Los corderos al matadero. By Steve.

LAMBS TO THE SLAUGHTER
FC CARTAGENA - 5 UD VILLA SANTA BRIGADA - 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Against a team that had only won 5 matches all season, Los Albinegros could, and should, have had a hatful. Newly crowned div 2b champions, Cartagena made light work of basement side VSB, who finished the game with only 10 men. Manager Paco Jemez decided on giving debuts to full back Lopez and goalkeeper Oscar, who came on as a 2nd half sub.
Played in glorious sunshine, with a carnival atmosphere, inside Cartagonova Stadium, Gran Canaria based side VSB were under the cosh from the very first minute. A delightful cross from the left wing was met by Tato, who placed the ball into the back of the net to put his side 1 up. VSB probably had their best period of the game shortly afterwards, when first Ardany, then Lomban just failed to find the target. But, back came the home side, and when Tato shot wide after 19 mins, it was a sign of what was to come. For on the half hour mark, Tato brought a loose ball under control, before slotting it under the keepers diving body for goal number 2. Leading up to half time, both Juan Pablo and Nano saw their long range efforts just ease the wrong side of the post.

Only 2 mins of the 2nd half had elapsed before it was 3-0. Ref Calero appeared to harshly award a penalty for handball against a grounded VSB defender, but Juan Pablo showed no mercy as he sent the keeper the wrong way. Cartagena now applied relentless pressure, especially when Mariano headed just over, then Juan Pablo hit the post, only for Nano to fire the rebound just wide. It was just a matter of time before it was 4-0. Juan Pablo was well placed to get the slightest of touches from Carmonas long range drive, deflecting it past a bemused keeper. On 71 mins, VSB did get a consolation goal courtesy of a 20 yard free kick by Leroy, which just beat castilla at his near post. Ten minutes later, all hell broke loose!! A clumsy trip on Carmona looked to be outside the box, but an eagle eyed linesman decided it was inside. On realising that the ref had awarded a penalty, 5 or 6 VSB players surrounded the linesman, only retreating after 3 of them had been booked. Nano sweetly dispatched the penalty to make it 5-1, before VSB captain, Angel (with a dirty face!!) said something to the ref and was given a straight red card. Down to 10 men VSB defended stoutly, especially keeper Ione who saved brilliantly from a Carmona (recently awarded player of the season), piledriver. As well as booking 5 VSB men, the ref also took the names of Nano, Samuel and Lopez.
Attendance - 5,200
FC Cartagena Line-up

Castilla (Oscar), Leo, Lopez, Armando, Eloy, Samuel, Juan Pablo, Tato (Carmona), Falcon (Mariano), Nano, Miki Roque

DETAILS OF THE PLAY OFFS

Because Cartagena are div 2b champions, it does not mean that they go up automatically. But, for the first time, the Spanish FA have made it easier for the group winners to qualify. So, along with the 3 other group champions (Cadiz, Real Union and Alcoyano), Cartagena enter the 1st stage of the play offs. Mondays draw paired Cartagena with Alcoyano, from the province of Alicante. The winner over the 2 legs are automatically promoted to div 2a, whilst the losers, then have another bite of the cherry. They then join the 2nd, 3rd and 4th place qualifiers from all 4 groups, in another draw. Of these 14 teams, a further 2 will be promoted. Confused? You will be!!

FORTHCOMING FIXTURES

On Sun 17 May (ko probably 6pm), Cartagena are at home (Cartagonova Stadium) against Alcoyano. Then on Sun 24 May, they visit El Collao Stadium, (again, probably a 6pm ko) to play the 2nd leg. Please phone Steve on 656 579 423, or visit www.gotocartago.com or www.futbolclubcartagena.com for further info on this, and other matters concerning FC Cartagena.