Un Cartagena sin recompensa. By Steve.

CARTAGENA GET THEIR JUST REWARDS 

DEPORTIVO LA CORUNA - 2 FC CARTAGENA -1 

BY STEVE HIBBERD

Despite playing against 10 men for long periods, Cartagena succumbed to div 2a leaders Deportivo, who were by far the better team. Keeper Reina pulled off a magnificent save from home striker Riki on 12 mins, before a stroke of controversy aided the visitors. Toni Moral headed off the line, before the ball was pumped up field to Collantes. His run towards goal was crudely halted by Deportivo defender Ayoze, who in my opinion was unfairly shown a straight red card as there were at least 2 covering defenders. Lack of numbers did nothing to dampen the spirits of Deportivo, who launched wave after wave of attacks. 

They did eventually score on 22 mins, when a teasing cross by Valeron found the head of Riki, who braved the onrushing fist of Reina, to put the ball in the net. Abraham Paz picked up a needless booking on 28 mins, before Cartagena picked up their first corner 2 mins later. Last weeks hero Raimondi, had a glorious chance to level the scores, but his close range shot was aimed straight at the keeper. On 38 mins, it became 10 versus 10, when Paz picked up his 2nd yellow card for a foul on scorer Riki. Just before the half time break, Reina pulled off another magnificent save, this time from a Guardado close range pile driver. Totally against the run of play, a Collantes 20 yard chipped shot, via a route one punt by Reina, headed on by Raimondi, somehow trickled over the line to give Cartagena an undeserved equalizer on the hour mark. It didn't take long for Depor to regain the lead, 10 mins to be precise, when sub Xisco (on the pitch for less than 2 mins) met a teasing right wing cross at the far post, to stab the ball home. 

Towards the end, both sides had chances to change the scoreline. Once again, Reina kept his side in the game, with another breathtaking wonder save, before sub Hector Font (making his Cartagena debut) should have done better with a good goal scoring opportunity. Collantes should have added to his goal tally, but shot wide, before in injury time, Xisco slammed his free kick on top of the Cartagena cross bar. Next week, Cartagena have a mouth watering local(ish) derby against Alicante side Hercules. Make a note of Sun 5 Feb, ko 12 midday, for this home div 2a fixture at Cartagonova Stadium. For regular updates on FC Cartagena, visit www.nosoloefese.es or www.futbolclubcartagena.com.