El nuevo Cartagena impresiona. By Steve.

NEW LOOK CARTAGENA IMPRESS
BY STEVE HIBBERD

With only 6 players from last seasons squad electing to stay on at the club, manager Fabri Gonzalez has wasted no time in blending the old in with the new - with impressive results.
Following a weeks bonding session at La Manga Club, FC Cartagena beat Cartagena FC of the Preferente div, 2-0. New boys Txiki and Koeman (not to be confused with last seasons Koeman, who has left the club) scored the goals.
Next up, it was La Liga side Almeria at Cartagonova Stadium. On a superb pitch, both sides treated a goodly crowd to an entertaining match. The 200 or so Almeria fans gave their players a noisey reception, which they kept up all through the game. After a seasons break from the traditional black and white striped shirts, Cartagena have duly responded to fan power and returned to the Newcastle style strip (selling very few replica shirts, also a big baring on the decision!). Carmona was brought down of the edge of the penalty area on 30 mins. His well taken resultant free kick slammed against the crossbar, but the gangly new boy Juan Pablo, was on hand to head home the rebound into an empty net. New Cartagena keeper superbly tipped over a goalbound header on the stroke of half time.

Substitute Mena converted from a good cross on 57 mins, but unfortunately his effort was ruled out for offside. Almeria had brought their full 1st team squad, making 7 changes in the 2nd half. In an end to end game, both sides pressed hard, but the equalizing goal didn't arrive until the stroke of full time. Substitute Mena unfairly challenged an opponent inside the penalty area. Not only did referee Martinez point to the spot, he then proceeded to show the unfortunate Mana a red card (to add to the 4 yellow he issued in the 1st half) for his troubles. Negredo coolly converted the penalty, before the ref instantly blew for full time. On reflection, Cartagena can take plenty of possitive points from a hard fought friendly, against premier division opposition, with a 1-1 draw somewhat harsh.
FC Cartagena Line Up
CASTILLA, TXIKI, CHARCOS, AGUILAR, CABREJO, CARMONA, ELOY, MARIANO, VIYUELA, TOLEDO, JUAN PABLO
2nd Half Substitutes
MIKI ROQUE, LEO, JEREMY, GONZALO, HECTOR, NANO, MENA, MAZON
Forthcoming Friendly Matches
On Sun 10 Aug, ko 8pm, Cartagena are at home to div 2a local rivals Real Murcia. This is followed by a trip to div 2b side Orihuela at Campo Los Arcos on Weds 13 Aug. Then on Sat 16 Aug, ko 8pm, Alicante based div 2a side Hurcules visit Cartagonova Stadium, in what will be Cartagenas last home pre-season friendly.
Regular FC Cartagena updates are available on www.gotocarto.com or by phoning Steve on 656579423