Tres puntos bajo la lluvia. By Steve.

WINNING IN THE RAIN

FC CARTAGENA - 2 SD HUESCA - 0

BY STEVE HIBBERD

Spare a thought for the thousands of umbrella wielding Cartagena fans who got a good old soaking, as torrential rain lashed down on a predominately uncovered Cartagonova Stadium. But there's no better tonic in such adverse conditions than seeing your favourite team serve up victorious entertaining football, which in itself is enough to warm up the cockles of ones heart. For the visit of mid table Huesca, manager JIM elected to give Brazilian Schmoller his first start in place of suspended Mariano, with Victor taking over the role of captain. Los Albinegros came out wearing t shirts inscribed with 'Animo Miki', as a dedication to ex player Miki Roque who has been diagnosed with cancer, forcing him to give up playing for his current club Real Betis, before changing into an unfamiliar all black kit. A Toche goal on 13 mins was the only highlight of the first half, although Huesca (wearing a rather fetching large red cross on white shirts - makes one feel quite patriotic!) did show enough attacking play to suggest a rough ride for the hosts come the 2nd half.

Toche should have grabbed himself a hat trick, but poor finishing from one on ones with the oppositions keeper, resulted in his seasons tally staying at 13. Keeper Casilla came to his sides rescue on numerous occasions, as the men from northern Spain attacked at will, but counter attacks provided real excitement for the sodden crowd. Late substitute Goiria missed glorious goal scoring opportunities, before man of the match Botelho chose to go it alone deep into stoppage time. Receiving a pass from Victor out on the left wing, the Arsenal loanee went on one of his trade mark solo runs, before slotting the ball past Huescas keeper at the near post, for a brilliant 2nd goal for the men in black.

FC Cartagena line-up

Casilla, Txiki, Cygan, Cala, Botelho, Longas (Lafuente), Schmoller (Munoz), Jose Carlos, Moral, Victor, Toche (Goiria)

Forthcoming Fixture

Next week Cartagena are away to Madrid based side Alcoron. Make a note of Sat 19 Mar, ko 6pm, for this div 2a match which will also be shown live on 7RM tv.