Although the back to back wins were against poor basement sides, no game is ever going to be easy, as these teams will battle all the way. Charcos and Carmona also received yellow cards, as did a further 2 Marbella players.
FC Cartagena line up
CABALLERO, ORMAZABAL, LUSARRETA, CHARCOS, CABREJO, LAFUENTE, ORLANDO, CURRO (JUVENAL), BENITEZ (CARMONA), SIVORI, TOLEDO (MOLIST)
Forthcoming Fixture
On Sunday 2 March, ko 12pm noon, Cartagena have a home div 2b fixture against Portuense at Cartagonova Stadium. Cartagena have now moved up to 8th place, and will be looking for a much needed home win against struggling Portuense, in order to kick start their stuttering play off ambitions.

SUNDAY 2 MARCH
KO 12 PM
FC CARTAGENA
V
RACING CLUB PORTUENSE
CARTAGONOVA STADIUM