Vaya un circo. By Steve.

OH WHAT A CIRCUS
FC CARTAGENA - 1 ATLETICO MADRID 'B' - 0
BY STEVE HIBBERD

For the 2nd consequetive home match, Cartagena had a player sent off in the 1st half, only this time it was a case of mistaken identity. Rookie referee Mateo Valero, in his 1st div 2b season, has so far averaged 1 red and 7 yellow cards per game! So why stop now. After his first time of refereeing Cartagena, the Valenciano has maintained his average - well done! This victory over At Madrid, completes the double, having won away back in early September. With Leganes only drawing, and Real Murcia 'B' losing, Cartagena are now in 2nd place, only 1 point off the top. On a sun soaked early Sunday afternoon, with the pitch looking in good nick, Cartagena started the game somewhat jittery, appearing fortunate to escape a 3rd min scare when Madrids Claudio shot just over the bar from long range. Three mins later all hell broke loose. When Addison was brought down just outside Madrids penalty area, the offending player was cautioned and things were looking rosey. Then, before the free kick could be taken, a Madrid defender went down clutching his face - as you do! I didn't see the incident, nor did the ref, nor did his near side linesman, but unfortunately, the far side linesman, some 50 yards away, did! After consultation, the ref sent off Cartagenas captain Mariano Sanchez, but having made subsequent enquiries, I discovered that the real culprit was Armando.

Regardless of who was the real villain, Cartagena now had to play the next 84 mins with only 10 men. No problem. On 16 mins, Viyuela came a whisker of putting Cartagena in the lead, when he shot agonisingly wide of the far post. Midway through the half, Tato had a shot cleared off the line, but the halfs final action belonged to Madrids Ghanian Adams, who forced a superb save from Ruben from close range. Goalless at half time, Cabrejo needed a cool head to prevent Madrid taking the lead early into the 2nd half, when he cleared off the line. That signalled an onslaught by the home side, who eventually took the lead on 80 mins. Following a defensive error, Tato unselfishly laid the ball back to Viyuela, who confidently stroked the ball home into an empty net. Los Albinegros faithfull were by now urging their team on, and 5 mins later they really should have doubled the score, but sub Juan Pablo was guilty of a bad miss in front of another open goal. Atletico Madrid dominated the final moments, but superb defensive play denied them an equalizer, which they didn't really deserve. In addition to Marianos dismissal, Cartagena also had Cabrejo, Tato and Hector booked, whilst their opponents received 4 yellow cards. Unfortunately, Cabrejo will now miss the next match, along with either Mariano or Armando - depending on video evidence.

Attendance - 5,000 FC Cartagena line up Ruben, Txiki, Mariano, Cabrejo, Viyuela, Armando, Eloy, Addison, Tato, Falcon, Miki Forthcoming Fixture On Sunday 25 January, ko 1200 midday, Cartagena travel to 4th from bottom, Gran Canaria based, Las Palmas, for another div 2b fixture. For further info on FC Cartagena contact Steve on 656579423 or visit wwww.gotocarto.com or www.futbolclubcartagena.com .