JIM ALMOST FIXED IT
CELTA VIGO - 3 FC CARTAGENA - 0
BY STEVE HIBBERD
Not only was last Saturdays visit to Balaidos Stadium the last div 2a match of the season for Los Albinegros, but for manager Juan Ignacio Martinez (JIM), it was to be his swan song. JIM is to be replaced by ex Alcoyano manager Paco Lopez, and although this is not a popular decision amongst the fans, president Francisco Gomez has previous for making such strange decisions (I just hope that by this time next year he doesn't live to regret it). Although this defeat resulted in Cartagena finishing in a disappointing 13th place on 56 points, for lengthy periods throughout the season, it was a case of so near, yet so far. Last seasons conclusion of 5th position was even more frustrating for JIM, and as the great Alanis Morissette once sang: "Isn't it Ironic", is very fitting, for had it been this season when the play offs were introduced, then they would have qualified. Nevertheless, JIM's second stint at the club will be fondly remembered (as was the first, when the club won div 2b, only to be denied in the play offs) as one of exciting entertaining football, especially last season when a double over arch rivals Real Murcia was secured in style.
When Celta visited Cartagonova stadium earlier in the season, they totally destroyed the home side playing exhibition football, thoroughly deserving a 4-0 victory. Having completed a double, their reward is a play off fixture against Granada, which in my opinion they should safely negotiate, before winning the final to ensure promotion. In an entertaining 1st half, it was the visitors who almost took the lead on 6 mins - Botelho hitting the post, then from the rebound his cheeky back heel just missed the target. Ten mins later, Cuesta beat 2 defenders before rifling home a precise drive from the edge of the penalty area, inching just inside the near post. Only 2 mins had elapsed when a magical move saw Tomas receive the ball inside the box, before nonchalantly chipping keeper Rebollo, then head home from an acute angle. Celta secured victory on 69 mins when Abalo watched his rocket shot easily beat a disappointing Rebollo, to put them 3-0 up. Shortly afterwards it could have been worse, but Rebollo pulled off a fine near post save from a long range free kick. Late on, Toche thought that he had pulled a goal back, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
FC Cartagena line-up
Rebollo, Exposito, Pablo, Txiki, Schmoller (Goiria), Julien, Moral (Victor), Toche, Munoz, Botelho, Clavero (Herrero)
So, that's just about it for season 10/11, but before we know it, 11/12 will be upon us. New clubs in div 2a for next season will be Almeria, Hercules and Deportivo (relegated from La Liga), plus Sabadell and Real Murcia (bring 'em on!!), who along with 2 others (yet unknown) have been promoted via the play offs from div 2b. Going down in the opposite direction, are Salamanca, Tenerife, Ponferradina and Albacate - occupants of the 4 relegation slots. Obviously, throughout the summer there will be many comings and goings within the club, and already a new signing has be made in the form of keeper Manolo Reina, a signing from Levante. With it being a year void of European or World cup football, only England's involvement in international cricket, Hampshire on the domestic scene, and following details of how the new Russian mafia (sorry, consortium!) owners will be running my beloved Pompey, that will keep me sane during the next 3 months. Have a great summer everyone.
