Por fin llegó la victoria. By Steve.

LOS ALBINEGROS WIN AT LAST 

GIRONA CF 0 FC CARTAGENA - 2 

BY STEVE HIBBERD 

At the 9th time of asking, Cartagena have at long last secured a well earned victory, which lifts them off the bottom of div 2a into 21st place. Javi Lopez must be a happy man, for not only was this his inaugural win as Cartagena manager, but his team presented him the 3 points in style. In front of 7,000 fans inside Montilivi Stadium, the men from submarine city continued the fine form set from the previous 2 drawn matches. Although the first half was goal less, it was the visitors who created the clearer cut chances, and it was no surprise when only 5 mins into the new half, Herrero took advantage of a defensive error, when he scored his first goal of the season. 

A good tactical change, saw sub Cleber's first touch of the ball provide an assist for Collantes, who like Herrero, celebrated his seasons opening goal in style. FC Cartagena line-up Reina, Txiki, Mariano, Herrero, Paz, Kikera, Dimas (Cleber), Lafuente (Riau), Moral, Collantes, Alvero (Bolado) This victory against a team that had previously won only 1 match, and are also down in the relegation zone, was so important, for the next week will be difficult to say the least. On Thurs 27 Oct, ko 8pm, the rearranged postponed opening fixture (called off because of players strike action) takes place at Cartagonova Stadium. Giants, Deportivo de la Coruna, relegated from la liga last season, arrive in 5th place and looking to bounce back to top flight football at the first time of asking. 

Then it's the biggie!! Think Arsenal v Spurs, Man City v Man U, Pompey v that other lot in southern Hampshire, then think FC Cartagena v Real Murcia. To the people of Murcia, this game is massive - a real passionate local derby. It didn't take place last season as Real Murcia spent a solitary season in div 2b wilderness, but now the Murcia bragging rights are back on again. Make a note of Sun 30 Oct, ko 1200 midday, when the red side of Murcia visit the black and white half at Cartagonova Stadium. For regular updates on FC Cartagena, visit www.nosoloefese.es or www.futbolclubcartagena.com.