Duro y del norte. By Steve.

IT'S GRIM UP NORTH

SD HUESCA - 0 FC CARTAGENA - 0

BY STEVE HIBBERD

Deep within the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains (close to the French border), sits the town of Huesca, venue for Los Albinegros latest div 2a encounter. JIM and his team must be relieved that this fixture was no later in the year, for although Costa Blanca was basking in summer like temperatures, inside the small Alcoraz stadium, 4,000 hardy souls were wearing winter clothes. Unfortunately for them, there wasn't much action on the field of play to warm their cockles, for this match was about as exciting as watching Sky news coverage on the Chilean miners rescue ordeal.

From the games first corner on 13 mins, Casilla saved brilliantly a goal bound headed effort by home striker Roberto. Midway through the half, the dangerous Roberto narrowly missed the target from an acute angle, as Cartagena were being pegged back into their own half for long periods. Pablo Ruiz, recently having returned from injury, hobbled off to be replaced by Herrero, and it was the ex Zaragoza man who breathed a sigh of relief as his hand ball inside the area went unpunished just before half time.

The 2nd half kicked off minus centre back Cygan, victim of a previous almighty whack to the head. Los Albinegros started the new half brightly, almost taking the lead when Camacho was spared the indignation of an own goal, but his attempted clearance spun inches wide of the far post. On 56 mins Toche should have scored, but having latched on to a Keko assist, his close range shot lacked any real power to trouble home keeper Andres. Casilla, possibly having his best game for Cartagena, again came to his team mates rescue, pulling off a top drawer save from Luis Helguera on 66 mins. With some 15 mins still to play, a fierce Toni Moral drive was well held by Andres, leaving the booking of Herrero (Txiki had previously met the same fate) as the only other noteworthy incident, as this thoroughly disappointing match came to a close.

FC Cartagena line up

Casilla, Txiki, Ruiz (Herrero), Cygan (Munoz), Botelho, Mariano, Julien, Longas, Moral, Keko (Lafuente), Toche

Next week it's yet another Saturday div 2a match for Los Albinegros, who have now dropped to 14th place on 9 points. Make a note of 23rd October, ko 6pm, for the visit of newly promoted 7th place Alcorcon (last seasons giant killers over Real Madrid in the cup) to Cartagonova Stadium.

With immediate effect, a new FC Cartagena fans website is up and running. For all up to date news and reports, visit www.nosoloefese.es or www.futbolclubcartagena.com.