Oportunidad perdida. By Steve.

TWAS THERE FOR THE TAKING

FC CARTAGENA - 1 SD PONFERRADINA - 1

BY STEVE HIBBERD

Following this hugely disappointing performance against already relegated Ponferradina, Cartagena now need sides above them to slip up, as the race for div 2a play off places hots up. As early as the 2nd min, when Toche shot agonisingly inches wide from a Victor pull back, Cartagena created the first of many chances, in a match they should have won at a canter. Surprisingly, it was Ponferradina who hit back through Acoran, whose shot inched over the bar. They took the lead through a headed goal by Yuri, as the defence once again failed to mark their opponents. It could have got worse on 16 mins, had Saizar connected with a cross, as an open goal was beckoning. Then, when visiting full back Pepe headed over on 24 mins, it was a signal for Los Albinegros to step up a gear. Moral crossed for Victor, whose shot was deflected behind. From the resultant corner, a Mariano header was well saved, before Toche blasted the rebound over the bar. 

On 38 mins, another superb cross by Moral found Toche, and although his shot hit the post, he should have done better with his follow up which finished in the side netting. Shortly afterwards, the woodwork denied Toche once again, this time an assist by Victor was slammed against the same post. Just before the interval, Toche headed wide from a good position, as Cartagena squandered yet another good opportunity to score.

Only 2 mins of the 2nd half had elapsed, before Toche stabbed home a Victor cross at the far post to level the score. Many unforced errors by both teams ruined the game as a spectacle, and it was no surprise that the next decent attempt on goal didn't arrive until the 73rd min - los albinegros sub Jose sending in a long range drive, which was comfortably saved. 

Ponferradina should have taken the lead shortly afterwards, but Prieto shot wide of an open goal. Ref Arraiz became the villain of the story on 79 mins, when he turned down strong penalty appeals following Cristian clearly handling inside the visitors box. With time ticking away, Cartagena sub Riga saw his firm header superbly saved by keeper Alejandro, then on the stroke of full time, Abraham's audacious chip from the half way line only just cleared the cross bar, with home keeper Casilla off his line. This defeat sees Cartagena drop to 9th position, and it is now essential that every single remaining match is won. Next up is an away trip to canary islands based side Las Palmas, on Thurs 12 May at 9.30 pm. Then on Sun 15 May, ko 5pm, fellow play off contenders Girona visit Cartagonova Stadium. For regular updates on FC Cartagena, visit www.nosoloefese.es or www.futbolclubcartagena.com.

FC CARTAGENA LINE-UP

CASILLA, CYGAN, MARIANO, BOTHELO, TOCHE, LONGAS (JOSE), LAFUENTE (RIGA), JULIEN, MORAL (MUNOZ), VICTOR, EXPOSITO