Magnífico juego. By Steve.

THE BEAUTIFUL GAME

FC CARTAGENA - 5 FC BARCELONA 'B' - 1

BY STEVE HIBBERD

This top of the table div 2a match was very much one for the purists. Six goals, end to end action, skillful interchange by both sides and sensible application of the laws by excellent match officials (the games ONLY booking arrived on the hour mark), were some of the many reasons to be cheerful at Cartagonova Stadium last Saturday. Watched by a goodly crowd of 9,100 expectant fans, Cartagena recorded their first home win of the season, following 2 disappointing defeats inside a week.The home side went close to scoring after only 2 mins, a last ditch tackle prevented Toche finishing off a well worked move. Four mins later, a teasing cross by Keko just eluded Toche's outstretched leg underneath the crossbar. On 18 mins, Moral challenged Barca keeper Olazabal (unfairly in my opinion), leaving debutant centre back Cala the simple task of side footing the ball into an empty net. At the other end, Rebollo saved well from a powerful drive by Muniesa. Back came Cartagena, Moral being denied a certain goal by another superb defensive tackle. Probably the goal of the match arrived on 27 mins, courtesy of a Toche special, converting a brilliant individual effort by the outstanding Arsenal loanee Botelho. Straight from kick off, Barca should have reduced the arrears, but Sergi was guilty of chipping wide of an open goal. Rebollo again came to the home sides rescue on 39 mins, when he acrobatically tipped a goal bound effort onto the post and behind. From the resultant corner, Montoya headed inches past the post.

Different half, same story, only this time Cartagena scored with their first attack. This time it was Toche who was provider, his accurate cross driven firmly through a sea of legs by the impressive Moral. Ex Cartagena legend Carmona (his stoppage time winner 2 seasons ago at Alcoyano, secured promotion to div 2a), was having an off day, and along with another old boy Armando, was substituted midway through the 2nd half, as Barca desperately searched for new ideas. But it was Cartagena who scored the games next goal, Moral converting a fine assist by Keko on 65 mins. Barca got their consolation goal with 6 mins of the game remaining - a low cross by Nolito slotted home by Riverola. Man of the match Botelho provided sub Victor with goal no 5, inside the 4th min of stoppage time, rounding off a superb display by Cartagena over a youthful Barca side who had previously won their opening 2 league matches.

FC Cartagena Line up

Rebollo, Txiki, Mariano (Julien), Botelho, Toche, Longas, Lafuente, Cala, Moral (Munoz), Keko (Victor), Pablo

Next up for Cartagena, is an away trip to Numancia on Sat 18 Sep. This div 2a fixture has a ko time of 6pm. For further info on FC Cartagena, visit www.gotocartago.com or www.futbolclubcartagena.com .