DOESN'T GET MUCH WORSE THAN THIS
FC CARTAGENA - 1 CD ALCOYANO - 2
BY STEVE HIBBERD
It's easy to make excuses, and Alcoyano's 2nd goal was definitely courtesy of a blatant hand ball, but the crisis that now engulfs Los Albinegros, is down purely and simply to lack of ability, lack of leadership, lack of spirit and above all, lack of goals.
This defeat, in which the hosts can count themselves unlucky to lose, makes it now SIX on the bounce in div 2a, seven if you include the cup defeat. Any football reporter will tell you that when your team wins, there's inspiration in abundance with words flowing 10 to the dozen, but when you're playing as bad as Cartagena currently are, then writers block is the order of the day.
Playing against a side for the first time since defeating them 3 seasons ago in the div 2b play offs, Los Albinegros were desperate to gain their first point(s) of the season. Resplendent in an modern day England shirt (large red cross on a white background), Alcoyano almost took the lead after 5 mins.
A shocking back pass by Goni was latched onto by Choco, whose goal bound snap shot was blocked by the legs of quick thinking keeper Juanma. For some unknown reason, the pitch was in the worst state I have seen it in 8 years, which is surprising when you consider that the previous 3 home games were played on near perfect conditions. Cartagena took the lead on 8 mins, when Toni Moral leapt high to head home a right wing cross at the far post. Choco was once again a threat when he struck the post, but a good spot by the ref, resulted in a free kick and a caution for hand ball. Not for the first time this season, the home defence went to sleep, allowing Canadas to beat the offside trap and expertly chip Juanma, who for the umpteenth time this season did his back no good by picking the ball out of the back of the net. With 5 mins remaining of the 1st half, Choco clearly handled the ball, before unleashing an unstoppable drive into the corner of the net.
The Alcoyano players, clearly embarrassed at this outrageous non-decison, dispensed with normal celebrations that go with goalscoring, leaving the opposition to surround the dopey ref, who had a clear view of the incident but chose to do nothing.
Four mins into the 2nd half, Mariano fed Bolado a super assist, but with just the visiting keeper to beat, all the striker could do was shoot wide from less than 10 yards. Midway through the half, Juanma again came to his sides rescue. When faced with a 1 on 1 with Devesa, Cartagena's keeper anticipated well to block the shot (again with his legs). Toni Moral attempted a half hearted 30 yard drive on 81 mins, which sailed harmlessly over the bar, then deep into stoppage time, sub Maldonado had a great chance to equalize, but when through on goal, he scuffed his shot.
On Sun 9 Sep, ko 6pm, Cartagena are away at Gimnastic de Tarragona, and we all hope and pray that it will be 7th time lucky in div 2a (even a point will be a bonus!!). For regular updates on FC Cartagena, visit www.nosoloefese.es or www. futbulclubcartagena.com.
