UNBEATEN RUN CONTINUES INTO 2011
GIRONA FC - 1 FC CARTAGENA - 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD
Although outplayed for the vast majority of this match, Cartagena returned home from Girona with a useful point, which not only maintained 4th place in div 2a, but also extended their unbeaten match run to 6. Missing key players Botelho and club captain Mariano through suspension, presented recalls for Munoz and Julien, although neither player did enough to earn an extended run in the team. Lowly Girona might be perilously flirting with relegation, but their home form is up there with the best, as their opponents were soon to discover. Inside the tiny Motivili stadium, a hundred or so die hard Cartagena fans had made the long trip to northern Catalonia, then continued the festive mood by donning fancy dress of the biblical kind - wise men/kings and angels, who were in fine voice throughout the match.
The 1st half was poor, too often littered with unforced errors by both teams. Resplendent in a new away kit of black shirts, white shorts and black socks, Los Albinegros failed to test Girona's keeper Santamaria in a half that didn't get going until the last 10 mins. Moha should have put the home side ahead on 36 mins, but his close range drive was wastefully blasted over the bar. Five mins before the interval, a long range shot by Girona's Angel skimmed the wrong side of the upright, before the welcome sound of the half time whistle put paid to a half, in which Cartagena players appeared to be suffering from prolonged new year hangovers!
Manager JIM's half time team talk failed to galvanise his submarine boys into action, for from the off the Catalonians attacked at will. Quick thinking by Cala denied a certain goal, as his goal line clearance saved the day, before keeper Casilla pulled of a blinding save only minutes into the new half.
A shot by Despotovic on 73 mins just missed the target, before constant pressure by the hosts eventually got its just rewards. Julien gave away a free kick some 25 yards from goal, which Jandro expertly curled around the wall, then just inside the far post for a goal of the highest order. Perversely, it took this wonder goal to serve as a wake up call for 11 under performing visiting players. Cala was unlucky to see his header hit the post, but less than a minute later Cartagena were level. With only 6 mins of normal time remaining, a cross from the right wing by Victor was met by the lethal foot of top scorer Toche, who having ghosted past defenders, converted in fine style. From the very next attack, Toche should have scored his 2nd, but from close range he unfortunately shot wide. Inside the 3rd min of stoppage time, centre back Cala, for the 2nd time, saw his powerful header hit the post before rebounding to safety.
FC Cartagena line up
Casilla, Herrero, Cygan, Cala, Clavero, Moral (Lafuente), Julien (Goiria), Longas (Keko), Munoz, Victor, Toche
Forthcoming Fixture
Mid table Salamanca are the next visitors to Cartagonova stadium. This div 2a clash is on Sat 8 Jan, with a ko time of 6pm. With Los Albinegros scoring for fun at home, another highly entertaining match is anticipated. For regular updates on FC Cartagena, check out www.nosoloefese.es, www.gotocartago.com or www.futbolclubcartegena.com.
