Duro correctivo. By Steve.

A RIGHT REAL HAMMERING

REAL BETIS - 5 FC CARTAGENA - 0

BY STEVE HIBBERD

Ok, so once again I didn't actually watch this latest thrashing, but judging by an eye witness report (sky blue Fred), and having read the Spanish press (Murcian variety) view, referee Gorka Oscoz played a big part in Cartagena's downfall. Top of the table Betis are clear bookies favourites to win div 2a championship, and when they deservedly lost at Cartagonova stadium at the end of last year, you just knew that it was only a temporary blip. Cartagena meanwhile, are going through a serious loss of form, having now conceded 11 goals in the past 3 games, resulting in them slipping outside the play off places, and unless a lengthy winning run can be strung together, they can kiss all hopes of promotion goodbye.

The game erupted after only 20 mins, when central defender Cygan was adjudged to have handled inside the pen area. Evidently, the ball was hammered at him, and even though he was turning away from the shot, it hit his back before striking the rear of his arm. To rub salt in the wound, he was given a red card for his sins, before Betis striker Molina slotted home the spot kick. Frustration then got the better of Los Albinegros manager JIM, who also fell foul of ref Oscoz and was dismissed from the dug out. Five mins into the 2nd half, Ruben Castro made it 2-0, then on 71 mins the ever dangerous Emana hit an unstoppable volley into the top of the net. Before the game could be restarted, Victor became the 2nd Cartagena player to be dismissed for presumably foul or abusive language. Down to 9 men, Cartagena were torn to shreds by the rampant Betis, and it was no surprise when Molina completed his hat trick with goals on 79 and 83 mins.

FC Cartagena line-up

Casilla, Cala (Schmoller), Pablo, Txiki, Mariano, Clavero, Moral (Longas), Julien, Riga, Victor, Lafuente (Maldonado)

Thousands of miles away in Malaysia, I was again getting my footie fix in the form of another super league match at Shah Alam stadium. Selangor v Perak was not only a top of the table clash, but one which attracted over 40,000 fans, of which almost a quarter were supporting the visiting side. I discovered that the recent decision of clubs permitted to register only home grown players, is designed to improve Malaysia's chances of winning the Asian cup, and even though they are leap years behind the likes of Japan and South Korea, in the 7 years I have been watching, this season is by far the most entertaining and skillful (what's the chances of England adopting the same policy?). Next up for Cartagena is a home match against Real Valladolid. Make a note of Sat 23 Apr ko 6pm, for this div 2a fixture which will be played inside Cartagonova stadium.