El derbi murciano acaba en tablas. By Steve.

MURCIAN DERBY ENDS ALL SQUARE
LORCA DEPORTIVO - 1 FC CARTAGENA - 1
BY STEVE HIBBERD

Having gone down to a soft goal inside the 1st min, Cartagena settled well, putting in a disciplined performance, deserving of a share of the points.
Mid table Lorca included ex Cartagena favourite Orlando in their ranks. Indeed, the pint sized midfielder led out his team, wearing the captains armband. In recent years, Lorca have normally come out top against their South Murcian rivals. Following a fine victory the previous week over Real Murcias 2nd string team, manager Fabri once again chose not to alter a winning side.
Sporting blue and white stripes, Lorca kicked off this latest Murcian derby inside their 8,000 capacity Francisco Artes Carrasco Stadium. It took them approximately 45 seconds to inflict serious damage to Los Albinegros cause. A well placed cross found striker Jairo who headed firmly towards goal. Although keeper Ruben appeared to initially save his effort, somehow the ball squirmed out of his grasp, and over the line for the games opening goal. In the 14th min, Tato should have levelled the scoreline, but he leant back and blasted his shot well over the bar. The game got very scrappy, reducing opportunities to score to a minimum. Mariano found himself in a good position to get on the end of a teasing cross, but his long range header ballooned over the crossbar. Shortly afterwards, Cartagena did level things up. On 41 mins, a 25 yd free kick by Carmona caused havoc inside the Lorca penalty area. With the keeper coming (but failing to get) the cross, a total mix up resulted in central defender Zazo heading into an empty net (his own empty net). With half time beckoning, Lorca almost regained the lead but a fine headed effort just evaded the far post, resulting in a goal kick.

Surprisingly, the 2nd half provided very few chances. After 52 mins, defender Cabrejo cleared well from his own goalline, preventing a certain goal. Sub Mena produced the next real goalscoring opportunity, when his snap shot was well saved on 83 mins. In a very scrappy 2nd half, it was left to another Cartagena subto almost score. Juan Pablo, inside the 2nd min of stoppage time, watched as his long range drive was deflected just past the post.
Addison and Juan Pablo, along with 4 Lorca players picked up bookings. As both Real Madrid ´B´ and Leganes drew their matches, the position at the top of div 2b is status quo, with Cartagena still sitting pretty in 2nd place.
Attendance - 2,000
Cartagena line up
Ruben, Cabrejo, Roque, Armando, Txiki, Carmona, Mariano, Eloy, Viyiela (Nano), Tato (Juan Pablo), Addison (Mena)
Forthcoming Fixture
Once again it is local derby time. This time, it is 8th place local rivals Aguilas CF who provide the opposition. Make a date for SUNDAY 23 NOVEMBER, KO 5PM, at Cartagonova Stadium. This latest div 2b Murcian derby has an even greater than normal attraction. Ex club captain Sivori, and playmaker Chito, will return to the ground where they made many appearances for Los Albinegros. Don´t miss it. For further information, please phone Steve on 656579423 or visit www.futbolclubcartagena.com or www.gotocarto.com.