¡¡ Que resultado !!. By Steve.

WHAT A RESULT

FC CARTAGENA - 2 REAL BETIS BALOMPIE - 1

BY STEVE HIBBERD

Real Betis are giants of Spanish football, even though they are currently sleeping, and before start of play were 5 points clear at the top of div 2a, so for Cartagena to claim their scalp is a massive result. What was disappointing though, is that only 6,300 fans gathered inside Cartagonova Stadium to witness this incident packed match (well, at least the 2nd half was!). The main reason for such a poor turnout (normally, 10-12,000 would be expected), was the club deciding to charge season ticket holders 20 euros admission fee - not a popular decision! Nevertheless, those present pumped up the volume during a pulsating 2nd half, which from 1st half evidence had been highly unlikely.

Early exchanges were fairly even, with both keepers virtual spectators. On 24 mins, a delightful through ball found Toche, but his attempted lob over the Betis keeper was safely gathered. Mariano almost put the home side ahead midway through the half, his 25 yard screamer inching the wrong side of the upright. Apart from a couple of bookings, little else happened, as neither side looked like breaking the deadlock, and I somehow survived 45 mins of being wedged between 4 chain smokers (roll on the new year smoking ban - I also believe in father xmas and the tooth fairy!!).

Safely ensconced in my new smoke free seat (until a late arrival proceeded to light up his pipe - why me?), I observed a trademark Botelho solo run and shot well saved, inside the 1st min of the new half, as Cartagena came out of the blocks fastest. Not for long though, for at long last, Betis put together some good moves that their lofty positon would suggest. Casilla did well to intercept a cross, sticking out his foot to deflect the ball for a corner, thus denying a Betis striker a simple tap in. Betis took the lead on the hour mark - a pull back from the dead ball line was side footed home at close range by the unmarked Ruben-Castro. How the many green and white clad Betis fans celebrated, as they shamefully taunted the Cartagana faithful (he who laughs last ......). That was that for Betis, for it was the home side who proceeded to launch wave upon wave of attacks. Cala was unlucky, when on 72 mins, his powerful header smashed against the bar before bouncing to safety. A reckless challenge by Betis sub Benat, earned him a 2nd yellow card and a subsequent early bath, but more importantly Cartagena proceeded to take full advantage of the numbers game.

With only 5 mins of normal time remaining, Toche levelled the scores, when he rifled home a free kick from the edge of the penalty area. Top scorer Toche then made it 8 for the season, heading home a Keko centre, with 89 mins showing on the clock. In an off the ball incident, a somewhat upset Iriney laid out Botelho, leaving the ref with no option but to send him off, requiring Betis to play out the remaining few mins with only 9 men. Into stoppage time, Betis manager Pepe Mel was sent from the dugout, following his almighty rant at the ref. All in all, this was a fantastic result for Cartagena, which was thoroughly deserved.

FC Cartagena line-up
Casilla, Cygan, Clavero (Keko), Mariano, Botelho, Toche, Longas, Cala, Munoz (Lafuente), Victor, Exposito (Goiria)

Forthcoming Fixture

Next week, Cartagena have another div 2a match. Valladolid v Cartagena, takes place at the Jose Zorrilla stadium, on Sun 28 Nov, ko 5pm. Valladolid currently lie 6th in the table on 21 points, whilst Cartagena have moved up to 10th with 18 points. For further info on FC Cartagena, check out http://www.gotocartago.com/, http://www.nosoloefese.es/ or http://www.futbolclubcartagena.com/ .