Los canarios bailan al son del Cartagena. By Steve.

CANARIES SING OFF TUNE
FC CARTAGENA - 1 LAS PALMAS ATLETICO - 0
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Yet another comprehensive performance saw Cartagena claim another scalp on their way to the promised land (div 2a).
This time it was the men from Las Palmas, of the Canary Islands, who were the victims. Cartagena have not played a Las Palmas 'B' team since season 81-82, when they recorded a 2-0 victory. Fast forward some 26 years, when the 2 teams once again met in another div 2b fixture at Cartagonova Stadium. Following on from the excellent victory at Atletico Madrid, Fabri Gonzales somewhat surprisingly made 3 unenforced changes to the starting line up. Out went Charcos, keeper Castilla and goalscorer Mena, whilst Brazillian Addison, debutant goalie Ruben and Liverpool loanee Miki Roque, took their place. It took Juan Pablo only 12 mins to force a save from a jittery Las Palmas keeper, who spilled it out to Carmona, but his effort was wide of the mark. Five mins later, Juan Pablo again tested keeper Galan, only this time his shot was well saved at the foot of the near post. A teasing cross was firmly headed goalwards by Miki Roque, but alas it swerved the wrong side of the post. Manager Gonzales spoke out of turn once too often, receiving a caution from the ultra strict referee. Addison gasped in disbelief, as his rising shot just cleared the crossbar. Then on the stroke of half time, Cartagena were denied a penalty, despite firm appeals, when Juan Pablo appeared to be hauled down, well inside the area.
This really was a scrappy match, littered with numerous free kicks for inocuous fouls. Debutant keeper Ruben hadn't had a sniff of the ball, that's how one sided the game had been. So, it was no surprise when from a lofted free kick by Juan Pablo, Carmona bravely met the ball with a diving header, which gave Galan no chance. Carmonas 2nd goal of the season on 55 mins, was just reward for the home sides total dominance. Shortly afterwards, full back Txiki got into the act, blasting a long range effort just over the bar. Man of the match Juan Pablo was again unlucky when first his goalbound header was well saved, then another penalty appeal fell on deaf ears - a pull back, when through on goal. Substitute Tato almost scored for Cartagena, following a good advantage by ref Castillo, but his fine effort just missed the target. But, the final word went to Miki Roque deep into stoppage time, when from inside his own half, with the keeper well off his line, his audacious lob sailed just the wrong side of the post. Although the game was far from dirty, senor Castillo still chose to administer 8 bookings. Txiki, Mariano Sanchez, Juan Pablo and Eloy all had their names taken, as did another 4 from the opposition.
Attendance - 4,500
FC CARTAGENA LINE-UP
RUBEN, TXIKI, AGUILAR, MARIANO, CABREJO, CARMONA, ELOY (FALCON), ADDISON (MENA), JUAN PABLO, NANO (TATO), MIKI ROQUE

FORTHCOMING FIXTURE
The first local Murcian derby of the season has been chosen for the Spanish TV Channel 7 live match. Newly promoted Ciudad De Lorqui host FC Cartagena on Sunday 21 September, ko 5pm, in the 4th div 2b match of the season.