Gran triunfo de los albinegros. By Steve.

GREAT WIN FOR LOS ALBINEGROS

UD LAS PALMAS ATLETICO - 2 FC CARTAGENA -3

BY STEVE HIBBERD

Cartagena maintained their push for a div 2b promotion play offslot, following this well deserved win in the CanaryIslands. Inside the Gancalves Stadium, for yet another Sundaylunchtime ko, Cartagena were forced to do battle without thesuspended trio of Mariano, Cabrejo and Txiki. Even so, their replacements played well, securing an important victory over lowly Las Palmas (also recording a double in the process). Still in 2nd place on 43 points, Cartagena are only a point behind pacesetters Leganes, and a point ahead of 3rd place Real Madrid 'B'. The 1st half was fairly even. On 8 mins Juan Pabloshould have scored following an inch perfect centre fromViyuela, but he shot wide. Las Palmas drew first bloodafter 22 mins through Vitola. Although Cartagenathreatened, keeper Gallant kept his goal intact until halftime. It didn´t take long for Cartagena to square theproceedings. Tato was clearly fouled after 51 mins insidethe penalty area, leaving Juan Pablo to send Gallant thewrong way from the spot. Only 3 mins had elapsed whenCartagena were awarded a 2nd penalty.

Juan Pablo was notonly fouled inside the penalty area by keeper Gallant, whoreceived a red card for his troubles, but he calmly pickedhimself up to convert the resulting penalty. Las Palmas cameback well, and it was no surprise when Sevillian scored awell worked goal to level the scores. But you can´t keep agood team down, and on 82 mins, a lovely assist by newsigning substitute Samuel, found Addison in space to scorewhat proved to be the winning goal. Falcon and Juan Pablo (his 5th of the season, and a probable suspension beckons) picked up bookings. FC CARTAGENA LINE UPRuben (Alejandro), Aguilar, Miki, Nano, Carmona, Falcon(Hector), Eloy, Viyuela, Armando, Juan Pablo, Tato (Samuel)Forthcoming Fixture Next Sunday 1 February ko 5.30pm, FC Cartagena have a localderby, at home inside Cartagonova Stadium, against CuidadLorqui. For further information please phone Steve on656579423 or check out www.futbolclubcartagena.com or www.gotocarto.com .