Costoso empate. By Steve.

POOR FINISHING PROVES COSTLY

FC CARTAGENA - 2 GIMNASTIC TARRAGONA - 2

BY STEVE HIBBERD

Although Cartagena controlled this match for long periods from start to finish, creating numerous chances along the way, it took a wonder goal deep into stoppage time by substitute Munoz to earn a share of the spoils. For the 4th consecutive week, Los Albinegros should have beaten a side from the lower reaches of div 2a, but poor finishing has denied them a win that their endeavour so richly deserved. The old adage, 'GOALS WIN MATCHES', should be prominently etched inside the home dressing room by manager JIM, who already this season is looking decidedly more baldy than previously, as he continues to tear his hair out at his players inability to finish off the numerous golden opportunities created. With bad boys Mariano and Herrero missing through suspension, Cygan made a welcome return along with Cala to shore up the defence.

Leading scorer Toche stumbled at the vital moment, fluffing his close range shot which was comfortably saved by visiting keeper Ruben after only 4 mins. Constant early pressure paid off, when a well taken in swinging corner was met by the head of Botelho, resulting in a deserved goal after 7 mins. Midway through the half, Longas floated a teasing cross towards the head of Toche, but Ruben was alert to the danger and confidently punched the ball to safety. Moments later, Ruben again came to his teams rescue when he bravely dived at the feet of Toche who was through on goal. One way traffic continued, this time Lafuente providing the assist, only for a surprisingly sluggish Toche just failing to connect, with an open goal at his mercy. Just before the interval, a dangerous Gimnastic move was cut short by a linesman's flag for offside.

Ex Atletico Madrid man Keko was becoming a real thorn in the side of Gimnastic. Early into the half, a mesmerising run resulted in him firing high over the bar. Previously a virtual spectator, Casilla produced a fine reflex save from a rare Gimnastic foray. Toche was inches wide of opening his account, before the visitors shocked the crowd with an equaliser on 57 mins. A long range free kick that was pumped high into a packed penalty area, fell invitingly to unmarked Rodri, who gratefully powered home his header into the back of the net. Back came Cartagena, Botelho laying on a peach of a ball to Toche, only for the normally deadly striker to miss the target from 5 yards. Shortly afterwards Moral saw his long range effort inch wide of the post, before disaster struck after 75 mins! Gimnastic substitute Berry-Powel clearly fouled Botelho in his quest to win the ball, but unbelievably ref Juan Munera allowed play to continue. Berry-Powel took the ball in his stride, before unleashing a curling shot which beat Casilla before creeping just inside the far post to give the visitors a totally undeserved goal. No question about it, the ref was well placed and should have awarded a free kick for a foul on Botelho, and having spoken to fellow Cartagena fan, flu victim Fred Veasey, this was clearly evident on channel 7RM tv video evidence (don't ever complain to me about English referees!!). This injustice goaded Cartagena fans and players into revenge - in terms of an equalising goal. Toche again shot wide from close range, before a scare at the other end saw Cruz do the same. With 5 mins of stoppage time having been indicated by the 4th official, it appeared that another home defeat was inevitable - wrong!! In the previous 6 games, substitute Munoz had featured for only 22 mins, but it took only another 13 mins of this match for him to become an overnight hero. Receiving the ball from a defencive clearance some 30 yards from goal, he produced an venomous, yet accurate, shot that sped past a shell shocked keeper into the back of the net. What a goal, with justice being seen to be done.

FC Cartagena line-up

Casilla, Txiki, Cygan, Cala, Botelho, Julien (Munoz), Longas, Keko (Goiria), Lafuente (Victor), Moral, Toche

Next week it's a long journey to the north of Spain for the submarine men. On Sat 16 Oct ko 6pm, lowly Huesca host Cartagena in their tiny El Alcoraz stadium. This match is being shown on Murcian digital channel 7RM. For further info on Cartagena, visit www.gotocartago.com or www.futbolclubcartagena.com.