GREAT OPPORTUNITY MISSEDFC CARTAGENA - 1 RC CELTA VIGO - 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD
Playing against 10 men for almost 30 mins, Cartagena should have made numerical advantage count, but although they bombarded the Celta goal, they failed to add to a 1st half Victor penalty (now top scorer on 3).
Lowly Celta arrived with a single victory from the 7 div 2a games played this season, never really looking like adding to that statistic, against a euphoric Cartagena side, following last weeks win at Cadiz. Manager JIM elected to field an unchanged side, one which has so far preserved an impressive undefeated record. Based in the far north of Spain, they have of late played the majority of their football in the top flight, regularly featuring in Europe (instantly recognized wearing sky blue shirts), although the last 2 seasons have seen them struggle somewhat in div 2a. Having said that, they are without doubt the biggest side Cartagena have played competitively at home for a long long time.
Victor showed his intentions early on, when after having hit the crossbar, his fine solo run was unfairly halted, although the ref saw it differently (the first of many bizarre decisions by senor Loco Lopez!). When Lafuente had his feet taken from him inside the penalty area, it looked a certain penalty, but not only did the ref disagree, he also booked the pint sized wing man for his troubles. Clavero was the next to take a tumble in the penalty area, only this time a penalty was given. It was left to Victor to coolly sent the keeper the wrong way, easing the ball just inside the post for the opening goal on 28 mins. Considering he had not been called upon to make a testing save, Ruben performed heroics when he superbly saved a goal-bound effort from Celtas striker Aspas just before the half time interval.
An unbelievable goal levelled the scores only 4 mins into the 2nd half. From almost on the goal line, and just outside the penalty area, it looked almost impossible for Dani to score, but his looping cross come shot sailed over Ruben and into the net, much to the amazement of a shellshocked crowd. Shortly afterwards, Cartagena should have had another penalty when De Lucas appeared to have been fouled in the box, but alas Mr Magoo again thought otherwise! The 10 minutes or so belonged to Celta, when first Mallo brought off a great save from Ruben, then when the did get the ball into the net, the linesmans flag came to Cartagenas rescue. When Michu was dismissed for his 2nd yellow card, the home side stepped on the accelerator and went for the winner - big time. Midway through the half, Cygans magnificent header was brilliantly pushed behind for a corner, by my man of the match, Celtas brilliant keeper Falcon. Celta were prepared to stop JIMs men at any cost, resulting in them receiving a total of 8 yellow and 1 red card, whilst Lafuente, Cygan and Mariano also picked up cautions. With 10 mins remaining, a cross by sub Quintero was blasted over the bar by Toche. Inside 2 mins of stoppages, a spectacular overhead bicycle kick went just past the most, then 2 mins later, the same man headed just past the post, when he really should have scored.
Attendance 11,000
FC Cartagena line-up
Ruben, Cygan, Txiki, Clavero, Mariano, Toche, Longas, Lafuente (Tato), Victor, De Lucas (Hector), Pablo (Quintero
Forthcoming fixture
Apart from Real Murcia, Cartagenas next nearest team is Elche - where they are heading next. Elche have recently dispensed with their manager, and should be a tough nut to crack inside their impressive Martinez Valero Stadium. This div 2a match will take place on Sunday 25 October, ko 5pm. Check out www.gotocartago.com or www.futbolclubcartagena.com for further details.
Lowly Celta arrived with a single victory from the 7 div 2a games played this season, never really looking like adding to that statistic, against a euphoric Cartagena side, following last weeks win at Cadiz. Manager JIM elected to field an unchanged side, one which has so far preserved an impressive undefeated record. Based in the far north of Spain, they have of late played the majority of their football in the top flight, regularly featuring in Europe (instantly recognized wearing sky blue shirts), although the last 2 seasons have seen them struggle somewhat in div 2a. Having said that, they are without doubt the biggest side Cartagena have played competitively at home for a long long time.
Victor showed his intentions early on, when after having hit the crossbar, his fine solo run was unfairly halted, although the ref saw it differently (the first of many bizarre decisions by senor Loco Lopez!). When Lafuente had his feet taken from him inside the penalty area, it looked a certain penalty, but not only did the ref disagree, he also booked the pint sized wing man for his troubles. Clavero was the next to take a tumble in the penalty area, only this time a penalty was given. It was left to Victor to coolly sent the keeper the wrong way, easing the ball just inside the post for the opening goal on 28 mins. Considering he had not been called upon to make a testing save, Ruben performed heroics when he superbly saved a goal-bound effort from Celtas striker Aspas just before the half time interval.
An unbelievable goal levelled the scores only 4 mins into the 2nd half. From almost on the goal line, and just outside the penalty area, it looked almost impossible for Dani to score, but his looping cross come shot sailed over Ruben and into the net, much to the amazement of a shellshocked crowd. Shortly afterwards, Cartagena should have had another penalty when De Lucas appeared to have been fouled in the box, but alas Mr Magoo again thought otherwise! The 10 minutes or so belonged to Celta, when first Mallo brought off a great save from Ruben, then when the did get the ball into the net, the linesmans flag came to Cartagenas rescue. When Michu was dismissed for his 2nd yellow card, the home side stepped on the accelerator and went for the winner - big time. Midway through the half, Cygans magnificent header was brilliantly pushed behind for a corner, by my man of the match, Celtas brilliant keeper Falcon. Celta were prepared to stop JIMs men at any cost, resulting in them receiving a total of 8 yellow and 1 red card, whilst Lafuente, Cygan and Mariano also picked up cautions. With 10 mins remaining, a cross by sub Quintero was blasted over the bar by Toche. Inside 2 mins of stoppages, a spectacular overhead bicycle kick went just past the most, then 2 mins later, the same man headed just past the post, when he really should have scored.
Attendance 11,000
FC Cartagena line-up
Ruben, Cygan, Txiki, Clavero, Mariano, Toche, Longas, Lafuente (Tato), Victor, De Lucas (Hector), Pablo (Quintero
Forthcoming fixture
Apart from Real Murcia, Cartagenas next nearest team is Elche - where they are heading next. Elche have recently dispensed with their manager, and should be a tough nut to crack inside their impressive Martinez Valero Stadium. This div 2a match will take place on Sunday 25 October, ko 5pm. Check out www.gotocartago.com or www.futbolclubcartagena.com for further details.
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FC Cartagena. Peña "Goto Cartago" fundada en 2002