Mágicos blanquinegros. By Steve.

BLACK AND WHITE MAGICIANS

FC CARTAGENA - 5 UD LAS PALMAS - 2

BY STEVE HIBBERD

In front of only 6,329 loyal fans, Los Albinegros put in probably their best performance of the season, totally destroying their opposition with calculated, yet entertaining football, along the way. Spanish football isn't renowned for high scoring matches, but for the 2nd time this season, Cartagena have scored 5 goals against good opposition, and without exaggerating, could easily have scored double figures. So often this season, they have flattered to deceive, but last Sunday they conjured up tricks which Paul Daniels would have been proud of. But it's goals that win matches, and all 7 on display were of the highest standard. 

Don't arrive late at Cartagonova stadium, for on consecutive home matches, a goal arrived within the 1st min of play. This time, it was the home side who went ahead after only 45 secs, courtesy of central defender Cala sweeping home a close range drive. Only 10 mins had elapsed before it was 2-0, Moral curling an exquisite shot inside the far post, following a well worked one- two with Victor. Goal no 3 arrived on 20 mins, and is without doubt the best goal I have ever seen live. Receiving a ball in the middle of the park some 45 yards from goal, in a split second he chipped the ball over a shell shocked keeper, who having strayed slightly off his line failed to deal with such brilliance, could only watch in horror as the ball dropped below the crossbar. As you would expect, the whole ground erupted. Within mins, Las Palmas almost equalised, had it not been for a well timed goal line clearance by Clarvero. This game was swiftly becoming one for the purists, for within next 10 mins, Botelho, Cala and Victor (twice) all came close to increasing their teams lead. Las Palmas exerted constant pressure for the remaining 15 mins of the half, and it was no surprise when Carril converted. With only 1 min remaining, Casilla parried a free kick, which fell invitingly at the feet of the alert striker, who made no mistake from the rebound. 

You could have heard a pin drop after 57 mins, when Guerrero connected at the far post from a superb cross, to score his sides 2nd goal, for it looked as if all Cartagena's hard work would come to nothing. Normal service was soon resumed, following manager JIM's inspired tactical nonce, bringing on subs Lafuente and Munoz. These 2 combined well to score their sides all important 4th goal, when from a firm Munoz shot, Lafuente coolly dispatched the rebound on 62 mins. The game was made safe on 66 mins, as top scorer Toche slotted home an Botelho assist, taking his seasons total to 9. Toche should have made it 10 with only seconds to go, but his well struck shot hit the base of the far post, before bouncing to safety. Although not a physical match by any stretch of the imagination, ref Grande cautioned 10 players (5 a side), including Botelho and Mariano, who will now be suspended for the next match. This excellent victory moves Cartagena up to 4th in div 2a, with a satisfactory points tally of 28.

FC Cartagena line-up

Casilla, Cygan, Clavero, Mariano, Herrero, Botelho, Toche, Longas (Munoz), Cala, Moral (Lafuente), Victor (Julien)

Forthcoming Fixture

At the time of writing, Cartagena's next league game at Girona has yet to be allocated a date or time, although it will probably be sometime on Sun 3 Jan. Check out www.nosoloefese.es, www.gotocartago.com or www.futbolclubcartagena.com for up to date info on FC Cartagena.

On behalf of all Cartagena supporters, I would like to wish everyone a very merry xmas and a happy new year.