Hat trick de Koeman para cerrar la liga. By Steve.

KOEMAN HAT TRICK SIGNS OFF SEASON
FC CARTAGENA - 3 ALGECIRAS CF - 0
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Although Cartagena started the season off with a home win against Jaen, and finished in style against basement side Algeciras, it was the bit in the middle that was the problem!
This well earned last day victory, cemented an 8th position finish in div 2b, which alas falls short of qualification for next seasons Copa del Rey.
Chairman Paco Gomez had publicly berated the Cartagena side on radio and in the local newspapers last week. Rumour has it that along with manager Pichi Lucas, the majority of this seasons squad will not be wearing the black and white of Cartagena next season. Paco Gomez is quoted as saying that the players were not good enough, and that is the reason why they did not want promotion (the man is such a diplomat!!). The seasons worst crowd of barely 400, were treated to a goal after only 8 mins. Lafuente threaded a fine pass to Koeman who finished in style. On 13 mins, Lafuente blasted the ball over the bar, but 9 mins later Cartagena doubled their lead. Carmona squared the ball to Koeman, who from the edge of the penalty area blasted the ball home. Just before half time Koeman brought of a fine save from the Algeciras keeper. The 2nd half was also one way traffic. Toledo missed a sitter, and then Koeman shot wide of the post. Finally, on 82 mins, Koeman completed his hat trick, much to the dismay of the opposing manager (ex Cartagena coach Montes - aka 'THE WALRUS').

The other 3 Murcian based sides in div 2b didn't fare much better, although 6th place Aguilas do have the consolation of qualifying for the Spanish FA Cup. Lorca, who only last season were playing in div 2a, finished in a poor 11th, whilst Mazarron ended up in 17th slot, thus making a quick return to the 3rd div after only one season (no comment!!). Ecija, who have led for a large part of the season, were runaway leaders, ahead of Linares, Ceuta and Merida (all of who now compete in the play offs). Many thanks to Sky Blue Fred and Mark Billings for supplying me with match notes.
Cartagena line up
Alejandro, Leo, Lusarreta (Alcantara), Maureta, Cabrejo, Curro, Carmona, Sivori (Toledo), Koeman, Lafuente, Rocha,
THE CUP COMES SOUTH
Just before Cartagena were about to kick off, another naval city were lifting the FA Cup for the first time in 69 years. Harry Rednapps blue and white army made the city of Portsmouth a proud city. Hampshires only premiership side completed a magnificent cup run, having only conceded ONE goal throughout the tournament (including a nail biting victory at Old Trafford). Congratulations Pompey for ending many years of hurt, both in cup and League (an 8th place finish was also well deserved). If a football correspondent in a Costa Calida British newspaper had his way, the FA cup would have the so called big 4 automatically reaching the semi finals - there again what does he know?