Se rompe la imbatibilidad. By Steve.

UNBEATEN RUN IN TATTERS
ECIJA BALOMPIE - 2 FC CARTAGENA - 0
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Division 2b leaders Ecija, halted Cartagenas impressive unbeaten run, stretching back 7 matches, when they deservedly beat their out of salts opponents.
It was on 10 Feb at Lorca, when Cartagena last tasted the bitter pill of defeat. A similar success story is required for the remaining 6 matches (4 at home, 2 away), if an end of season play off slot is to be secured. This latest defeat, gave Ecija a well deserved double over Los Albinegros, and it is no coincidence that they now top the division by 5 points from 2nd place Linares. Although still in 6th place, Cartagena have lost ground on Ceuta in 4th position, trailing now by 6 points.
Once again, coach Pichi Lucas employed a brave (but in hindsight, naive!) attack minded formation, against an Ecija side which had failed to score in only 5 games this season. Ecija started the game the more urgent of the 2 sides, therefore it was no surprise when they opened the scoring on 24 mins. Ex Cartagena striker Pepe Diaz unleashed a tremendous shot past the diving Caballero, adding to his wonder goal scored back in November at Cartagonova Stadium. The small crowd of only 800, inside the San Pablo Stadium, were treated to another Ecija beauty on the hour mark. A crude Charcos foul (earning him yet another booking!), enabled wing man Hernandez the opportunity to fire home the resulting free kick past a blameless Caballero. Indeed, but for the many heroic saves by man of the match Caballero, Cartagena would have been on the end of a very embarrassing scoreline. Sivori, Alcantara and Orlando, joined Charcos in arbitro Cabreras notebook's cautions column, as did Roberto of Ecija. It was no disgrace to lose against a team who are surely destined for promotion, but failure to turn one sided home draws into victories, could ultimately rob Cartagena of an opportunity to join them.

FC Cartagena Line Up

CABALLERO, ORMAZABAL, CHARCOS, LUSARRETA (JUVENAL), ALCANTARA, ORLANDO, CURRO, CARMONA (ROCHA), SIVORI (TOLEDO), LAFUENTE, MOLIST
But the weekend wasn't all doom and gloom - oh no! Over in Wembley Stadium the previous day, Hampshires only premiership team earned the right to play in the FA Cup final. Honest Harold Redknapp (surely soon to be sir!) will proudly lead his Pompey team onto the pitch on 17 May, to the adoration of the fiercely loyal true blue fans. For further info on FC Cartagena matters, please phone Steve on 656579423.
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
For the next 2 Sundays, Cartagena have home division 2b fixtures at Cartagonova Stadium. UD Melilla are first up, on Sun 13 Apr ko 12pm (noon). Melilla, from the Spanish enclave in North Africa, currently lying in 8th position, gained a share of the points when the clubs last met in a 0-0 draw. ADMISSION FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN IS FREE OF CHARGE.

SUNDAY 13 APRIL
KO 12PM
LEAGUE DIVISION 2B
FC CARTAGENA
V
UD MELILLA
CARTAGONOVA STADIUM