Los albinegros dan un gran paso. By Steve.

LOS ALBINEGROS BOUNCE BACK
AGUILAS CF 0 FC CARTAGENA 2
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Things are looking rosey for FC Cartagena. Two excellent wins in a week jetisoned them into top spot in div 2b, some 3 points clear of Leganes, more than making amends for last weeks temporary blip.
On Weds 1 Apr, they travelled to Canary Islands to play the rearranged match against basement side Pajara Playa. Goals by Viyuela (49th min) and Aguilar (74th min) were enough to give Los Albinegros a 2 goal victory, which pushed up to joint top spot.
Then on Sun 5 Apr, El Rubial Stadium hosted the last Murcian derby of the season for Cartagena, when they met fierce rivals Aguilas. Having already beaten Aguilas, Cartagena were hopeful of completing a double over a side which included 2 old boys (Sivori and Chito).
To say that the 1st half was dire would be an understatement. If it wasn´t for the referee booking 6 players, my pen would have only been used once. But when it was, it was to record Cartagenas 1st goal, scored after 26 mins. Addison put in a teasing low centre from the right, which eluded everyone except Viyuela who was lurking at the far post. His accurate first time shot gave the keeper no chance, in what was in all honesty the only time either keeper were tested during 45 mins of sheer boredom!!

As so often happens in Cartagena matches, the 2nd half was like chalk and cheese from the 1st. Straight from the ko, a well work move saw Carmonas fiercely struck shot well saved. Aguilas 1st real effort of the match arrived 3 mins later when Rafito, through on goal and with only keeper Ruben to beat, blasted way over the bar (even Harry Rednapps granny could have done better!!). When Aguilas brought on sub Casonova, it should have been a signal to make love not war (man!!), but no, Cartagena old boy Sivori saw fit to lead with his elbow during an aerial challenge with Hector, after an hour gone. As the ref produced his red card, it was a case of, ´adios Sivori´, as cries of ´tonto, tonto, tonto´, were heard amongst Cartagenas small, but vocal, following. Not surprisingly, the game turned nasty, but Cartagena did not rise to the bait. Following a long range shot by Cabrejo, which was well saved, the Aguilas manager was sent from the dugout, having verbally abused the match officials. With 5 mins remaining, Ruben pulled off a great save to deny Aguilas an equalizer. Just when it looked like Cartagena would pull off a narrow 1 goal victory, sub Mena let rip from just outside the penalty area on 93 mins, to score his 5th goal of the season, and make the game well and truely safe. Another 4 players were booked in the 2nd half, including Casanova - Cartagenas bad boys being Tato, Addison and Ruben.
Cartagena line up
Ruben, Leo, Aguilar, Armando, Cabrejo, Viyuela, Hector (Nano), Mariano, Carmona, Tato (Falcon), Addison (Mena)

Forthcoming Fixture
Next up for Cartagena is a home div 2b fixture against Madrid based Alcorcon. This match will be played at Cartagonova Stadium on Sun 12 Apr, ko 6pm. For information on this, and other Cartagena updates, please visit www.gotocartago.com or www.futbolclubcartagena.com or phone Steve on 656579423.