El objetivo se aleja. By Steve.

HIGH ON ENTERTAINMENT, LOW ON GOALS 

FC CARTAGENA - 1 UD ALMERIA - 1 

BY STEVE HIBBERD 

This statement just about sums up Cartagena's div 2a season, for after this hard fought draw, survival is now a only a mere 13 points away!! Although up to 2nd from bottom, with only 9 games remaining (including the final 31 mins of the abandoned match against Celta Vigo), relegation to div 2b is almost a certainty. With this in mind, the vultures are already circling over Cartagonova Stadium. Real Murcia have shown interest in Collantes and Lafuente, Hercules in Mariano, whilst both Elche and Xerez are keen on Abraham Paz. But before any future moves can take place, there is the small matter of concluding this seasons fixtures. 

When these 2 teams last met at Almeria, they played out a drab goalless draw, whereas this latest affair was the complete opposite. Straight from the start, a crunching tackle by Jackobsen on Lafuente, earned the visiting defender an early booking. Early exchanges resulted in Hector's curling shot easing just over Almeria's cross bar, then Verza picked up a loose ball from a corner, before unleashing a fierce drive inches over the hosts woodwork. Midway through the half, Lafuente had a goal bound head well saved, before team mate Hector became the first home player to enter ref Hernandez notebook. On stroke of half time Lafuente almost broke the deadlock, but his well struck shot on the half volley, just missed the target. Almeria opened the scoring 5 mins inside the new half, when as a result of a shot being parried by keeper Juanma, the rebound fell nicely into the path of Vidal, who made no mistake of slamming the ball home. 

The few hundred traveling fans in the disappointing 4,326 crowd, were in fine voice throughout, and celebrated the goal with vigor. Back came the hosts, with both Collantes and Moral having good opportunities to level the scores. Cartagena striker Raimondi's first action as a 2nd half sub, was to get himself booked, then his captain Mariano, not to be outdone, picked up his 10th yellow card of the season (and a probable suspension!). Next it was Braulio who produced an assault on the visiting goal, but unfortunately his threatening run was crudely halted, just as he looked like scoring. With time running out, a Herrero cross was almost sensationally headed into his own goal by an Almeria defender, as Los Albinegros were definately on a mission. From the very next attack on 87 mins, Braulio was clearly brought down inside the penalty area by visiting keeper Esterban, as the ref immediately pointed to the spot. Up stepped Braulio, and although Esterban was able to tip his shot onto the post, the rebound thankfully bounced into the net. Deep into stoppage time, a superb goal bound Raimondi header was brilliantly pushed past the the post by the agile Esteban, leaving his Cartagena team mates to reflect on (once again) what might have been, if only...!!!! 

Next week, Cartagena visit 2nd place Valladolid. This div 2a match is on Sat 28 Apr, ko 4pm, and will be shown live on Marca tv.