Locura en el quinto mes. By Steve.

FIVE OFF IN MAY MADNESS

FC CARTAGENA - 1 GIRONA FC - 0

BY STEVE HIBBERD

Catalonia side Girona completely lost the plot in the last 30 mins of this bizarre end of season div 2a league match, which Cartagena won with a Victory penalty. Beforehand, a minutes silence for the victims of the nearby Lorca earthquake was a truly sombre occasion. Following on from the shocking display at Las Palmas, manager JIM recalled Victor and Botelho to the starting line up, and it was these two who created the only goal of the match after 3 mins. Botelho was clearly upended inside the box, allowing Victor to coolly stroke home his 11th goal of the season. Girona struck back well, when firstly Serra headed just wide of the far post from a corner, before Serra had a 'goal' ruled out for pushing. In between, Toche sent in an inviting cross to the far post, which Victor just failed to connect with. An audacious overhead kick by Peragon just failed to find the target, as Girona ended the half on a high.

Exposito prevented a certain Girona equalizer on 50 mins, when he spectacularly cleared off the line. Twice within 3 mins, the home side could have extended their lead, and both times great to watch one-two moves were responsible. Lafuente and Botelho linked well, before the latter just failed with an attempted lob over the keeper, then it was Lafuente's turn to have a go, but his curling shot went the wrong side of the far post. On the hour mark, Girona had the first of 4 players sent off, when Peragon received a 2nd yellow card for a nasty foul on Clavero. A further 3 mins had elapsed, before Migue followed his colleague down the tunnel for a foul on Botelho. Inside the final 10 mins, all hell broke loose when first Serra received a straight red for an over the top foul on Victor, then substitute Serbian Despotovic (on the pitch for only 15 mins) kicked out a keeper Casilla, and he too got his marching orders, leaving Girona to finish the match with only 7 players. Not to be outdone, Girona manager Raul Agne rushed onto the pitch to remonstrate with ref Hernandez, resulting in him also being given the walk of shame.

So now with only 3 matches remaining, Cartagena lie in 9th position on 56 points, but unfortunately it's a case of too little too late.