Los albinegros continúan brillando. By Steve.

LOS ALBINEGROS CONTINUE TO SHINE
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Manager Fabri Gonzales recent acquisition, Falcon (signed from Granada 74), settled in well during the latest round of pre-season friendlies. With the new div 2b season now only 1 week away, the FC Cartagena team jigsaw is almost complete. Expect another 2 or 3 more new signings to be made, adding even further competition to an already well balanced squad. Confidence is sky high, following another 2 victories against good quality opposition.

ORIHUELA CF - 1 FC CARTAGENA - 2
Inside Los Arcos Stadium, div 2b outfit Orihuela ended the match with only 9 men, after 2 red cards were issued in the 2nd half.
It looked rosy for Orihuela after 27 mins, when they deservedly took the lead. In fact, it was only the brilliance of keeper Castilla, that prevented scorer Marcos trebling his tally before half time. When Pereira and then Benja left the stage, Cartagena made numerical advantage count. First, Toledo headed home the equalizer, then ex Sevilla goal machine Juan Pablo (let´s hope that he can continue to have an eye for goal in the league) notched the winner near the end. Ref Garcia, certainly had a busy night, for he also dismissed Orihuelas manager and his assistant for verbal abuse.
FC CARTAGENA - 1 HERCULES CF - 1 (4-2 AFTER PENALTIES)
Cartagena won their 2nd piece of silverware, winning the Ciudad de Cartagena trophy, following a thrilling victory over a strong div 2a Hercules side. Fit again Carmona, was unceremoniously bundled over in the penalty area on 27 mins. The resultant spot kick was well taken by Juan Pablo, giving him his 6th goal in pre-season matches. With just over 10 mins of the game remaining, Hercules center back Cesar levelled the scores, staying unchanged when ref Sanchez blew for full time. As with the previous weeks match against Real Murcia, Cartagena kept their nerves during the ensuing penalty shoot out. Nano, Juan Pablo, Eloy and Leo converted for the home side, whilst only 2 of Hercules takers found the target.
Attendance - 1,500
FORTHCOMING FIXTURES
Only 1 more friendly match remains, before the new div 2b campaign gets underway. On Sat 23 Aug, ko 8.30 pm, Cartagena are away at 3rd div Cieza. Then the following weekend, Cartagena open the new season against Leganes. The match at Cartagonova Stadium, will be on Sat 30 Aug, ko 9pm.
Regular FC Cartagena updates are available on www.futbolclubcartagena.com or www.gotocarto.com or by phoning Steve on 656579423.