La vida de Brian. By Steve.

LIFE OF BRIAN

FC CARTAGENA - 1 CORDOBA CF - 2

BY STEVE HIBBERD

As the annual Romans and Carthagians marching season reached its climax around the city of Cartagena, you could be excused for asking, "What have the Romans ever done for us"? Certainly not provided any thoroughly deserved div 2a points, that's for sure!!

Although there was no one by the name of Brian playing for either side, this match certainly had all the bizarre comical ingredients of a typical Monty Python comedy sketch. Take home side keeper Casilla, making his league debut, for example. His 14th min howler almost made him the joker in the pack - his blushes spared when an uncoordinated attempt at saving a harmless shot ricochet off his shoulder, before rolling past the post for a corner. Vasco referee Gorka Oscoz, well suited to the role of tyrant Emperor Caligula, took no prisoners as both red and yellow cards flowed freely. The 8,555 crowd were in a party mood, although what was to later unfold, slightly dampened their spirits. Cordoba had arrived with only a solitary point from their first 4 matches, but as with Numancia the week before, that was about to change. With the match developing into a scrappy affair, it was the men from Andalucia who took the lead on 18 mins. Abysmal defending from a corner, allowed the lumbering centre back Usero oceans of space, as he powered home a free header into the back of the net. Parity was quickly restored - Toche confidently heading home Keko's well placed cross 7 mins later. The home side were now in ascendancy, only denied a further goal when keeper Navas bravely saved from Toche's point blank drive. Controversy was never far away, but unfortunately it was Los Albinegros who were the innocent victims. With half time beckoning, Cala rose majestically to meet a free kick - his powerful header almost breaking the net. Celebrations were cut short, as the award of a free kick (presumably for pushing, although watching video replays over a coffee after the match, it appeared that the ref had got it wrong) ruled out what should have given the home side a deserved half time lead.

It took Cordoba only 7 mins to retake the lead - an almost carbon copy of the 1st goal. Yet again, Cartagena's defence seemed to go to sleep as a high floated corner found the head of Usero, who glanced it wide of the despairing dive of Casilla, and creep just inside the far post for his 2nd goal. Lafuente, recently on as sub, was so unlucky when his rasping 20 yard drive rattled the crossbar before bouncing to safety. Midway through the half, frustration got the better of Cala (still sore at having his goal disallowed) when he picked up his 2nd yellow card, leaving his team to battle on with only 10 men. Numerical disadvantage did not seem to phase Cartagena, only the woodwork again preventing an equaliser, this time sub Goiria being the unlucky marksman (I'm being kind - he should have buried it!!), then from the rebound, Lafuente blasted over the bar. In the 87th min, with the ball out of play, Cordoba defender De Cox was given his marching orders for his part in a skirmish which resulted in Toche holding his head whilst flat out on the ground. During the 5 mins stoppages (should have been at least 8), both Goiria then Lafuente headed over, as Cartagena failed to take opportunity of the many chances created.

FC CARTAGENA LINE-UP

Casilla, Herrero, Botelho, Toche, Longas, Julien (Txiki), Cala, Moral (Lafuente), Keko, Victor (Goiria), Exposito

FORTHCOMING FIXTURE

A visit to Tenerife on Sun 3 Oct, ko 6pm (5pm local time), now awaits the submarine boys. After 5 games played, Tenerife sit firmly at the bottom of div 2a having lost all 5, so now it's up Cartagena to make sure that this bad run continues (watch this space!!). Visit www.gotocartago.com or www.futbolclubcartagena.com for regular updates on FC Cartagena.