Peligra el comienzo de liga. By Steve.

THREATENED STRIKE PUTS START IN DOUBT

BY STEVE HIBBERD

Players, in both La Liga and div 2a, have indicated that unless a guarantee can be given to ensure that wages will be paid in full if clubs enter administration, then a boycott of the first 2 fixtures for the new season will take place. Hopefully, common sense will prevail and proposed talks will uncover a solution. If that is the case, then Cartagena will play their opening div 2a match against newly relegated Deportivo La Coruna, on Sun 21 Aug, ko midday, at Cartagonova Stadium (this game will also be shown live on canal plus). Then the following week, a visit to Alicante is in store for Los Albinegros. Hercules (who also have just left La Liga), play hosts on Sat 27 Aug, ko 6pm, to a game which will also be televised live on Murcian channel 7RM. Cartagena have been awarded home advantage in the preliminary round of the Copa del Rey (kings cup), to be played on or around 7 Sep, against fellow div 2a side CD Numancia.

On the player front, it's 3 in and 2 out. Arriving from local div 3 side Cartagena FC, is defender Jose Maria, whilst defenders Josemi and Goni have joined from Greek club Iraklis, and Zaragoza respectively. Dani has gone out on loan to Orihuela CF (div 2b), and unfortunately Clavero, having been one of the players released, has fixed himself up with a contract at div 2a rivals Huesca. Ex Los Albinegros favourite Toche, scored on his home debut for Greek giants Panathinaikos, although they lost the friendly against Danish side Odense 3-4.

The goals keep on coming in pre season friendlies for Paco Lopez and his merry men. At Aguilas on Weds 3 Aug, Los Albinegros recorded a fine 1-6 victory, with the goals being shared throughout the team. Torres opened the scoring on 5 mins, before Alvaro doubled the visitors advantage 10 mins later. Collantes made the score 0-3 mid way through the 1st half, but Gines reduced the arrears through a penalty on 36 mins. In the 2nd half, late goals by strikers Marc, and a brace from Bolado, rounded off an excellent nights work.

A trip to Molina del Segura (near Murcia) on Sat 6 Aug, to play the towns div 3 side, resulted in another good result. By half time, strikes by Toni Moral and Bolado, had given Los Albinegros a 2 goal advantage, then a late effort by new boy Josemi, made the score a rewarding 0-3.

On Tues 9 Aug, the annual 7RM triangular tournament took place in Lorca, involving the hosts, Real Murcia and Cartagena. First up for Cartagena were Real Murcia, in a bad tempered match in which they not only lost 0-1 (pen), but had Maldonado, Josemi and manager Paco Lopez sent off. To make matters worse, captain Mariano picked up a nasty injury which could keep him out for up to 6 weeks. In the second match, they drew 0-0 with Lorca, who also lost to Real Murcia, the tournament winners.

Two days later, Almeria provided the opposition for the final pre season friendly, at Cartagonova Stadium. In front of over 5,500 fans, Los Albinegros took a half time lead through Alvero, whose 25 yard screamer was nothing less than the hard working team deserved. Twas role reversal in the 2nd half, for the visitors came back with all guns blazing, scoring twice through headers by Ulloa. A soft penalty on 85 mins by Maldonado was easily saved, sparing the faithful from enduring extended play, as Cartagena were simply awful.For regular updates on FC Cartagena, check out www.nosoloefese.es or www.futbolclubcartagena.com.