Arranca un Cartagena con clase. By Steve.

CLASSY CARTAGENA WIN OPENING MATCH
FC CARTAGENA - 3 CD LEGANES - 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Following a highly successful pre-season, expectations are high inside Football Club Cartagena. Although much of the 1st half was no more than a luke warm performance, the 2nd half was sometimes at boiling point. Facing unknown opposition in a fresh group 2, division 2b campaign, initially appeared to be a financial disaster, but the old saying, 'a change is as good as a rest', might just prove to be beneficial to the clubs promotion aspirations. Manager Fabri Gonzales, previously at the helm of no less than 20 Spanish league clubs, took charge of this first competitive match for Los Albinegros (Cartagena). His decision to conduct a purge within the playing side of the club, resulting in the departure of long serving stalwarts such as Sivori, Orlando, Molist, Lafuente and Caballero, could have completely disrupted moral. The opposite appears more in evidence. Of the 6 remaining, 4 were in the starting line up for the new seasons opening fixture against Leganes. Mariano, Cabrejo, Carmona and Charcos, provide stability to a thoroughly talented and hard working bunch of lads that Fabri has so patiently put together. Amongst the 5 subs, were the 3 players to have joined the club recently. Goalkeeper Ruben has been recruited from Barcelona, midfielder Falcon moved from Granada 74, and Brazillian striker Addison joins from Hercules. This now completes the 22 man squad for the season. Madrid based Leganes started tentatively, content to sit back and wait for an opening. In fact, it wasn't until the 23rd min, when Juan Pablo brought off a good save from Leganes keeper, that the game showed signs of any real urgency. Minutes later, a succinct 20 yd drive by Mena thumped against a post, only for an off balance Carmona to hammer the rebound way over the top. Man of the match Carmona, soon made amends on 33 mins, when he expertly curled a free kick from outside the box, just inside the near post, giving Cartagena a well deserved lead. Ex Majorca midfielder Carmona specializes in goals of the outlandish kind, which once again, was a joy to watch (eat yer heart out Beckham!).

Season 91-92 was the last time these 2 sides met, since when Leganes have spent 11 seasons competing in div 2a. So, it was no surprise that a team with such an impressive pedigree found the wherewithall to level the scores. Cartagena started the 2nd half in confident mood. Early on, Juan Pablo watched as his goalbound header was chested off the line. Then it became 'a tale of 2 assistant referees'. Appearing to have beaten the offside trap, Cartagena were harshly judged offside by Senor David Sevilla. Straight from the free kick, a long ball found Leganas front man Quini, seemingly way offside, who in turn found the back of the net. Unfortunately, pretty blonde Marisa Villa adjudged the goal should stand (should've gone to Specsavers guapa). Pandamonia reigned for a short while afterwards, as tempers flared, requiring referee Carlos Lopez to bring out his yellow card. The injustice of it all seemed to spur Cartagena on to even greater endeavours. Nano should have done better when through on goal, but shot straight at the on rushing keeper. But, you can't keep a good side down. An inch perfect cross by Carmona found the head of super striker Juan Pablo - say no more! As the net bulged on 67 mins, justice was seen to have been done. With 10 mins remaining, Carmona looked to have scored his 2nd, only for the long range drive to rattle against the crossbar. Hearts were in mouths, when an impressive Leganes effort just eased over the crossbar. Just when you thought a narrow 2-1 victory was sufficient, the best was still to come. Substitute Addison showed a glimpse of Brazillian magic, when he set off on an audacious solo run, finished in nonchalent style, culminating in a sideways somersault. As the crowd lept to their feet, cries of the Los Albinegros anthem, 'EFESE, EFESE, EFESE', drifted into the late evening, saluting a job not only well done, but with style and panache.
FC Cartagena lineup
CASTILLA, TXIKI, RAUL AGUILAR, MARIANO SANCHEZ (ROQUE), CABREJO, CARMONA, ELOY, CHARCOS, JUAN PABLO (ADDISON), MENA (FALCON), NANO
Attendance - 2,800
Forthcoming Fixture
On Sunday 7 September, Cartagena play another side from the capital, Madrid. This time it is an away fixture against Atletico Madrid 'B'. The game has a midday (1200) start, which appears the norm for La Liga 'B' sides playing in div 2b.
Regular FC Cartagena updates are available on www.futbolclubcartagena.com or www.gotocartago.com or by phoning Steve on 656579423.