Lunchtime Legends Presents: The Return of Cartagena

[Dixie Flatline]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by abu645:

The legend returns </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Where?

Thanks, mate!

[Dixie Flatline]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by UELLfan:

\o/ Finally a story to follow.

Might this story live as strong and long as your Cartagonova exploits, Mr. Flatline. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Not a problem, though I'm not sure whether I want this one to drag on like the last one - which lasted almost 4 years and if I could get my act together could still go on.

[Dixie Flatline]

More from Cartagena... next!

19th of February 2005

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">

Can Cartagena’s winning streak continue?

That is the question on the lips of everybody who follows Segunda Liga B football, as Cartagena travel to 14th-placed Éjica, looking to continue their five-game winning streak and putting pressure on the top four clubs in the group. Under rookie manager, Señor Dixie Flatline, the club gained a reputation early in the season as somewhat of a draw specialist, having drawn 10 games this season. But the emergence of Fran Nogueira and Sívori for Cartagena has been instrumental in the club’s rise up the table. The latter, playing in the withdrawn striker role, has scored 15 goals so far this season, while Nogueira has 12 to his name. Together with the pace of Óscar Silva and the class and creativity of Paulo Marcello Trobbiani in the center of midfield, Cartagena are starting to pose problems to opposition managers in the group. Some are even talking of a late charge towards championship, though manager, Señor Flatline is, at this stage, ruling out any talk of being a contender, preferring instead to concentrate on the upcoming game.

Today’s game against Éjica will be broadcast live from 3.00pm. Don’t forget to tune in then to see if the hosts can stop Cartagena’s irresistible run towards the playoff zone.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Segunda Liga B – Group 4, Game 26: Éjica v Cartagena

By and large, we enjoy the better of the play in this afternoon’s game, but we just can’t find the killer punch that will knock Éjica on its collective behind. In the end, Sívori’s strike just after half-time decides the game in our favour, but for the last 15 minutes, it really was end-to-end stuff, as Éjica strived for the equaliser and we strived to secure all three points. Iñaki was superb in goal for us today and fully deserved his clean sheet bonus.

Éjica (3-4-1-2): Javi Muñoz; Miguel Ãngel (Oviedo 63), Romerito ©, Cardoso; Zabala, Juan Ignacio, Jorge, Juan Ramón (Pichardo 63); Martín (Ruiz 75); Julio Alberto, Montero.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Merino, Conget; Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, Jordi; Sívori; Nogueira.

Final score: Éjica 0:1 Cartagena

MoM – Julio Puig

The victory pushes us into the top four of the Group, with other results going our way.

[Dixie Flatline]

27th of February 2005

Segunda Liga B – Group 4, Game 27: Cartagena v Conquense

Again, this game is decided by a solitary goal, and again it goes to the good guys. Trobbiani buries the ball into the net from outside the penalty box after orchestrating the move with Puig and Jordi on 69 minutes. We could have had more goals, but Conquense’s keeper performed well and limited the effectiveness of our strikers. However, it was good to get the win, even if it was close, as we maintain our winning streak at the expense of the midtable side.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Merino, Conget; Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, Jordi; Sívori; Nogueira.

Conquense (4-4-2): Iglesias; Lozano, Jornet, Urraka (Galiano 73), Luis; Zafra (Loperena 69), Aritz, Barber ©, Lalo; Ibrahim (José 69), Alberto Alejandro.

Final score: Cartagena 1:0 Conquense

MoM – Rafael Barber

4th of March 2005

As we near the pivotal point of the season, I’m gratified to see Sevilla B do us a big favour by defeating Extremadura 2-1 on the televised Friday night match. Extremadura sit just two points behind us and could have pushed ahead of us had they prevailed.

5th of March 2005

Conquense and Jerez also do me big favours by holding Algeciras (in second) and Jaén (in sixth) to draws.

[Dixie Flatline]

6th of March 2005

Segunda Liga B – Group 4, Game 28: Cartagena v Marbella

Only ten matches to go following this game. It’s important that we notch up another three points in our promotion chase. To put it simply, we have Óscar Silva and Sívori and our opponent does not. Silva tees up Sívori who finds sufficient space inside the six yard box to prod home Silva’s excellently bending cross on 16 minutes. On 34 minutes, Silva does it again, this time Sívori heading home from about the penalty dot. However, against the run of play, Marbella pull a goal back on 37 minutes when Edu Espada somehow manages to beat three of my defenders to Andrés’ cross and turns it past Iñaki. It’s been a while since I’ve not had to pay Iñaki a clean sheet bonus, but I’m not happy to not have to pay it. However, Sívori quickly restores our two goal cushion when straight from the kick off, the ball is fired out to Silva, who quickly puts it in Sívori’s path and he bends a lovely goal from about 25 yards to complete his hat-trick!

The second half is much quieter, but we do find an opportunity to score our fourth goal when Sívori unselfishly sets up Fran Nogueira to score his first goal of the game, which the striker does easily.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Merino, Conget; Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, Jordi; Sívori; Nogueira.

Marbella (4-4-2): Ãvila; Miguel Aguilar, Fernández, Escudero, Juan (Loriente 75); Cipri, Rivera ©, Fran Rivera (Salazar 75), Dani; Edu Espada, Andrés (Herrera 82).

Final score: Cartagena 4:1 Marbella

MoM – Sívori

12th of March 2005

My settled eleven has seen Loreto frozen out of the first eleven, and he doesn’t even command a place on the bench.

Unfortunately, he has seen fit to have a whinge to the local media, saying that I do not recognise a good player when I see one. Well, Loreto, you’re 34 and you’re not scoring goals when I give you the opportunity. Why should I unsettle a happy eleven to accommodate your desire?

On the eve of a game, not a smart move, mate.

We’re given a golden opportunity to move into second when Algeciras is held to a 2-2 draw at home by Jerez – making it now two favours I owe the mid-table side.

[Dixie Flatline]

13th of March 2005

Segunda Liga B – Group 4, 29: Melilla v Cartagena

We drop two points this afternoon for the first time in quite a while, as eighth-placed Melilla frustrate us to a 2-2 draw. Sívori on two occasions gives us the lead, but we cannot defend against Melilla’s precise tactics and we are pegged back twice during the 90 minutes. Sívori gives us the lead on 24 minutes when he picks up Silva’s great in-field pass and blasts it past Melilla’s keeper without hesitation. However, Melilla are quickly level when they play a series of short passes that drags my defenders out of possession before Mauri shoots powerfully at Iñaki. My keeper parries the shot but it lands nicely for Abela to knock in the rebound. We regain the lead on 71 minutes when Sívori powerfully heads Alain’s free kick into the back of the Melilla net. But three minutes later, we’re level once more than Melilla cleverly play the ball short to take us out of position. Merino falls for the trap and his man Mauri is left with a simple tap-in opportunity that he does not spurn.

Melilla (4-4-1-1): Verdejo; José Antonio, Jurado, Redondo (Diego 71), Orta; Irazoki (Mohamed 71), Abela (Luis 71), Flores, Yamal; Guede; Mauri © (inj 78).

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Merino, Conget; Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, Jordi; Sívori; Nogueira.

Final score: Melilla 2:2 Cartagena

MoM – Sívori

Unfortunately, Merino picked up his fifth yellow card of the season and will miss a match through automatic suspension, and Puig took a chest injury but battled manfully through the game. He will miss five days of football which puts him in some doubt for next Saturday’s televised game against Extremadura.

Despite the draw, we remain third, a point behind second-placed Algeciras and three points clear of fourth-placed Linares and fifth-placed Extremadura.

[Dixie Flatline]

19th of March 2005

Segunda Liga B – Group 4, Game 30: Cartagena v Extremadura

Crucial match for both sides as both of us look to consolidate our claims for a place within the promotion playoff zone. Puig fails a morning fitness test, so he is replaced by Piombo, while Manu fills in for the suspended Merino. Again, we take the lead through Fran Nogueira who holds off his marker just long enough to put his shot beyond the reach of the Extremadura keeper after good work by Silva and Sívori. But we hold on to our lead for just six minutes, as Extremadura peg us level when Pavone skins Rambier and drives the ball viciously through the hands of Iñaki. As can be expected when two evenly matched sides face each other, there are few chances spread far between and the match ends in a disappointing 1-1 stalemate.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Manu, Conget; Silva, Trobbiani (Nando Sanz 77), Piombo, Jordi; Sívori; Nogueira.

Extremadura (4-4-2): Pata; Zamora, Luis Manuel (Pascual 19), Alcázar, Horcajada ©; Gaizka (Camacho 68), Marco, Olivar (Roberto 68), Soler; Manuel, Pavone.

Final score: Cartagena 1:1 Extremadura

MoM – Marco

20th of March 2005

Things remain evenly poised in the race to snare a promotion playoff spot. Ceuta are way out in front on 70 points and do not look capable of being challenged. However, Algeciras, in second, is just one point clear of ourselves, while Linares sits fourth, a point behind. Extremadura are just outside the top four, two points behind Linares. Jaén and Badajoz should not be counted out just yet, either, with eight games left to play in the regular season.

Díter Zafra can now rise no higher than 16th as almost certain relegation beckons. With just 8 points from 30 games, their odds for relegation have shortened considerably.

3rd of April 2005

After a break to allow us to enjoy international football, the Segunda Liga B resumes, and we’re away to Talavera.

Segunda Liga B – Group 4, Game 31: Talavera v Cartagena

The differences today between the two sides are Iñaki, who keeps us level early in the match when Talavera piles on the pressure, and Fran Nogueira, who scores a hat-trick to win us the game. Iñaki brilliantly denies Lafuerza twice in the space of seconds on 9 minutes. Then hesitant play in the Talavera midfield allows us to steal the ball, and assist king Óscar Silva finds the unmarked Nogueira free in the box; the striker does the rest on 15 minutes. Five minutes before half-time, Trobbiani lifts a cross into the box and Nogueira is there to power the header into the back of the Talavera net. However, just past the hour mark, Talavera pulls a goal back when central defender Roberto Jiménez takes control of the bobbling ball in the box and plants an unstoppable drive past Iñaki. But moments later, Nogueira has his hat-trick when Talavera’s two central defenders both decide to stand off him, Puig feeds him the ball and he rockets a drive past the Talavera keeper. Nogueira could even have had four, but the Talavera keeper guessed correctly and saved his penalty spot-kick after Jordi was fouled in the box. Nonetheless, his hat-trick is good enough to get us back on the winner’s list for the weekend.

Talavera (3-4-1-2): David; Neira, Roberto Jiménez ©, Jordan; Yeray, Uriel (Jonathan 61), Mata, Ferrer; Thierry; Lafuerza (Pedro 62), Estecha (Ismael 61).

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Merino, Conget; Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, Jordi; Sívori; Nogueira.

Final score: Talavera 1:3 Cartagena

MoM – Fran Nogueira

The win puts us three points clear of fourth-placed Linares and fifth-placed Extremadura.

Díter Zafra’s relegation is confirmed this afternoon, despite drawing 2-2 away to Jaén.

[Dixie Flatline]

6th of April 2005

Nacho García tells me he should be playing. Unfortunately, he is not in the registered squad so cannot play for us this season. I’m likely to ship him somewhere in the off-season, I think.

Quarter-finals are played this evening in the European Champions’ League. Inter Milan crush a woeful Manchester United 4-0 in the San Siro, while Real Madrid triumphed 2-1 over Barcelona in the first leg. The two other games involving Juventus and AC Milan, and Lyon and Arsenal ended in draws.

7th of April 2005

Newcastle United’s chairman, Freddie Shepherd, decided to terminate Graeme Souness’ contract with immediate effect after Newcastle were walloped 6-0 by Ajax Amsterdam in the first leg of their UEFA Cup quarter-final. It didn’t help matters that ex-Ajax player Patrick Kluivert was sent off after 75 minutes.

10th of April 2005

Only seven games left in the regular season. Every game counts as we push for a promotion playoff place.

Segunda Liga B – Group 4, Game 32: Cartagena v Tomelloso

Against relegation-threatened Tomelloso, we control the game from start to finish, racking up 14 shots at goal, but only five on target, to Tomelloso’s sole off-target shot. However, two of our on-target shots result in goals and we record a comfortable victory. Sívori coolly slotted the ball past the Tomelloso keeper at his near post on 32 minutes; Trobbiani then used Sívori as a screen to collect Jordi’s free kick on 39 minutes and then thump it past the Tomelloso keeper. A satisfactory victory that keeps us on course for a promotion playoff position.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Merino, Conget; Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, Jordi; Sívori; Nogueira (Bordi 79).

Tomelloso (4-4-2): Luisen; Navarro, Pérez Pérez, Cabezas, Richard (Cobo 75); Juli, Pelu, Andrés, Alonso (Lara 82); José Luis (Pinto 75), Javi Sanz ©.

Final score: Cartagena 2:0 Tomelloso

MoM – José Rafael Alonso

After this weekend’s round of fixtures, it’s basically ‘as you were’ in terms of the chase for a promotion playoff spot. Ceuta are clearly the class of the Group, leading second-placed Algeciras by 9 points, ourselves by 10 and fourth-placed Linares by 13.

Surprisingly, having struggled for the first half of the season to score goals, we are the third most prolific club in the Group, with 56 goals scored, as compared to Ceuta’s 59 and Extremadura’s 58.

[Dixie Flatline]

13th of April 2005

A big, big blow for the club as Alberto Merino, who had been doing very well in defence along side Rambier, is sidelined for up to a month after he broke his shoulder in training this morning.

The semi-finals of the Champions League are decided this evening. Manchester United could not score against a tightly-marshaled Inter Milan defence and bowed out 4-0 on aggregate after losing 4-0 in the first leg. Barcelona overturned a 2-1 deficit after the first leg to prevail 4-2 on aggregate after defeating rival Real Madrid 3-0. Lyon came to Highbury and triumphed 3-0 over Arsenal to move into the last four 3-0 on aggregate. Penalties were needed to split AC Milan and Juventus after the clubs tied 2-2 on aggregate following a 1-1 draw in the San Siro. AC Milan won the penalty shoot-out.

14th of April 2005

Newcastle United never had a chance of overturning a 6-0 first leg deficit against Ajax Amsterdam, and even at St James’ Park, they still lost 1-0 thanks to van der Vaart’s fifth minute goal. Newcastle United are still looking for a new manager after sensationally dumping Graeme Souness after the first leg was played (and lost). Auxerre moved through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Cup on penalties after they defeated Schalke 1-0 to tie the aggregate scores at 1-1 apiece. Despite losing 2-1 to Bayer Leverkusen, Parma did just enough in the first leg to go into the semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate.

16th of April 2005

Segunda Liga B – Group 4, Game 33: Lorca v Cartagena

I’m left frustrated at my strikers’ inability to hit the target today as we drop two valuable points to an admittedly well-drilled Lorca. Sívori put us in front on 18 minutes when he works a neat move with Jordi down the right flank and then buries it past the Lorca keeper. However, Sívori prefers today to go for personal glory rather than do the team thing and continues to blaze heroically from outside the penalty box rather than looking for players who have better position – this is despite me telling him that he should stop taking long pot-shots and run with the ball more.

So, inevitably, the equalizer comes late in the match – on 88 minutes to be precise, as Iñaki carelessly looks for a double-teamed Nogueira, Lorca gather up the ball and pass it around until it ends up with Bordas striding down the left flank to tuck away underneath Iñaki.

With the rest of the league to play tomorrow, this is not the time to be dropping points. A very disappointing result.

Lorca (4-4-2): Rafa; Gurrutxaga, Eloy Pomar (Rafa Moreno 73), Iñaki Bea, Robles; Alexandre (Bordas 73), Ramos, Xavi Moro, Xabi Sánchez © (Jorge Sánchez 73); Perona, Huegún.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Manu, Conget; Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, Jordi; Sívori; Nogueira.

Final score: Lorca 1:1 Cartagena

MoM – Aitor Huegún

[Dixie Flatline]

17th of April 2005

Fortunately, Sevilla B does us a favour by holding Linares to a 0-0 draw.

Ceuta is confirmed as booking a place in the promotion playoffs.

22nd of April 2005

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">

Extremadura’s promotion hopes dealt a blow

With time running out in the chase for a promotion playoff spot in Group 4 of the Segunda Liga B, Extremadura fans were entitled to feel confident heading into this evening’s live televised game at home against mid-table Talavera. However, their hopes were dashed by an own goal ‘credited’ to Pata just before half-time, which decided the match in favour of the visitors. Having played 34 games – one more than those around it – Extremadura’s odds of gaining a playoff spot are starting to lengthen, as the form of those in the top four continue to make it difficult for Extremadura, currently fifth, to break in to the top four.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

24th of April 2005

Segunda Liga B – Group 4, Game 34: Cartagena v Don Benito

This is probably the easiest game we’ll play until the end of the season, as Don Benito are currently nineteenth and staring relegation right in the face. I spring a surprise selection, dropping Fran Nogueira for Loreto. Nogueira is unlucky because he hasn’t done anything wrong, but I feel this is the type of game that would be right up Loreto’s alley. However, it is Sívori who sets us on our way on 14 minutes when he collects Trobbiani’s free kick, holds off his marker and fires it past the Don Benito keeper. Loreto then justifies my selection when he collects Sívori’s pass, barges through a couple of Don Benito defenders and buries it at the near post. Don Benito are suitably shell-shocked and don’t pose much of a threat; indeed, we should have done better than the 2-0 scoreline suggests.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Manu, Conget; Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, Jordi; Sívori (Nando Sanz 78); Loreto (Bordi 78).

Don Benito (4-4-2): Febles; Guirado, Lillo (Cobos 72), Negredo, Santana (Higuera 81); Jorge ©, Campos, Soler, Serrano; Teo (Vázquez 72), Pedro Carrión.

Final score: Cartagena 2:0 Don Benito

MoM – Pablo Marcello Trobbiani

The result does indeed confirm Don Benito’s relegation and eases us a step closer towards a promotion playoff spot. You now have to go back 18 games to see us lose a match, which is tremendous form.

[Dixie Flatline]

27th of April 2005

In the European Champions’ League, Barcelona defeats Inter Milan 2-0, while AC Milan beats Lyon 1-0.

28th of April 2005

In the UEFA Cup, Ajax defeats Auxerre 3-1 away from home, while Benfica defeat Parma by the same scoreline at home.

30th of April 2005

To crown being named champion of Group 4, Ceuta smash a hapless Díter Zafra 5-0.

1st of May 2005

Manchester United sack Sir Alex Ferguson!

Segunda Liga B – Group 4, Game 35: Linares v Cartagena

It’s fourth versus third and we have an opportunity to move into second if we defeat our hosts, as Algeciras lost yesterday to Sevilla B at home. But we go behind on 11 minutes when Moncho latches onto a long pass out of defence, holds off Alain and slips it between Iñaki’s legs for the first goal of the game. However, parity is soon restored when Sívori finds half a yard of space just inside the Linares penalty box and coolly converts Silva’s excellent cross on 19 minutes. Trobbiani then puts us ahead on 34 minutes when Silva knocks down Jordi’s dangerous cross into the midfielder’s path and he volleys it in superbly from the edge of the area. Sívori adds the icing on the cake in injury time at the end of the match when we catch Linares on a fast break, Jordi putting the ball ahead of the forward and he does the rest – he is brilliant in a one-on-one situation, is Sívori. The final score, much to the disappointment of the home supporters, is a nice-looking 3-1 to the good guys.

Linares (4-4-2): Basuari; Cociancich, Chico ©, Marcos Súarez, Campos (Sergio 73); Ortiz (Alvarez 62), Ãlex, Martín Tártara, Rafa Navarro; Dani Bouzas (Nacho Aznar 62), Moncho.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Manu, Conget; Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, Jordi; Sívori; Nogueira.

Final score: Linares 1:3 Cartagena

MoM – Sívori

Numancia is relegated from the Primera Liga. Tomelloso and Arenas C.D. are relegated from Group 4 of the Segunda Liga B.

4th of May 2005

It will be a Barcelona-Lyon final in the Champions’ League after Barcelona prevails on the away goals rule despite losing to Inter Milan 4-2 at the San Siro. Lyon brushed a disappointing AC Milan aside 3-0 at home to go through 3-1 on aggregate.

5th of May 2005

Manchester United unveils Alan Curbishley as the man to take charge in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson’s sacking last weekend.

In the UEFA Cup, Ajax and Benfica will go head to head as they completed the defeats of Auxerre and Parma, their respective opponents.

7th of May 2005

Segunda Liga B – Group 4, Game 36: Cartagena v Jaén

Well, we might have won the battle but we could lose the war, as Sívori breaks an ankle just moments before the end of the first half. Our physios later diagnose the injury as serious enough to keep him out of action for at least four months. The ironic thing was that Sívori had hardly got a touch of the ball and I was going to substitute him at half-time. We do win the match, Puig scoring the only goal of the game on 54 minutes when he rises highest to head home Trobbiani’s well-flighted cross. Jaén are all over us in the last ten minutes of the game, looking for an equalizer, but my defenders stand tall and give us another three points.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Manu, Conget; Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, Jordi; Sívori (Nando Sanz 41); Nogueira (Bordi 71).

Jaén (4-5-1): Jacobo; Galera, Vicente (Puli 77), Carlos García, Torres; Linares (Óscar 69), Navarro, Pana, Márquez ©, Turner; Sergio Cruz (Roberto 77).

Final score: Cartagena 1:0 Jaén

MoM – Jacobo

I’m asked by the sports writer for the local newspaper whether Sívori’s injury will mean his presence will be missed. I decide to put a brave face on it; the only thing I could do really – and say that I have sufficient depth in the squad to cover him. Nando Sanz will get first crack at taking on Sívori’s position as withdrawn striker, but Kali Ongala, Loreto and Gabriel Bordi are all possibilities.

[Dixie Flatline]

8th of May 2005

Great news for the club as after today’s round of fixtures is completed, we are confirmed as earning a promotion playoff spot!

13th of May 2005

Segunda Liga B – Group 4, Game 37: Algeciras v Cartagena

So, finally, our undefeated streak is ended by a single goal from Algeciras’ Quique Romero on 34 minutes. A neat interchange of passes sees the ball end with Romero, who manages to wrong-foot Iñaki and score off the upright. In truth, we didn’t deserve anything from this game as we didn’t play to the best of our abilities, and Algeciras’ Carlos Alvarez blasted a penalty wide of the mark on 17 minutes.

Algeciras (3-4-1-2): Calleja; Benjamín, Sanjulián, Ãngel Luis (González 71); Fran, Zafra ©, Carlos Alvarez, Ortega; Quique Romero (Donoso 60); May (Esparza 60), Sequeiros.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Manu (Blinker 81), Conget; Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, Jordi (Isach 62); Nando Sanz (Bordi 62); Nogueira.

Final score: Algeciras 1:0 Cartagena

MoM – Iñaki

18th of May 2005

Ajax Amsterdam wins the UEFA Cup after beating Benfica 3-0 in Lisbon.

22nd of May 2005

Segunda Liga B – Group 4, Game 38: Cartagena v Jerez

Well, we’re going to limp into the promotion playoffs after we’re held to a lacklustre 0-0 draw at home by Jerez, despite our opponent losing a man to a red card for a professional foul on 34 minutes. In truth, we barely looked like scoring even if we played for three hours today. A very disappointing result and my optimistic tone to the press a few weeks ago that we wouldn’t miss Sívori is starting to look a little hollow now that we’ve gone two consecutive matches without scoring.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Puig, Conget; Silva, Trobbiani, Piombo, Jordi; Nando Sanz (Bordi 64): Loreto.

Jerez (4-4-2): Dorronsoro; Green, Morales, Juan, Nicolás (Ramón 71); Manolo, David, Pepe Puntas (s/o 44), de la Cruz; José Enrique (Golo 62), Mario (Chema 62).

Final score: Cartagena 0:0 Jerez

MoM – Pedro José Dorronsoro

Here is the top ten of the Group after the home & away season is completed:

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre">

Pos Team Pld Won Drn Lst For Ag G.D. Pts

-----------------------------------------------------------

1st C Ceuta 38 26 8 4 73 19 +54 86

2nd Pl Algeciras 38 22 11 5 69 29 +40 77

3rd Pl Cartagena 38 20 14 4 63 20 +43 74

4th Pl Extremadura 38 20 8 10 68 43 +25 68

-----------------------------------------------------------

5th Linares 38 19 9 10 57 35 +22 66

6th Talavera 38 17 11 10 46 38 +8 62

7th Melilla 38 15 16 7 57 32 +25 61

8th Sevilla B 38 18 7 13 45 44 +1 61

9th Jaen 38 16 12 10 51 36 +15 60

10th Badajoz 38 16 11 11 52 41 +11 59

</pre>

Deportivo La Coruña is crowned champion of Spain with a game to play.

[Dixie Flatline]

25th of May 2005

Barcelona is the new champion of Europe after defeating Lyon 3-2 after extra time in a pulsating match.

28th of May 2005

It may have been a poor season both domestically and on the Continent for Manchester United, but they do not finish the season empty-handed, as they defeated Blackburn Rovers 3-1 in the final of the FA Cup at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.

29th of May 2005

I am advised by the Spanish football authorities that Cartagena will travel to Las Palmas to play Universidad in the first leg of the promotion playoff semi final. The match is to be played on the 1st of June 2005.

1st of June 2005

Segunda Liga B – Promotion Playoff Semi-Final, Leg 1: Universidad de Las Palmas v Cartagena

We are just 90 minutes away from playing in a promotion playoff final after we stepped up to the plate and delivered two knock-out punches to our opponent, the more highly fancied Universidad. Away from home, we expected an avalanche of attacking pressure from Universidad, and they didn’t disappoint, but with Merino adjudged fit enough to resume in defence alongside Rambier and Puig back in midfield, I felt much better. Iñaki was the hero of the match, though, as he worked tirelessly to deny Universidad a killer goal, allowing us to reach the break level at 0-0 apiece.

Then on 61 minutes, we were awarded a free kick from about 30 yards out. Setpiece specialist Nando Sanz stepped up and rocketed the ball home with the keeper wondering what hit the back of the net! Universidad, understandably, were taken aback by this and looked immediately for the equalizer, only to be met with stubborn resistance from my keeper and defenders.

As I counted down the seconds towards the final whistle, happy with a 1-0 lead and an away goal, and knowing that even if we did concede we held the upper hand, Óscar Silva, Trobbiani and Jordi orchestrated a quick counter-attack which meant that Nando Sanz was left unmarked and able to fire home from just ouside the box with another rocket of a shot! I was in raptures and so were the players as the referee called full-time on proceedings. All that’s left to do now is beware of the Universidad fightback in a week’s time and we will have secured for ourselves a place in the promotion playoff finals!

Universidad de Las Palmas (4-1-2-1-2): Moisés; Dani, Ojeda, Juanito, Peltjo (Aythami 60); Sarasúa; Pachi (Acorán 74), Mutiu; Barbarà ©; Francis Santana (Herrera 61), Orlando.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Merino, Conget; Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, Jordi; Nando Sanz; Loreto.

Final score: Universidad 0:2 Cartagena

MoM – Iñaki

[Dixie Flatline]

8th of June 2005

Segunda Liga B – Promotion Playoff Semi-Final, Leg 2: Cartagena v Universidad de Las Palmas

We advance into the promotion playoff final, but the cost is enormous. Universidad manage to fight us to a 2-2 draw and we lose Alberto Merino to a red card and automatic suspension, Romain Rambier picks up his fifth booking of the season to also be suspended for a match, and Eduardo Conget and Fran Nogueira suffer injuries serious enough to end their respective seasons. Things began brightly for us, too, when Nogueira puts us in front on the evening after just 6 minutes when we counter-attacked superbly. However, Universidad’s Santana latches onto a long ball from Orlando on 19 minutes and bangs it past Iñaki to give Universidad a faint glimmer. Conget then was forced off the field on 40 minutes and I had to reshuffle the backline to replace him. We took the lead on 62 minutes when Nogueira converted a penalty earned by himself when he was tripped by a Universidad defender inside the box. Six minutes later, we were reduced to ten men when Merino was sent off, then Orlando equalised on 75 minutes. Finally, Fran Nogueira copped his own injury in a robust challenge from Aitor.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Merino (s/o 68), Conget (Piombo 40); Silva, Trobbiani, Puig , Jordi; Nando Sanz (Isach 69); Nogueira (Bordi 82).

Universidad de Las Palmas (4-1-2-1-2): Moisés; Aitor, Ojeda, Juanito, Peltjo (Aythami 60); Sarasúa; Aarón (Luis 68); Pachi; Barbarà ©; Francis Santana (Ãngel 68), Orlando.

Final score: Cartagena 2:2 Universidad de Las Palmas

Aggregate score: Cartagena 4:2 Universidad de Las Palmas

MoM – Joan Barbarà

We have four days to prepare for the first leg of the promotion playoff final when we host Hércules. As I need to make three changes to my back four, I’m not surprised to see our opponent made favourite by the bookies.

[Dixie Flatline]

10th of June 2005

Fortuna Sittard make an enquiry concerning the availability of Regi Blinker. In conjunction with my coaching staff, I decide upon an acceptable valuation and respond accordingly.

Alberto Merino believes that my official warning for his red card in our last game is harsh and unfair. I beg to differ. At this stage of the season, I need as many regulars available as there can be. Merino and Rambier form half of my defence. They work well together. To be suspended for the first leg of the two biggest matches of the season is not acceptable.

12th of June 2005

Segunda Liga B - Promotion Playoff Final, Leg 1: Cartagena v Hércules

Somehow, we manage to survive the Hércules onslaught for 90 minutes, and even come out of the game with a slender 1-0 lead, thanks to Gabriel Bordi’s first goal for the club on 34 minutes. The statistics tell the story of the siege that we endured for the entire match. We had 11 shots at goal, with only two on target; in contrast, Hércules had 19 shots at goal, and Iñaki was kept on his toes, as he needed to deal with six on-target shots. Our typically cool passing style was disrupted by Hércules, as they poured forward in wave after wave of attacks, and my makeshift back four threatened to crumble at any moment, but for the excellent skills of Alain and of course, my keeper. The goal itself was a lesson in counter-attacking football, as we moved the ball from practically the left corner post in our defence all the way up the field without a single Hércules player touching it for Bordi to crash home from just inside the area. Little wonder that it was basically our only fluent movement of the ball for the match. Nevertheless, with Rambier and Merino back in the back four for next weekend’s finale, I feel more confident now.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki ©; Alain, Manu, Puig, Juanmi; Silva (Blinker 90), Trobbiani, Piombo, Jordi; Nando Sanz (Loreto 52); Bordi.

Hércules (4-4-2): Rubén; Hérnandez, Vicente Verdejo, Palacios (Carlos 72), Castro; Nacho (Chus 72), Asián ©, Mora, Merino; Jordi Martínez, Nano (Jordi Tarrés 72).

Final score: Cartagena 1:0 Hércules

MoM – Iñaki

After the game, I’m informed by Fortuna Sittard that they will not follow up their enquiry concerning Blinker.

18th of June 2005

Dutch club Emmen offers me £1,000 for Regi Blinker. I accept the offer, on behalf of the club.

[Dixie Flatline]

19th of June 2005

Segunda Liga B - Promotion Playoff Final, Leg 2: Hércules v Cartagena

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">

Cartagena secure promotion to the Segunda Liga!

A Kali Ongala hat-trick in the first half helped to secure Cartagena’s promotion to the Segunda Liga. In a fine display of counter-attacking football, goals to the Congolese international on 9, 16 and 36 minutes killed off Hércules’ hopes of promotion. The Congolese forward’s selection, at the expense of Nando Sanz, was somewhat of a surprise, as he had hardly had an opportunity after moving to Cartagena in the winter, and was somewhat jetlagged having played for the Democratic Republic of Congo in their World Cup qualifier. However, he rose magnificently to the challenge set down by his manager, showing class, guile, strength and the necessary predatory instincts to suggest that he may not be one for the scrapheap next season.

The reinstatement of centre halves Romain Rambier and Alberto Merino also helped to calm an under-pressure defence, which suffered from their absence last weekend. Time and again, they blocked the channels favoured by the Hércules forwards and reduced their effectiveness considerably. In midfield, Trobbiani especially was at his imperious best, dictating the play for Cartagena and doing his fair share of defensive work. His partner, Julio Puig, also played an important role in containing the Hércules attacking midfielders.

A historic day for Cartagena as they achieved promotion to the Segunda Liga at manager, Señor Flatline’s first attempt.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, that was a fantastic game to watch. Seeing Ongala repay my faith in him in the manner in which he did was brilliant to watch. He was immense, as were Rambier and Merino at the back. Trobbiani was tireless in midfield, directing his passes with precision, flair and creativity, while Puig did well to tie down the Hércules midfield. Indeed, it’s difficult to point out a player who did not do his job to perfection this afternoon, and that’s the reason why we’re stepping up a division!

Hércules (4-4-2): Rubén; Hérnandez, Carlos (Fran 82), Palacios, Castro; Nacho (Patri 61), Asián ©, Mora, J. Merino; Jordi Martínez (Jordi Tarrés 72, Nano.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki; Alain, Rambier ©, Merino, Manu; Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, Jordi (Isach 53); Ongala (Loreto 84); Bordi.

Final score: Hércules 0:3 Cartagena

Aggregate score: Cartagena 4:0 Hércules

MoM – Kali Ongala

[Dixie Flatline]

Of course, both the fans and the Board of the club are delirious with excitement at the promotion of the club. Before the season began, we were looking at a top-ten finish in the Division, but a spectacular run of form pushed us into a promotion playoff position. We grabbed that opportunity with both hands and succeeded where few had given us much chance.

However, the hard work preparing for next season begins this evening. Many of our squad players are simply not up to the standard required of competing in the Segunda Liga, and if we are to survive then I need to overhaul the squad, and quickly. Iñaki, for example, was immense for us this season, keeping 25 clean sheets in 42 games for the season, but he is 35 and is probably not up to scratch for keeping goal for an entire season. We managed to get away with playing without a recognised right back for the entire season, but Conget should not be expected to hold down that position next season. I need to find someone who specialises in that position. Midfielders, beyond the likes of Trobbiani and perhaps Puig, are also at a premium, and I hope that I can find some strikers to support Sívori and Fran Nogueira.

Let’s quickly wrap the squad:

Goalkeepers

Iñaki made the position his own and sometimes performed wonders in goal for us. Definitely a tremendous asset for the club, but whether he is good enough to keep goal next season is another story. Yepes didn’t get a look in.

Iñaki (35 y/o, ESP, GK): 42 apps, 22 conceded, 25 clean sheets, 8 MoMs, av. rating: 7.38

José Esteban Yepes (33 y/o, ESP, GK): 0 apps

Defenders

My best back four of Alain, Rambier, Merino and Conget played very well together, but if I had to break up the back four, I always thought there would be question marks over the solidity of my defence. Fortunately, Manu and to a lesser extent Juanmi were good enough to fill in the gaps when required. Puig, also, served some time in defence and did not look out of place, though his best position was midfield. Herviás was there or there abouts, but I never played him in a competitive fixture. Defence needs to be improved for next season, by finding in particular a right back or two, and some cover for the current back four.

Juanmi (23 y/o, ESP, D L): 2 apps, av. rating: 7.00

Manu (32 y/o, ESP, D C): 11(2) apps, av. rating: 7.31

Alberto Merino (30 y/o, ESP, D C): 31 apps, av. rating: 7.32

Romain Rambier (23 y/o, FRA, D C): 41 apps, 2 assists, av. rating: 7.24

Alain (27 y/o, ESP, D/DM L): 42 apps, 3 assists, av. rating: 7.33

Eduardo Conget (27 y/o, ESP, DM RC): 39 apps, 1 goal, 3 assists, av. rating: 7.26

Juan José Herviás (22 y/o, ESP, D/DM C): 0 apps

[Dixie Flatline]

Midfielders

I began the season with a midfield quartet of Óscar Silva, Trobbiani, Puig, and Carlos Isach. Isach, however, was supplanted mid-way through the season by Jordi, as Isach’s refusal to sign a new contract began to grate on my nerves. Fortunately, Jordi was at least as good, if not better, than Isach, so it really wasn’t much of a sacrifice. Silva was our assist king, setting up more goals for other players than anybody else in the side, as he used his pace and skill down the left flank to get the better of his opponents. Piombo was a useful back-up if I needed extra steel in midfield and to cover the absence of either Puig or Trobbiani.

Regi Blinker was probably a disappointment. Played the early stages of the campaign but didn’t really impress like I thought he should and soon drifted out of contention for a first team place on a regular basis. Likewise, Nando Sanz was bought at too high a price for what he has offered the club. Diego Gottardi was dropped from the squad to make way for Sanz, and never really had much of an opportunity as I don’t believe he is good enough. Uvi was also deemed expendable as member of the squad early in the campaign and also was not able to crack a regular gig in the team.

Julio Puig (28 y/o, ESP, D/M C): 36(1) apps, 3 goals, 4 assists, 1 MoM, av. rating: 7.24

Juan Ignacio Piombo (23 y/o, ARG, DM C): 14(2) apps, 1 goal, av. rating: 7.25

Jordi (28 y/o, ESP, M R): 26(1) apps, 1 goal, 12 assists, av. rating: 7.37

Pablo Marcello Trobbiani (28 y/o, ESP, M C): 33 apps, 4 goals, 8 assists, 3 MoMs, av. rating: 7.79

Carlos Isach (26 y/o, ESP, AM RC): 16(3) apps, 3 assists, av. rating: 7.32

Óscar Silva (28 y/o, ESP, AM L): 41 apps, 3 goals, 20 assists, 3 MoMs, av. rating: 7.59

Regi Blinker (36 y/o, NED 3 caps, AM LC): 11(3) apps, 1 goal, 2 assists, av. rating: 7.14

Diego Gottardi (23 y/o, ARG, AM LC): 0(2) apps, av. rating: 7.00

Nando Sanz (29 y/o, ESP, AM C): 5(6) apps, 3 goals, 1 assist, av. rating: 7.00

Uvi (28 y/o, ESP, AM C): 2(1) apps, av. rating: 7.00

[Dixie Flatline]

Forwards

The club is grateful to Kali Ongala for scoring a hat-trick at exactly the right moment to propel us up a division, while Sívori was simply superb for a long stretch of the season. From 27(3) appearances, he scored 26 goals and put us on the path to promotion, even if he wasn’t there to enjoy the fruits of his work at the end.

Gabriel Bordi still seems to be settling in to his new environment and has not really impressed, despite being given a fairly generous opportunity to put his stamp upon the club.

Fran Nogueira was a more than useful foil for Sívori until he was injured late in the season. Often drawing the fire from the opponent’s defenders, Nogueira was often used as a decoy by his teammates while they looked for Sívori, but he nevertheless was good enough to score 19 goals in 28(1) appearances this season for the club. He was also responsible for kick-starting our campaign for promotion when it seemed to be foundering.

Loreto began the campaign believing he would be the focal point for our forward forays. But he failed to impress me sufficiently and soon lost his place to Nogueira. Loreto didn’t like that much and bleated about it to the press. At 34 years of age, he is not in the long-term plans of the club and I might see if I can cash in on him during the off-season.

Nacho García made an impact early but didn’t retain his place in the squad as he was supplanted by Gabriel Bordi. May have a chance at stepping up next season, but he has a lot of work to do.

Kali Ongala (25 y/o, CGO 1 cap, F C): 1(4) apps, 3 goals, 1 MoM, av. rating: 7.60

Sívori (28 y/o, ESP, F C): 27(3) apps, 26 goals, 7 assists, 7 MoMs, av. rating: 7.73

Gabriel Bordi (30 y/o, ARG, S C): 2(7) apps, 1 goal, av. rating: 6.89

Fran Nogueira (32 y/o, ESP, S C): 28(1) apps, 19 goals, 1 assist, 2 MoMs, av. rating: 7.24

Loreto (34 y/o, ESP, S C): 10(8) apps, 4 goals, 1 assist, 1 MoM, av. rating: 6.83

Nacho García (29 y/o, ESP, S C): 2(2) apps, 1 goal, av. rating: 7.25

For the moment, that's all from Cartagena. Signing off, for now!

[BobBev]

Well done on the promotion Dixie and good luck for next season

[Dixie Flatline]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by BobBev:

Well done on the promotion Dixie and good luck for next season </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks, BobBev, on both counts!

[Guest]

Congrats Dixie. Maybe your newfound goal threat will step up to the next level with you... Hope you get a new RB

[Dixie Flatline]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by boltinho:

Congrats Dixie. Maybe your newfound goal threat will step up to the next level with you... Hope you get a new RB </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks, mate. We'll see how things turn out in the new season.

[Dixie Flatline]

Some more from the south of Spain!

21st of June 2005

Blinker rejects a move back to the Netherlands and Emmen.

26th of June 2005

The Board is delighted to unveil a club sponsorship of £110,000 per annum for four years. Obviously, they do not think that we’ll be able to make it into the Primera Liga within four seasons, and quite possibly we’ll be relegated back to the Segunda Liga B at some stage within the next four seasons. I’m disappointed at the Board’s lack of ambition, but I bite my tongue and keep silent, for the moment.

I’m informed by the Board that my transfer budget is £110,000, along with whatever money I can raise from sales of current players. We need an injection of quality to stay afloat in the Segunda Liga, and I don’t think I’ll be able to afford much quality with that amount of money at my disposal.

1st of July 2005

The Spanish transfer window opens again.

5th of July 2005

I persuade former Russian international Alexandr Mostovoy to trade in Jaén for Cartagena and an opportunity to play at a higher level. His experience in Spain should prove beneficial as we struggle to remain afloat in the Segunda Liga.

Murcia decides that Óscar Silva’s form in the Segunda Liga B is worth making a bid. They offer me £400,000 for the left winger. Mindful that I’m about to capture a left winger on a Bosman free transfer in a few days’ time, I know that Silva is not indispensable to this club; however, his form was very good for the entire season and I believe he can make the step up to a higher level. Unfortunately, it meets his minimum release clause trigger and I’m bound by contract to accept it.

[Dixie Flatline]

6th of July 2005

Salamanca offers me £750,000 for Trobbiani. As you might have guessed, this matches his minimum release fee clause and I’m bound by the player contract to accept the offer.

I try to flog Diego Gottardi off to Argentine club Ferro for £8,000, but the club over-extended itself and cannot afford the fee.

8th of July 2005

Óscar Silva agrees terms with Murcia and moves to his new club with immediate effect. At least the club can bank £400,000 from the transfer: Óscar Silva (28 y/o, ESP, AM L): 41 apps, 3 goals, 20 assists, 3 MoMs, av. rating: 7.59

9th of July 2005

Pablo Marcello Trobbiani follows Silva’s lead and agrees terms with Salamanca. He moves to his new club with immediate effect. We bank £750,000 in return, but I would much rather have Trobbiani (unless I can find somebody better! ): Pablo Marcello Trobbiani (28 y/o, ESP, M C): 33 apps, 4 goals, 8 assists, 3 MoMs, av. rating: 7.79

10th of July 2005

Not surprisingly, Sívori is voted as the Fans’ Player of the Year for the 2004/05 season.

We are given £2 million for television rights for the forthcoming season. Nevertheless, the club does not give me more money for transfers.

15th of July 2005

I am offered £500,000 by Córdoba for Romain Rambier. That meets his minimum release fee clause and I’m forced to agree to the proposal.

16th of July 2005

Real Vallodolid joins Córdoba in offering £500,000 for Rambier. The offer is accepted.

19th of July 2005

Recreativo also offers £500,000 for Rambier. Of course, the offer is accepted.

21st of July 2005

Málaga will sign Carlos Isach on a Bosman free transfer tomorrow after he rejected my last roll of the dice. Carlos Isach (26 y/o, ESP, AM RC): 16(3) apps, 3 assists, av. rating: 7.32

24th of July 2005

Rambier rejects my contractual offer and opts instead to join Recreativo, enriching the club’s coffers by another £500,000. However, I’m quickly becoming frustrated that no player of quality wants to join this club. Romain Rambier (23 y/o, FRA, D C): 41 apps, 2 assists, av. rating: 7.24

I sign a 17 year old goalkeeper by the name of Juan Carlos on a free transfer and put him in the U-18 squad.

[Dixie Flatline]

25th of July 2005

Another 17 year old goalkeeper, Vicente Flor, joins the club and also goes to the U-18 squad.

27th of July 2005

Carlos, a 25 year old full-back/defensive midfielder, joins the club on a free transfer. He might be competent enough to be a back-up to a proper right back but I am on the look-out for more accomplished players.

28th of July 2005

Eduardo Conget pledges his loyalty to the club by signing a new two year contract that earns him £3,600 per week and sets his minimum release fee at £2.5 million.

31st of July 2005

Friendly – Cartagena v Salamanca

Today’s game, played in front of just 694 people, illustrated how far we need to go to be competitive against other clubs in the Segunda Liga. Salamanca dominated the game from the first whistle to the last, but were robbed of a deserved victory by a combination of poor finishing and excellent goalkeeping by Iñaki, who pulled off some ripping saves. We lacked a cutting edge up front, with Bordi looking poor in the first half and Loreto unable to impose himself against a solid Salamanca back four. On the bright side, Sipho Nunens looked capable of stepping into Trobbiani’s shoes as the midfield playmaker, until I substituted him just short of the hour, while Puig was his mongrel best. Carlos showed some encouraging signs at right back; Blinker looks capable of covering left wing if Ortiz, due to arrive tomorrow, can’t play.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki ©; Alain (Juanmi 76), Herviás (Manu 76), Merino, Carlos; Blinker (Gottardi 58), Nunens (Raúl 58), Puig (Piombo 76), Jordi (Guill 76); Ongala (Nando Sanz 58); Bordi (Loreto 45).

Salamanca (4-1-2-1-2): Sergio Aragoneses (Ricardo 15); Lupidio (Michel Ruano 74), Aurelio © (Alonso 81), Mario, Gañán (Chupri 74); Redero (Jaime 74); David Cano (Amieva 74), Rogério; Oskitz; Robert (Koeman 45), Deus (José 45).

Final score: Cartagena 0:0 Salamanca

MoM – Iñaki

[Dixie Flatline]

1st of August 2005

I welcome experienced winger José Manuel Ortiz and veteran attacking midfielder Alexandr Mostovoy to the club. Both, I sense, will have significant parts to play in our campaign to avoid relegation this season.

7th of August 2005

Highly-rated 19 year old Italian defensive utility, Riccardo Cazzola, joins the club on a free transfer after he was released by Perugia during the summer.

We also snap up experienced right winger Jorge Azkoitia on a free transfer after he was released by Elche.

8th of August 2005

Friendly – Cartagena v Levante

The crowd shows up for our friendly fixture against a Primera Liga club, with more than 11,000 packing the grandstands. They see us go down 2-1, with all three goals coming within the space of 16 minutes. Levante strike first when Gustavo Enrique Reggi finds too much space at the edge of our penalty box and beats Iñaki at his near post. Nacho García equalizes six minutes later when he takes Ongala’s pass, beats his marker and fires past the Levante keeper. However, we go down to Ian Harte’s 88th minute goal when the Irishman is played on-side by Cazzola and finishes nicely.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Carlos; Ortiz (Gottardi 79), Nunens (Raúl 50), Puig (Piombo 79), Azkoitia (Conget 50); Mostovoy (Ongala 50); Bordi (Nacho García 50).

Levante (4-5-1): Cavallero (Mora 78); Eger (Rubiales 72), Alexis (Manchev 90), Culebras (Steinwarth 61), Descarga (Sandro 45); Jofre (González 45), Rivera (Schröder 45), Heldt (Harte 61), Lozano © (Juanma 72), Ettien (Tito 61); Batistuta (Reggi 61).

Final score: Cartagena 1:2 Levante

MoM – Juan Luis Mora

11th of August 2005

Friendly – Cartagena v Xerez

An encouraging display from my side as we beat fellow Segunda Liga club, Xerez, by Sipho Nunens’ brilliant 35 yard strike on 56 minutes. The South African international played marvelously in the centre of midfield, pulling the strings and playing confident passes around the field. The only downside was I lost Puig for a month after he strained his knee ligaments. Ortiz will also miss about a week of football with a slightly damaged shoulder.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Yepes; Alain, Cazzola, Merino (Herviás 71), Carlos; Ortiz (Blinker 48), Nunens (Conget 71), Puig (Piombo 48), Azkoitia; Mostovoy © (Nando Sanz 71); Loreto (Ongala 82).

Xerez (1-2-5-2): Alberto (Diego 79); Rosa (Bajic 46); Cristante (Roteta 48), Franz (Julio Iglesias 79); Pedro Rios (Pazos 56), Moreno (Francis 56), Simeón (Brouwer 56), Cachorro (Maínz 46), Aitor Santos © (Cordero 48); Lekic (Mendoza 56), Camuñas (Etxabe 79).

Final score: Cartagena 1:0 Xerez

MoM – José Esteban Yepes

[Dixie Flatline]

15th of August 2005

Friendly – Cartagena v Palermo

Well, if our last friendly gave us signs of encouragement, today’s match gave us signs of discouragement, unfortunately. We go behind after just 3 minutes to Franco Bienza’s goal which is made and scored ridiculously easily. Mostovoy levels the scores seven minutes later with a nicely-taken free kick, but straight from the restart Palermo re-take the lead when Toni and Bienza leave my defence disorganized; Bienza’s shot is partially smothered by Yepes, but Toni reacts quickest and prods home the rebound. Toni then escapes Manu who misjudges a flighted cross on 14 minutes and the Italian striker gleefully hits the ball past Yepes to make it 3-1 with barely 15 minutes on the clock. Bordi pulls it back to 3-2 on the hour mark, after benefiting from good work by Nunens, Conget and Blinker, but we are never really in the hunt in this game. I’m disappointed, to say the least.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Yepes; Juanmi, Cazzola (inj 90), Manu (Merino 64), Carlos; Alain (Blinker 45), Nunens, Conget ©, Azkoitia (Guill 45); Mostovoy (Ongala 86); Nogueira (Bordi 45).

Palermo (4-4-1-1): Comi (Pepe 89); Grosso (Accardi 81), Rinaudo (Biava 61), Terlizzi (Adriano 61), Zaccardo (Cossentino 81); Filippini (Possanzini 45), Barone (Santoni 89), Mutarelli (Corini 45), Santana (González 73); Brienza (Morrone 89); Toni © (Di Donato 73).

Cartagena 2:3 Palermo

MoM – Franco Bienza

18th of August 2005

Friendly – Cartagena v Ejido

This turns out to be a fairly even match as Ejido dominate proceedings in the first half without scoring a goal, and we look a much better side in the second half but also without scoring a goal.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Yepes; Juanmi (Ortiz 51), Cazzola (Merino 51), Manu (Herviás 74), Carlos; Alain, Piombo (Nando Sanz 74), Conget ©, Azkoitia (Jordi 51); Mostovoy (Ongala 51); Nogueira (Bordi 51).

Ejido (4-4-2): Kike; Javi Paredes (Velasco 60), Urbano (Moisés 60), Paco García ©, Pedro (Raúl Torres 71); Vellisca, Martí (Iván 71), Jordi López (Manolo 60), Víctor Salas (Canito 46); Vucko (Vertua 71), Sabino.

Final score: Cartagena 0:0 Ejido

MoM – José Esteban Yepes

[Dixie Flatline]

21st of August 2005

I sign Juan Antonio Godino, an attacking midfielder/right winger, for £35,000 from Murcia.

Friendly – Cartagena v Cartagena U-18s

Godino snags a place on the bench as I put the players through a light work-out with the U-18s. As can be expected, the senior squad dominates the game. Ortiz puts us in front on 40 minutes with a wicked free kick. Then Godino on 67 minutes doubles our lead after excellent lead-up play by Nunens and Nogueira. Although this is unlikely to teach us much about the squad, I hope the senior squad can use it to boost their confidence ahead of the forthcoming season.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Carlos; Ortiz (Juanmi 70), Conget, Nunens, Azkoitia; Ongala (Godino 52); Nogueira (Bordi 70).

Cartagena U-18s (4-4-2): Flor (Carlos 61); ten other local youngsters.

Final score: Cartagena 2:0 Cartagena U-18s

MoM – José Manuel Ortiz

23rd of August 2005

We’re installed at 200-1 odds to take out the Segunda Liga trophy, whereas, Racing Santander, Málaga, and Numancia are 2-1 odds on favourite to go up, followed by Terrassa at 5-2, Salamanca and Elche at 5-1. Obviously, according to the UK bookies, we should be more concerned about avoiding relegation. That is the question on the lips of the local newspaper reporter, who asks me whether I feel the squad needs strengthening. I promote a bullish attitude, saying the crop of players I have at the club should be good enough to avoid relegation.

25th of August 2005

I unveil two more signings as former AC Milan and Torino winger, Gianluigi Lentini, arrives at the club on a free transfer from Canelli, and right-sided defender, Rafa Moreno, signs from Lorca for an initial fee of £20,000.

With six days to go before the transfer window shuts until December, I’m still on the look-out for new signings, but with poor facilities available and the fact we’re still regarded as a semi-professional club, players aren’t attracted to this club unless it’s a place of last resort.

I try to have a word with the Board about improving the training facilities, but they’re not having a bar of my request, at this stage.

26th of August 2005

We’re drawn to play Segunda Liga B club Ãvila in the preliminary round of the Copa del Rey, with the first leg to be played away on the 31st of August 2005.

[Spav]

Great result in your first season, Dixie.

I'm looking forward to seeing how you adapt to the higher division. Good luck.

[Dixie Flatline]

30th of August 2005

I pick up Javi Navarro on a free transfer from Novelda. The 25 year old can play as a defensive-minded winger on the left side, or through the centre of midfield. He has his shortcomings, but should be able to do a job for us.

31st of August 2005

The player registration window closes for the moment, so let’s quickly recap the senior squad at my disposal (leaving out those players not registered to play):

Goalkeepers

It’s as you were in the goalkeeping department. Iñaki will be the first choice goalkeeper, despite being 35 now. He is also likely to be named captain, as Rambier has left the club. Yepes will be his able deputy.

Iñaki (35 y/o, ESP, GK): 42 apps, 22 conceded, 25 clean sheets, 8 MoMs, av. rating: 7.38

José Esteban Yepes (33 y/o, ESP, GK): 0 apps

Defenders

A few new faces will line up in the black and white of Cartagena this season. Alain and Alberto Merino carry over from last season and will take two positions in the back four. Riccardo Cazzola is a promising 20 year old Italian centre-half who will undoubtedly get a baptism of fire this season, as I plan to start him in as many games as possible. Carlos and Rafa Moreno will fight over right-back, with Alain firmly entrenched in the left-back position.

Manu and Juanmi will provide back-up, and Puig, though I plan to use him mostly in midfield, can also drop back into defence, if necessary.

Juanmi (23 y/o, ESP, D L): 2 apps, av. rating: 7.00

Manu (32 y/o, ESP, D C): 11(2) apps, av. rating: 7.31

Alberto Merino (30 y/o, ESP, D C): 31 apps, av. rating: 7.32

Carlos (25 y/o, ESP, D/DM RL): 0 apps

Rafa Moreno (24 y/o, ESP, D/DM RL): 0 apps

Riccardo Cazzola (20 y/o, ITA, D/DM RC): 0 apps

Alain (27 y/o, ESP, D/DM L): 42 apps, 3 assists, av. rating: 7.33

[Dixie Flatline]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Spav:

Great result in your first season, Dixie.

I'm looking forward to seeing how you adapt to the higher division. Good luck. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks, spav! Not long to go now to find out how Cartagena does!

[Dixie Flatline]

Midfielders

On the left flank, I’m likely to start new signing José Manuel Ortiz, with Gianluigi Lentini, given his age, more likely to play a support and covering role. Ortiz himself is no spring chicken, being 33 years old, but I took him as a Bosman free transfer in the expectation he would support Óscar Silva – only for the latter player to leave the club when the opportunity presented itself. Ortiz, however, is still quite a good player, particularly for his age, particularly from setpieces, and will be called upon to orchestrate the corner routine. Lentini was at one point the biggest name in world football, but he’s now a shadow of his former self. Still, he offers good value given I picked him up on a free transfer and he remains an excellent crosser of the ball.

On the right flank, I’ll be looking to the likes of Jordi, who remained with the club after last season, Jorge Azkoitia, another free transfer, and Juan Antonio Godino, to provide width on the right side of the pitch. Godino and Azkoitia are similar types of players, though Godino can operate through the attacking centre of midfield.

In the centre of midfield, my preferred pairing is likely to be Nunens as the playmaker and Eduardo Conget as the ballwinner. Unfortunately, Nunens and Puig are currently injured and will miss the start of the season, so I may pair Conget with either Piombo or Navarro. Puig, I think, will be an able deputy for Conget, but now that I’ve signed some right-backs, this allows Conget to operate from midfield, where I hope he’ll be more effective, particularly as a more defensively minded midfielder.

Alexandr Mostovoy may be given the opportunity to play as the withdrawn striker, in the continuing absence of Sívori. His ability from setpieces will be highly prized, I’m sure, and he’s already given an indication in the pre-season friendlies that the danger he poses to opponents will come from that avenue. However, at 37 years of age, he isn’t the player he once was, but hopefully his experience will help guide this club towards survival.

Julio Puig (28 y/o, ESP, D/M C): 36(1) apps, 3 goals, 4 assists, 1 MoM, av. rating: 7.24

Eduardo Conget (28 y/o, ESP, DM RC): 39 apps, 1 goal, 3 assists, av. rating: 7.26

Javi Navarro (25 y/o, ESP, DM LC): 0 apps

Juan Ignacio Piombo (23 y/o, ARG, DM C): 14(2) apps, 1 goal, av. rating: 7.25

Jordi (26 y/o, ESP, M R): 26(1) apps, 1 goal, 12 assists, av. rating: 7.37

Sipho Nunens (23 y/o, RSA, M C): 0 apps

Jorge Azkoitia (31 y/o, ESP, AM R): 0 apps

Gianluigi Lentini (36 y/o, ITA 13 caps, AM RL): 0 apps

Juan Antonio Godino (27 y/o, ESP, AM RC): 0 apps

José Manuel Ortiz (33 y/o, ESP, AM L): 0 apps

Alexandr Mostovoy (37 y/o, RUS 65 caps, 13 goals, AM C): 0 apps

[Dixie Flatline]

Forwards

Obviously, I hope that the partnership of Sívori and Fran Nogueira will recapture the glory of last season. I’m somewhat surprised to hang on to Sívori during the off-season as I thought that he was possibly our best player, but I guess that his ankle break curtailed what interest there might have been in the forward. He won’t be right to resume football straight away, so if I choose not to start Mostovoy, the likes of Kali Ongala might get a gig. He impressed me mightily in our victory over Hércules, scoring a hat-trick in a half of football, but he hasn’t really been a great acquisition for us otherwise.

Supporting Fran Nogueira are Gabriel Bordi and Loreto. The former has been disappointing, in my view. I thought that he would have been able to grab this chance by the scruff of the neck and wring it for all it’s worth, as I think he’s a fairly talented player. But he has not yet put the score on the board. Loreto’s opinion of himself is over-inflated, but he is still capable of doing a job, if I’m pressed.

Kali Ongala (26 y/o, CGO 1 cap, F C): 1(4) apps, 3 goals, 1 MoM, av. rating: 7.60

Sívori (28 y/o, ESP, F C): 27(3) apps, 26 goals, 7 assists, 7 MoMs, av. rating: 7.73

Gabriel Bordi (30 y/o, ARG, S C): 2(7) apps, 1 goal, av. rating: 6.89

Fran Nogueira (33 y/o, ESP, S C): 28(1) apps, 19 goals, 1 assist, 2 MoMs, av. rating: 7.24

Loreto (34 y/o, ESP, S C): 10(8) apps, 4 goals, 1 assist, 1 MoM, av. rating: 6.83

[Dixie Flatline]

Copa del Rey – Preliminary Round, Leg 1: Ãvila v Cartagena

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">

Cartagena hits Ãvila for six

Picking up where he left off against Hércules on the last day of the season, Cartagena forward Kali Ongala scored a hat-trick against Segunda Liga B club Ãvila in the first leg of their qualification match for the Copa del Rey in Ãvila this evening. The Congolese international forward was joined on the scoresheet by Alexandr Mostovoy, Fran Nogueira and Eduardo Conget as Cartagena ran riot over the Segunda Liga B club.

It was an early start for Ongala as he scored his first goal after just 66 seconds of the season had passed when he took a good throughball from Mostovoy, rounded his marker and slotted it into the far corner. Then on 8 minutes, Cartagena hit Ãvila on the fast break, a counter-attack culminating in Ongala taking the ball around 35 yards out. Dribbling past defenders, Ongala rounded the keeper and gleefully side-footed home to double his personal and the club’s tally. From the kick-off, Cartagena had their third, with Ongala in the thick of things. The Congolese forward created the opportunity for Mostovoy to blast from 25 yards, and the former Russian international didn’t let his teammates down with a superb finish to make it 3-0 to Cartagena. However, Cartagena let their guard down and Carrasco was able to pull one back on 19 minutes in bizarre fashion, with the ball striking his shin and rolling past the diving Iñaki.

However, whatever hope Ãvila might have had of staging a remarkable comeback was soon squashed when Fran Nogueira beautifully judged Jordi’s cross and headed a looping ball over the Ãvila keeper to make it 4-1. On 58 minutes, Mostovoy’s excellent work created an opportunity for Conget to head home, and the club’s vice-captain didn’t let his teammates down, thumping the header home to extend the scoreline to 5-1 in Cartagena’s favour. Ongala then completed his hat-trick on 66 minutes after good work down the right flank by the substitutes Godino and Loreto. However, a moment later, Dani scored with a thunderous free kick to score a nice consolation goal for the hosts.

But this tie is already wrapped up in Cartagena’s favour as they look towards finishing the job in the return leg in a week’s time.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, that was a thrilling way to start the season. If I’m not mistaken (and I’m not), that’s the highest-scoring game for the club since I’ve joined. The only disappointment I can pick out from the game is that from their two on-target shots, Ãvila scored goals, though both were somewhat unlikely goals. However, Ongala has given me food for thought. If he can use his run to good effect, he will cause opponents plenty of problems, as he is quick and good with the ball at his feet. It will be difficult fitting both he and Sívori into the side, while Mostovoy was also excellent from the centre of midfield, alongside the more defensive Conget.

Still, the true test will come when we play Segunda Liga clubs, not Segunda Liga B clubs.

Ãvila (4-4-2): Molina; José, Javi, Sergio, Dani; Gallardo, Recio (Ernesto 84), Toni Jiménez ©, David; Carrasco (Herrero 58), Chupe (Rubio 79).

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Carlos; Ortiz, Mostovoy, Conget, Jordi (Godino 58); Ongala; Nogueira (Loreto 58).

Final score: Ãvila 2:6 Cartagena

MoM – Kali Ongala

[Dixie Flatline]

3rd of September 2005

Ongala carries forward his good form to his country’s match against Zambia, as he set up a goal for Bapupa on 69 minutes. Congo went on to win the match 3-1.

7th of September 2005

Copa del Rey – Preliminary Round, Leg 2: Cartagena v Ãvila

This is a much more subdued match than the first leg. In fact, we don’t really begin to motor until late in the game, when Conget’s speculative shot is deflected past the Ãvila keeper on 78 minutes. Conget adds his second goal of the game in a more conventional fashion in injury time at the end of the game to make it 2-0 on the night and 8-2 on aggregate.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Rafa Moreno; Ortiz, Mostovoy (Godino 72), Conget, Jordi; Ongala; Nogueira.

Ãvila (4-4-2): Molina; José, Javi (Pérez Pérez 74), Sergio, Dani ©; Manu, Recio, Ernesto (Toni Jiménez 74), David; Gabi (Jorge 61), Chupe.

Final score: Cartagena 2:0 Ãvila

Aggregate score: Cartagena 8:2 Ãvila

MoM – Eduardo Conget

9th of September 2005

We’re drawn to play Lleida away in the first round of the Copa del Rey. Not exactly the blockbuster tie I was looking for, with the likes of Valencia, Real Madrid, Real Sociedad, Atlético Madrid, Sevilla and Villarreal in the mix.

10th of September 2005

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">

“We will beat Cartagenaâ€: Javier Clemente

Xerez manager, Señor Javier Clemente, expressed his confidence of beating Cartagena ahead of tomorrow’s match. Cartagena, newly promoted from the Segunda Liga B, will play its first competitive match in the Segunda Liga when it travels to Jerez but will come with confidence after disposing of Ãvila 8-2 in the Preliminary Round of the Copa Del Rey. With both clubs hoping to escape the drop at the end of the season, a good start with a win would be a vital shot in the arm for either club.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">

Dixie Flatline: “Xerez will be relegated with Clemente in chargeâ€

After reading press reports quoting Señor Javier Clemente expressing his confidence that Xerez will comfortably dispose of Cartagena in tomorrow’s game, Señor Flatline went on the offensive, announcing that he believes Xerez will be relegated if they keep Señor Clemente as their manager through the season. These comments pour fuel on an already raging fire as tomorrow’s fixture shapes up to be a very tasty game in deed.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">

Numancia’s poor start continues

Numancia’s poor start to the season continued after they were comfortably beaten by Málaga 3-0 at home. Numancia’s Biliskov was sent off after 30 minutes but the home side held out until the last ten minutes, when a double strike from ex-Manchester City striker Paulo Wanchope and another goal from Basti condemned Numancia to their second straight loss of the season.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Dixie Flatline]

11th of September 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 1: Xerez v Cartagena

If today is any indication, it’s going to be a long season of backs to the wall stuff, as we’re constantly under the pump from Xerez. However, with Cazzola stepping up to the mark and with the great play from Merino and Iñaki, we’re able to take the lead on one of the few times we can venture forward, when we earn a penalty on 62 minutes, which is efficiently converted by Fran Nogueira. However, Xerez get a point they probably deserve when an errant clearance from Iñaki is sent straight back in for Mena, unmarked by the wrong-footed defenders, to slot past the despairing Iñaki in 87 minutes.

Xerez (1-2-5-2): Alberto; Cristante, Franz (Alexis 45), Cañas; Slovak, Cachorro (Rios 63), Dani Pendín ©, Monteagudo, Cordero; Camuñas, David Alejo (Mena 60).

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Carlos; Ortiz, Mostovoy, Conget, Jordi; Ongala; Nogueira.

Final score: Xerez 1:1 Cartagena

MoM – Riccardo Cazzola

12th of September 2005

Alexandr Mostovoy is named in the Segunda Liga Team of the Week.

14th of September 2005

We play a mid-week game to catch up with the remaidner of the league.

Segunda Liga – Game 2: Cartagena v Racing Santander

This is a big game for us, as Racing is one of the teams favoured for promotion at the end of the season. It’s a real test early in the season of our resolve. Although Mostovoy was named in the team of the week, I leave him out in favour of South African international midfielder Sipho Nunens, while Rafa Moreno replaces Ortiz on the left and Sívori plays his first match in four months, in place of Ongala. As might be expected, Racing dominate the game, but my decision to instruct the players to defend the zone, rather than mark the man, forces Racing into taking long potshots at Iñaki that don’t trend to trouble him overly much. We create some of our own pressure on the Racing defence, but with Sívori looking rusty after missing so much football and Nogueira well-contained, we’re not particularly sharp up front. I try to inject some pace and power in the second half to our forward line to unsettle Racing’s defenders, but this is a game controlled in the midfield and it doesn’t really do much good. So even though we can’t score a goal, we don’t concede either, and we have two points on the board after two games.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Carlos; Rafa Moreno, Nunens, Conget, Jordi; Sívori (Ongala 80); Nogueira (Loreto 57).

Racing Santander (4-2-3-1): Córdoba; Bertin (Juanma 60), Mora ©, Regragui, Schmidt; Matabuena, Torrado; Javi Guerrero, Benayoun (Aganzo 73), Conceição; Jonathan (Regueiro 60).

Final score: Cartagena 0:0 Racing Santander

MoM – Iñaki

[Dixie Flatline]

17th of September 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 3: Cartagena v Terrassa

It’s a wet afternoon in Cartagena but that doesn’t stop more than 8,500 people attending the Estadio Municipal de Cartagena to watch us play Terrassa. Unfortunately, they wouldn’t have been impressed by the poor start we made, conceding a goal to Terrassa’s Maikel on 6 minutes, when he gets goal-side of Merino and is able to side foot home Perera’s pass. But we equalise on 29 minutes when Kali Ongala dribbles into the area and hits it past the Terrassa’s keeper’s outstretched left hand into the far corner. I had decided to go to a more attacking 4-3-2-1 formation for this game, but was forced to bring on Ongala for the injured Ortiz after 10 minutes. Both sides had plenty of opportunities to win the match, but poor finishing restricted the scoring to these two goals and we shared the spoils for our third draw in succession.

Cartagena (4-3-2-1): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Carlos; Ortiz (Ongala 10), Conget, Godino; Mostovoy, Sívori (Loreto 45); Nogueira.

Terrassa (4-3-3): Morales; Luis Fernández, Bunjevcevic, David Charcos, Toni González; Luis López (Pirri 62), Sissoko, Ismael (Quique Martín 62); Juanele © (Molina 30), Maikel, Jesús Perera.

Final score: Cartagena 1:1 Terrassa

MoM – Kali Ongala

Ortiz pulled a hamstring muscle and will miss two weeks of football.

19th of September 2005

Ongala’s eye-catching performance earns him a place in the Segunda Liga Team of the Week.

[Dixie Flatline]

21st of September 2005

In an extraordinary general meeting, the club resolves to change its status from semi-professional to a fully professional club. Let’s hope that this allows me to attract better quality players to the club in the winter transfer period.

Segunda Liga – Game 4: Salamanca v Cartagena

Unfortunately, we suffer our first defeat of the season as we go down 2-0 to Trobbiani’s new club (which sits second in the league). Conceding a goal after five minutes as Salamanca bulldozes our defensive line is never a good way to start the game. We hold our own thereafter, but the dismissal of Nunens for two yellow card offences on 76 minutes spells the end of our resistance, and on 83 minutes, from Trobbiani’s free kick young striker Koeman buries the ball past Iñaki to seal our fate.

Salamanca (4-1-2-1-2): Sergio Aragoneses; Lupidio (inj 90), Aurelio, Carlos Casquero, Arce; Redero; David Cano (Koeman 61), Trobbiani; Oskitz; Deus (Markel 61), Raúl Sánchez (Tiago 71).

Cartagena (4-3-2-1): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Carlos; Nunens (s/o 76), Conget, Godino; Ongala, Sívori (Puig 77); Nogueira (Bordi 68).

Final score: Salamanca 2:0 Cartagena

MoM – Pablo Marcelo Trobbiani

The loss leaves us in 18th place, perilously close to the relegation zone.

I officially warn Nunens for his dismissal. He acknowledges his mistake and pledges to lift his game in the future. That’s the right attitude from the South African.

23rd of September 2005

I’m sounding out some players to join this club when the winter transfer period opens. Murcia’s Míchel, a left sided attacking midfielder, is one such player. He is comfortable on the ball and creative with his passing, and our lack of chances in front of goal is really hurting us at the moment.

24th of September 2005

When our backs are against the wall, real leadership qualities are called for. There have been few better than the man set to join Cartagena on the 1st of January 2006 at this than Josep Guardiola. I convince the 34 year old defensive midfielder to leave the good life in Qatar and come back to Spain to link up with our club. He is the type of player I need at this club if we are to survive our first season in the Segunda Liga.

Segunda Liga – Game 5: Cartagena v Murcia

Along with better players, we also need points. Today, finally, in front of a live television audience, we break our win duck thanks to another superb game from Kali Ongala, who seems to have come of age early this season. We’re helped by a card-happy referee, who dishes out two red cards to our opponent, reducing them to 9 men at a crucial stage of the game. After a relatively even first half, things come alive when Murcia’s left back, Daniel Platero is sent off two minutes into the second half. Then we are granted a penalty when Ongala is tripped in the box by Valera. Nogueira coolly steps up and slots the ball past the Murcia keeper to give us the lead. On 70 minutes, Murcia is reduced to nine men when Alonso is sent off, and I reshape our formation to stretch Murcia down the flanks. The ploy works, with plenty of room through the middle for Ongala to operate, and the Congolese international takes Nogueira’s unselfish pull-back and plants it into the back of the net.

Cartagena (4-3-2-1): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Carlos; Mostovoy, Conget, Godino; Ongala, Sívori; Nogueira.

Murcia (4-4-2): Juanmi; Platero (s/o 47), Fernández, Urzelai, Juanma © (Grelli 45); Míchel (Silva 68), Natxo, Pulido, Valera (Tato 56); Iván Alonso (s/o 69), Karanka.

Final score: Cartagena 2:0 Murcia

MoM – Kali Ongala

The win lifts us temporarily into 11th place, but the rest of the league plays tomorrow.

[Dixie Flatline]

25th of September 2005

I lure Barakaldo’s coach Josu to join Cartagena. He should be essential in helping to build the skills of our players.

After the round is completed, we are fifteenth.

26th of September 2005

Iñaki and Ongala are named in the Segunda Liga Team of the Week.

I appoint unknown English coach Dave Harrison to a position with the club. He works exceptionally well with outfielders and with youth.

Míchel will join Cartagena when the transfer window opens in mid-December. At just £250,000 I think he is a bargain.

2nd October 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 6: Real Madrid B v Cartagena

We have our pants pulled down; we’re taught a football lesson; we’re given a hiding. Whichever football cliché you want to use to describe this lopsided contest, the fact is, most of our players aren’t fit to lace the boots of one particular player in our opponent’s team, Juan Sebastián Verón. And it is the former Argentine international who runs the show for the host today. It doesn’t help matters when Iñaki grasses a fairly soft shot by Adrián and it creeps over the line for the first goal of the game on 37 minutes. Then Merino has himself sent off a moment later and Real Madrid B simply overrun us in the second half. Verón is at the heart of things, and he scores on 41 minutes, slamming it off the inside of a post. On 84 minutes, Iñaki thought it would be a good idea to look for the short Ongala with a long goal-kick. Of course, the ball is returned with interest and in an inkling Real Madrid B are 3-0 up thanks to Portillo. The fourth goal is added in injury time when Riki turns Puig inside out and buries a shot past Iñaki. :devilfire:

Real Madrid B (4-2-2-2): Carlos Sánchez; Sergio, Rubén, Arbeloa, Olalla (Robles 45); Meléndez, Soldo ©; Kahlenberg (Juanfran 61), Verón; Portillo, Adrián (Riki 45).

Cartagena (4-3-1-2): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino (s/o 39), Carlos; Ortiz (Rafa Moreno 18), Puig, Godino (Nunens 40); Ongala; Nogueira (Bordi 79), Sívori.

Final score: Real Madrid B 4:0 Cartagena

MoM – Juan Sebastián Verón

We drop back to eighteenth.

I give Merino a warning for his red card, and he takes it as I expected him to, apologising for the dismissal.

5th of October 2005

Puig breaks a collar bone in training and will miss a month of football.

6th of October 2005

Eibar’s Sergio Corino agrees to move to Cartagena in the winter transfer period. Eibar will receive an initial £275,000.

16th of October 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 7: Cartagena v Sporting Gijón

After a break of a fortnight to allow us to enjoy international football in the shape of World Cup qualifiers, we’re back on with a home match against fellow strugglers Sporting. A touch under 13,000 spectators watch us plod through the motions against a better organised and more desperate Sporting. How it came to end in a 0-0 stalemate is a little beyond me, as Sporting are the better side on the day. However, they end the match with 10 men when Borreguero is sent off with less than 10 minutes to play. But we really should have lost this game.

Cartagena (4-3-1-2): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Manu, Carlos; Lentini (Mostovoy 72), Nunens (Conget 72), Godino; Ongala; Nogueira (Bordi 72), Sívori.

Sporting Gijón (4-4-2): Roberto; Alberto (Alegre 73), Isma, Carmena, Sastre; Juan ©, Samuel (Ãlvaro 73), Borreguero (s/o 81), Ãlvarez; Ismael, Calandria (Lombardo 76).

Final score: Cartagena 0:0 Sporting Gijón

MoM – Pablo Ãlvarez

[Dixie Flatline]

23rd of October 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 8: Extremadura v Cartagena

This is a must-win match early in the season, against another club that was promoted with us at the end of last season. I again tinker with our formation, dropping Sívori back along side Ongala to support Nogueira, the lone striker. Nunens gives us the start we want when his long drive is deflected past the Extremadura goalkeeper for our first goal on 8 minutes! We add a second goal shortly after half-time when good work by Ongala and Nunens conspire to create an opportunity for Nogueira and he blazes the ball past the Extremadura keeper to make the game safe. We actually look quite dangerous for once and we’re unlucky not to have scored more goals by the time the final whistle blows. For once, I can be satisfied with how the team performed today.

Extremadura (4-4-2): Pata; Selvas, Gámiz, Pascual, Horcajada; Gaizka (Olivar 62), Lolo © (Soler 73), Marco (Camacho 73), Roberto; Pavone, Salas.

Cartagena (4-3-2-1): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Manu, Carlos; Lentini (Rafa Moreno 88), Nunens, Godino; Ongala, Sívori (Conget 88); Nogueira.

Final score: Extremadura 0:2 Cartagena

MoM – Sipho Nunens

Our second win of the season pushes us back into 15th position, with 10 points from 8 games. Málaga is setting the early pace, with 21 points from 8 games, and a healthy goal difference of +19.

The Board’s Chairman, Señor Francisco Gómez Hernández, expresses his delight at our solid victory over Extremadura, and hopes that it’s a sign of things to come as we battle relegation.

26th of October 2005

Poor unfortunate José Manuel Ortiz fractures a cheekbone in training and will miss three weeks of football.

Sipho Nunens strains neck muscles and I’m forced to leave him out of tonight’s Copa del Rey game against Lleida.

Copa del Rey – First Round: Lleida v Cartagena

We advance to the second round with a come from behind victory against Segunda Liga B club Lleida. Poor marking by Merino at a set piece situation on 8 minutes allows Kisliy to bundle the ball past Iñaki. But we’re level on 15 minutes when Ongala and Nogueira exchange passes, allowing Nogueira to stride into the Lleida box and plant a shot past the Lleida goalkeeper at the near post. Four minutes into the second half, Nogueira has his and our second goal of the game following good work by debutant Azkoitia down the right and Conget in the middle. Unfortunately, Iñaki is forced off the field with an injury after the hour mark and Yepes is substituted in, and he endures a barrage of Lleida attacks, as they switch to a desperate 2-3-5 formation, looking for the equaliser to force the game into extra-time. However, we stand firm and take the match in the 90 minutes.

Lleida (4-4-2): Rangel; Blanco (Suárez 74), Txema, Loren, Berto ©; Chaib (Arnal 63), Piti (Rubén 74), Anxo, Nákor; Kisliy, Santos.

Cartagena (4-3-2-1): Iñaki © (Yepes 63); Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Carlos; Lentini, Conget, Azkoitia; Ongala; Sívori (Mostovoy 77); Nogueira.

Final score: Lleida 1:2 Cartagena

MoM – Kali Ongala

In other fixtures, Talavera defeats Mallorca 1-0 thanks to a goal from Estecha, Universidad de Las Palmas defeated Atlético Madrid 2-1 after extra time and Murcia defeated Alavés 1-0. Linares and Figueres are also celebrating upset wins as they defeated Albacete 2-0 and Espanyol 2-1 respectively.

The physios report that Iñaki severely strained some neck muscles and will probably miss a week of football. That puts him in doubt for the weekend’s visit to Ejido.

[Dixie Flatline]

28th of October 2005

We are paired with Deportivo La Coruña for the second round of the Copa del Rey. You’d better book your tickets early, as this is being played at the Estadio Municipal de Cartagena on the 9th of November 2005.

30th of October 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 9: Ejido v Cartagena

This is an appalling performance. There is no other way I can describe it. To concede a goal inside the first minute is bad enough, but to concede three goals in 30 minutes at the end of the game is just as bad. What’s worse, we shirked contests. We didn’t go in hard enough and allowed Ejido to dictate the play. Cazzola had a complete shocker, but he wasn’t alone. Not enough players put up their hand today and we suffered. We had no creativity and the defence was always under pressure. Simply, this is a performance that shames the fans and the club in general. The coaches will be asked to work the players very hard this week to ensure we do not suffer another performance like this again. What’s worse, it’s our second 4-0 whitewash in a month, having gone down by the same margin against Real Madrid B on the 2nd of October 2005. After the game, I spend long hours in my office looking over tapes of potential targets to strengthen the defence.

Ejido (4-4-2): Juanma; Javi Paredes, Paco García, Urbano, Pedro (Pineda 79); Vellisca (Vega 72), Víctor Salas (López 72), Martí ©, Sierra; Toedtli, Sabino.

Cartagena (4-3-2-1): Yepes; Alain, Cazzola (Manu 51), Merino, Carlos; Lentini (Mostovoy 63), Conget ©, Godino; Ongala, Sívori (Jordi 63); Nogueira.

Final score: Ejido 4:0 Cartagena

MoM – Mariano Ramón Toedtli

The loss drops us perilously close to the relegation zone. We’re currently 18th just a point clear of Ferrol.

2nd of November 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 10: Cartagena v Pontevedra

We love to make things difficult for ourselves, and currently we’re not good enough to extricate ourselves from the mess we land ourselves in. Merino is sent off for the second time this season after 15 minutes for two bookable offences – I make a mental note to fine him for this indiscretion. We then proceed to concede two goals in three minutes to Patri and Javi Rodríguez. Then Sívori is injured and is forced to leave the field on 52 minutes, and to make things worse, Ongala loses his head, kicks an opponent and is sent off for his disgraceful act. Pontevedra adds a third goal in injury time at the end of the game to accurately reflect the state of play. I’m absolutely ropable.

Cartagena (4-3-2-1): Yepes; Alain, Cazzola, Merino (s/o 15), Carlos; Lentini (Mostovoy 52), Conget ©, Godino; Ongala (s/o 53), Sívori (Bordi 52); Nogueira.

Pontevedra (4-4-2): Moso; Casablanca, Vázquez, Frassetto, Miñambres; Cabrera (D’Amico 67), Pepelu, Patri (Elm 79), Padín; Canabal (Oláiz 67), Javi Rodríguez ©.

Final score: Cartagena 0:3 Pontevedra

MoM – Carlos Padín

I take severe action against both Merino and Ongala. They are both fined a week’s wages and I tell them in no uncertain terms that I expect much better from both of them. They both humbly apologise for their indiscretions.

[Dixie Flatline]

3rd of November 2005

Ongala fronts the Spanish Football Association’s Disciplinary Committee and is banned for another two matches on top of his automatic ban.

This means that thanks to injury and suspension, I’m forced to go into Sunday’s game with half my preferred first team unavailable.

6th of November 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 11: Almería v Cartagena

Our goal difference is taking a hammering thanks to our last three games, including today’s, as we leak a further four goals. I decide to revert to the tried and true formation of 4-4-1-1, but apart from a bright opening spell, we’re consistently outplayed and outgunned by the hosts. The match statistics tell the story – Almería bombarded Yepes’ goal with 28 shots, 13 on target and four managed to score. We had just two off-target shots for the whole game – a pitiful effort, really. The pain started on 10 minutes when Lozano blasts a swerving rocket from 35 yards that beats Yepes’ dive into the back of our net. Then Jamelli a few moments later finds enough room between two defenders to squeeze a shot into the far corner. He then proceeds to out-jump Cazzola to head home a cross on 24 minutes, and completes his hat-trick when he reacts quickest to a spilled save and prods home past Yepes on 31 minutes. Really, it could have been several more – that’s how dire we are today. The winter transfer period cannot come quick enough for me as I look for reinforcements.

Almería (4-5-1): Ceballos; Manel (Cervián 80), Soria, Acasiate ©, Rebosio; Ibon Begoña, Gálcã (Isaac 71), Lozano, Agirre (Jaime 71), Juanma; Jamelli.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Yepes; Rafa Moreno, Cazzola, Manu, Carlos; Lentini (Juanmi 45), Nunens, Conget ©, Godino; Mostovoy (Jordi 62); Nogueira (Bordi 62).

Final score: Almería 4:0 Cartagena

MoM – Jamelli

Surprisingly still, we’re only a point behind safety, but our goal difference is now a worrying -13, as we’ve scored just six goals for the season and we’ve conceded 19.

9th of November 2005

Sipho Nunens is called up to the South African squad for its friendly against Chile.

Copa del Rey – Second Round: Cartagena v Deportivo La Coruña

Two moments of magic from Diego Tristán knocks us out of the Copa del Rey for this season. Unfortunately, the two moments of magic occurred just three minutes apart and I’m left to ponder our current defensive frailties. Both were quite simple goals but excellently taken by Tristán. Still, we had almost 15,000 people through the turnstiles to watch us and at least it allows us to concentrate on surviving this season.

Cartagena (4-4-1-1): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Carlos; Lentini, Nunens (Piombo 45), Conget, Azkoitia; Godino (Nogueira 45); Ongala.

Deportivo La Coruña (4-1-2-1-2): Munúa; Capdevila, Samuel, Héctor, Manuel Pablo (Víctor 45); Acuña; Guti, Traoré; Valerón © (Amo 61); Diego Tristán, Kerzhakov (Sturridge 61).

Final score: Cartagena 0:2 Deportivo La Coruña

MoM – Diego Tristán

Only one real upset in the second round, with Real Madrid falling 2-1 to minnow Melilla.

[Dixie Flatline]

14th of November 2005

In a month’s time I’ll add a new striker to our squad with Ecuadorian international Iván Kaviedes joining the club from Barcelona SC. The 28 year old has had experience of Spanish league football already with stints at Celta Vigo and Real Vallodolid, though they weren’t particularly successful.

18th of November 2005

I’ll add another option on the left with former international Fransisco Javier de Pedro agreeing to return to Spain from a fruitless experiment with Perugia, where he currently languishes in the reserves. The 32 year old has 12 caps for Spain and is willing to take a substantial pay cut to return home.

20th of November 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 12: Cartagena v Elche

I decide to abandon a defensive approach to the game and believe that if we’re going to go down, then we should do in style, attacking at every opportunity. So I switch formations to a 4-1-2-3 formation, which means that there is a place on the right for Azkoitia, who hasn’t played much this season. Elche look the better side; as they should, sitting eleventh on the ladder presently, but we defend quite well and although we don’t offer too much in attack, we hold on to solidly earn a 0-0 draw.

Cartagena (4-1-2-3): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Carlos; Conget; Mostovoy (Sívori 62), Godino; Lentini, Nogueira (Bordi 62), Azkoitia.

Elche (4-4-2): Unanua ©; Marc, Taveski, Unai, Txiki; Rubén (Santana 61), Kiko Torres, Turiel, Elías (Zárate 61); Moisés (Luis Gil 71), Peragón.

Final score: Cartagena 0:0 Elche

MoM – Iñaki

23rd of November 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 13: Málaga v Cartagena

Well, although the scoresheet reads 4 goals to 1 against us, for once I’m not too displeased, as I believe the final score flatters our opponent, thanks to a terrible game from the captain and goalkeeper, Iñaki. We actually take the lead on 4 minutes when Sívori takes the ball off Duda and plays a lovely through-ball for Godino to run onto, and the midfielder makes no mistake. However, Paulo Wanchope equalizes for Málaga only a few minutes later when he reacts quickest to Carlos’ mis-directed clearance and slams it past Iñaki. A moment or two into the second half, Basti lets fly from 35 yards with a shot that curls in past the motionless Iñaki and suddenly we’re behind. Wanchope then has his second goal when ex-Cartagena midfielder Carlos Isach finds him unmarked momentarily in the box and he makes us pay. Litos applies the final coup de grace when he converts a dubious penalty given away by Merino on 56 minutes.

Málaga (4-4-2): Calatayud; Valcarce, Fernando Sanz, Litos ©, Evanílson; Duda, Miguel Ãngel, Basti, Isach (Juanito 57); Alex Geijo (Manu 57), Wanchope (Ador 70).

Cartagena (4-1-2-3): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Carlos; Conget; Sívori, Godino (Nunens 84); Ortiz (Rafa Moreno 84), Bordi (Loreto 45), Azkoitia.

Final score: Málaga 4:1 Cartagena

MoM – Paulo Wanchope

The result pushes us down to twentieth place and we now are in a real relegation battle.

I give Iñaki an official warning for his terrible performance, which he accepts and apologises for.

[Dixie Flatline]

27th of November 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 14: Cartagena v Mallorca B

Finally, a win to celebrate! The scoresheet doesn’t reflect our dominance against today’s opponent, as we win by a solitary goal, thanks to Azkoitia on 62 minutes from Godino’s corner, but with 15 shots at goal (6 on target) we really should have won by more goals. The satisfying thing, too, is that we do not let Mallorca B have a sight on Iñaki’s goal, as Merino and Cazzola are very solid at the back this afternoon.

Cartagena (4-1-2-3): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Merino, Carlos; Conget; Sívori, Godino; Ortiz, Bordi, Azkoitia.

Mallorca B (4-4-2): Cabrero; José, Camacho ©, Martín, Rafita (s/o 88); Carmona (González 60), Sánchez (Víctor 60), Fran (Cheche 45), Javi; Busi, Alfageme.

Final score: Cartagena 1:0 Mallorca B

MoM – Jesús Cabrero

The win doesn’t make any difference to our league standing, as our rivals also triumph today.

4th of December 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 15: Ferrol v Cartagena

We travel to Ferrol without Alberto Merino, who injures himself in training during the week and must rest for at least two weeks. Manu fills the vacancy at centre-half, along side Cazzola. In a real end-to-end battle, our superior finishing proves decisive as we score two goals from our six on-target shots, while Ferrol end the game empty-handed despite having 10 shots at Iñaki’s goal. Our first goal comes on 36 minutes when Conget plays a neat ball to the feet of Sívori, who uses Bordi to screen his path into the box and then fires it into the far corner to record his first goal of the season! The points are made safe on 83 minutes when Ortiz advances unhindered down Ferrol’s left flank and puts in a good cross for Godino to bang past the Ferrol keeper. It is a satisfying victory.

Ferrol (4-4-2): Diego; Iznata, Supusepa (Moreno 62), Alaña, De Palmas; Cortesi (Jandro 45), Viqueira, Ba****i, Carlos (Granon 62 (inj 75)); Mario Bermejo ©, Meca.

Cartagena (4-1-2-3): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Manu, Carlos; Conget; Sívori, Godino; Ortiz, Bordi, Azkoitia.

Final score: Ferrol 0:2 Cartagena

MoM – Eduardo Conget

This time, the victory does make a difference to our league standing, as it catapults us into sixteenth, though we are only a point clear of the relegation zone. Surprisingly, we are only 9 points behind third-placed Salamanca, though I’m not seriously thinking of back-to-back promotions!

The Board is pleased with the victory, with the Chairman issuing a public statement confirming their joy at our win.

Our resolve, however, will be tested with a visit to Real Vallodolid next weekend.

I decide to prune our squad a little ahead of the transfer window reopening, and working with my assistant manager, I begin to hawk some of our players around Spain, hoping to cultivate some interest in those squad members who have no part to play in our future.

Manchester United sacks Alan Curbishley.

[Dixie Flatline]

5th of December 2005

I sign Colombian international midfielder Javier Araújo on a Bosman free transfer from Once Caldas. He will join the club when his current contract expires, on 1 February 2005.

Conget’s excellent performance is rewarded by a place in the Segunda Liga Team of the Week.

9th of December 2005

The club will bid farewell to two players in six days, as Chito and Marcos Guill agree to move to Novelda and Lorca respectively, for a combined price of £12,000.

10th of December 2005

Manchester United appoints Dino Zoff to fill the managerial vacancy left by the sacking of Alan Curbishley.

11th of December 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 16: Real Vallodolid v Cartagena

Our two game winning streak comes to an end courtesy of Juan José Camacho’s goal in injury time at the end of the first half. Real Vallodolid dominated the game, having 17 shots at goal compared to our three and deserved all three points today. We never really got our game going as the host controlled play, particularly in midfield, allowing multiple forward thrusts and causing my defenders plenty of headaches. To make things worse, Sívori took a severe blow to the chest which will keep him out of our next game.

Real Vallodolid (4-5-1): Barreto; Marcos, Borja, Mateo, Cristian Ãlvarez; Camacho (Sánchez 60), Nando, Sousa, Rafa (Chema 60), Javi Jiménez ©; Aduriz (Víctor 45).

Cartagena (4-1-2-3): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Manu, Carlos; Conget; Sívori (Ongala 74), Godino (Nunens 65); Ortiz, Nogueira, Azkoitia.

Final score: Real Vallodolid 1:0 Cartagena

MoM – Nando

Despite the loss, we remain in sixteenth position in the Segunda Liga, still a point clear of the relegation zone.

13th of December 2005

Ortiz picks up a groin strain in training and will miss two weeks of football.

14th of December 2005

Segunda Liga-Game17: Cartagena v Ciudad de Murcia

I’m disappointed after this mid-week game, as we should have won it, but instead drop two points as we’re held to a 1-1 draw. We strike first, when on 30 minutes, Jorge Azkoitia picks up Godino’s pass at the edge of the box, bustles his way past two defenders and slots it in the far corner. But we’re pegged back on 40 minutes when Aguilar latches on to a defence-splitting pass from Jesule and fires the ball between Iñaki’s legs. A check of the match statistics shows that we’re evenly poised, but I think with the home advantage, we should have prevailed.

Cartagena (4-1-2-3): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Manu, Carlos; Conget; Nunens, Godino; Lentini, Nogueira, Azkoitia.

Ciudad de Murcia (3-5-2): Miki; Curro Montoya, Córdoba, Amaya; Jesule, Aguilar © (Ferrón 79), Gibanel (Pablo 68), Quino, Rivero; Birchall (Borrell 68), Cuevas.

Final score: Cartagena 1:1 Ciudad de Murcia

MoM – Iñaki

[Dixie Flatline]

15th of December 2005[/b}

The transfer window opens, which means that I sign Iván Kaviedes for £180,000, Fransisco Javier de Pedro from Perugia for £425,000 and Murcia’s Michel for £250,000. The Murcia fans are happy to see the back of Michel, but I hope that he will be able to use his passing ability and vision to set up plenty of goalscoring opportunities for Kaviedes, while de Pedro is a better alternative to the seemingly perennially injured Ortiz and the veteran Lentini on the left. Sergio Corino also joins the club from Eibar for £275,000.

Leaving the club today are Marcos Guill (to Lorca) and Chito (to Novelda) for £6,000 each. Marcos Guill (21 y/o, ESP, M R): 0 apps; Chito (29 y/o, ESP, AM L): 0 apps

17th of December 2005

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">

War of words as relegation battle heats up

Tenerife and Cartagena managers, Señor Chus Pereda and Señor Dixie Flatline, exchanged a war of words ahead of their crucial relegation battle tomorrow. Señor Pereda said at Tenerife’s training ground that he was confident his team would defeat Cartagena, despite ceding home advantage. However, Señor Flatline hit back, saying to the assembled media at the Estadio Municipal de Cartagena following training, that he believed Tenerife would be relegated under the management of Señor Pereda. No matter the outcome, if the match is as spicy as the verbal stoushes between the managers, tomorrow’s game should be a beauty.

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

18th of December 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 18: Cartagena v Tenerife

We put together one of our better performances this afternoon and emerge triumphant, although the scoresheet probably doesn’t reflect our dominance as it should. The game was deadlocked at 0-0 apiece at half-time, but exploded into life just two minutes into the second half when Sergio Corino blasted a free kick home from 30 yards, aided by a slight deflection off the wall which wrong-footed the Tenerife keeper. Godino doubled our lead on 57 minutes when a clever through-ball by Nunens set the midfielder on his way past the Tenerife keeper and he was left with a simple tap-in. But we let slip our concentration momentarily, and Tenerife halve our lead just two minutes later Kiko gets between Corino, Cazzola and Carlos to head home Cristo’s cross. We seem to make the points safe on 83 minutes when Nunens finds Kaviedes unmarked inside the Tenerife penalty area and he bangs it past the Tenerife keeper to make it 3-1, but again our concentration slips as Cristo picks out Antonio with a fine pass and he makes no mistake in putting the ball past Iñaki on 87 minutes. But we hold on to the win and we’re grateful for the three points.

Cartagena (4-1-2-3): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Corino, Carlos; Conget; Nunens (Puig 87), Godino; De Pedro, Kaviedes, Azkoitia (Michel 68).

Tenerife (4-4-2): Keleman ©; Bermudo, Dimitri, Quique Medina, Iker Garai; Capdevila (Cristo 58), Jesús Vázquez, La Paglia, Raúl Martín (Antonio 58); Bombarda (Airam 59), Kiko.

Final score: Cartagena 3:2 Tenerife

MoM – Sipho Nunens

The Chairman is pleased with the result, and tells the media so.

We climb into fourteenth place on the ladder after the game, our highest position to date this season, but we’re still only two points clear of the relegation zone, so we cannot afford to relax.

[Dixie Flatline]

19th of December 2005

Bad news for De Pedro, as he damages a foot during training and is forced out for two weeks. It’s good news, though, for Azkoitia, as I was going to drop him to accommodate Michel, but Michel will now have to play on the left wing and Godino back in the middle, so Azkoitia will keep his place on the right.

De Pedro was named in the Segunda Liga Team of the Week.

25th of December 2005

I’m proud to announce that we’ve beaten Real Madrid … to the signature of a player. I’ve had my eye on Brazilian centre half Naldo for quite a while. He’s 23, he’s strong and a fairly accomplished defender and we had agreed a deal with his club, but due to the other purchases this club has made during the winter transfer period, we didn’t have the money to complete the purchase. So I hurriedly renegotiated the deal with his club and then his contract with Naldo and managed to get both parties to agree to the transfer before Real Madrid could have their offer accepted, even though it met his minimum release fee clause. He should be a long-term player for this club, assuming we can hold on to him, as his minimum release fee clause is set at £2.5 million. He’ll join us when his present loan to Juventude expires on 1st of January 2006.

28th of December 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 18: Córdoba v Cartagena

We begin this match in the worse possible way, conceding a goal after just 4 minutes to Bilic when Jorge Pérez nods the keeper’s clearance down to Bilic’s advantage. His strength holds off Corino and he slides the ball between the onrushing legs of Iñaki. But a wonderfully worked move involving Michel and Kaviedes allows Nunens to equalize on 27 minutes. Then we take the lead a moment or two later as Conget’s wonderful pass picks out Michel, who dribbles into the box, feints one way then goes the other and puts the ball into the back of the net! That certainly silences the home crowd. However, right at the end of the half, the hosts are awarded a controversial penalty when the referee believes that Corino left his leg in a tackle. Bilic duly converts and we’re level at the break.

Eight minutes into the second half, we take back the lead when Nunens fires out a defence-splitting pass for the advantage of Azkoitia, who bears down on goal and shoots. His shot is blocked, but the rebound falls nicely for Nogueira to tap home (he was on as a substitute for injured Kaviedes)! Nunens then grabs his second goal on 77 minutes to make it 4-2 when Nogueira’s shot is only partially blocked, and Nunens lifts the ball over the furiously backpedaling keeper to extend our lead. You would have thought we would be able to hold on, but Iñaki can’t grab the ball in a tussle with Bilic, and he completes his hat-trick with eight minutes of normal time, plus injury time, to play.

We are desperate, but so is Córdoba and twice their players think they’ve equalized, only for the off-side flag to save us. The pressure is immense, but we hold out the last few agonizing minutes and gain a precious away victory over a side that was sixth going into the game.

Córdoba (4-4-2): Jáuregi; López Ramos ©, David García, Berruet, Geli (Juanmi 68); Jorge Pérez, Óscar Pérez (Villa 68), Francisco, Montenegro (Sarmiento 55); Bilic, Armentano.

Cartagena (4-1-2-3): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Corino, Carlos; Conget; Nunens, Godino; Michel, Kaviedes (Nogueira 36), Azkoitia.

Final score: Córdoba 3:4 Cartagena

MoM – Sipho Nunens

Again, the Board is delighted with the result, publicly telling the media so.

The win pushes us up to the dizzying heights of twelfth, but comes at a slight cost, with Kaviedes ruled out for a fortnight due to a groin strain suffered during the game.

[Dixie Flatline]

1st of January 2005

Happy new year.

It’s a happy start to the year for Ronaldo, as he sweeps the major individual awards – he is named World Footballer of the Year, World Player of the Year and European Footballer of the Year. Unsurprisingly, he is also European Striker of the Year.

I sign Josep Guardiola on a free transfer, but unfortunately the transfer deal to bring Naldo to the club falls through. The vultures swoop, and I’ll now have to fend off interest from Barcelona and Real Madrid.

2nd of January 2005

Michel and Nunens are named in the Team of the Week.

8th of January 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 20: Cartagena v Numancia

Numancia, relegated from the Primera Liga last season, are struggling this season, sitting seventeenth and just outside the relegation zone, ahead of today’s game. However, we don’t take advantage of Numancia’s predicament, as we fight out a dour and drab 0-0 draw in front of just under 13,000 spectators. We do put the ball in the net when Numancia’s keeper makes a mistake in clearing the ball, but Nogueira, who scored the “goalâ€, is adjudged to have been off-side when Azkoitia played the ball to him, so the goal is struck out. I have to admit, it did look off-side to me.

Cartagena (4-1-2-3): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Corino, Carlos; Conget; Nunens, Sívori; Michel (De Pedro 24), Nogueira, Azkoitia.

Numancia (4-4-2): Marín; Tchato, Jaime Molina ©, Antonio, Juanpa; Moreno (Otxoa 73), Chaurant, Sestelo, Reina (Pignol 73); Miguel, Fernandez (Palacios 61).

Final score: Cartagena 0:0 Numancia

MoM – Jesús Marín

Michel damages an elbow during the game and will miss a week of football. It’ll be touch and go as to whether he’s right to play in our next fixture.

10th of January 2006

I have some good news and some bad news on the transfer front. First, the good news. I’m pleased to announce that Juventus reserves keeper Landry Bonnefoi will join the club on a Bosman free transfer on 1st of July 2006. The 22 year old as represented France at U-21 level and looks a decent prospect for the future. He may see some game time next season, as Iñaki is already 36 and I don’t think Yepes is a good replacement.

The bad news is that Naldo opted for Real Madrid in the end. The lure of playing European football was said to be the difference in the end.

[Dixie Flatline]

15th of January 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 21: Recreativo v Cartagena

Although this game ends in a scoreless draw, unlike our match against Numancia, this game is full of action, with both sides combining for a total of 30 shots at goal, but only 12 on target. Sipho Nunens is particularly dangerous, operating out of midfield, as he has four of our on-target shots, while Nogueira runs himself into the ground and Corino holds together the defence. So, both sides expend a lot of energy but don’t get anywhere in an entertaining but ultimately unsatisfying scoreless draw.

Recreativo (4-4-2): Luque; Garrido, Schreuder (Ramón 74), Merino, Coira; Rosu ©, Tomás, Pablo Sanz, Cheli (Benítez 71); Moreno (Karlsson 71), Uche.

Cartagena (4-1-2-3): Iñaki ©; Alain, Cazzola, Corino, Carlos; Conget; Nunens, Sívori; De Pedro, Nogueira, Azkoitia (Lentini 56).

Final score: Recreativo 0:0 Cartagena

MoM – José Antonio Luque

21st of January 2005

Feyenoord defensive midfielder Jorge Acuña agrees to join Cartagena as a Bosman free transfer from the 1st of July 2006.

22nd of January 2005

Segunda Liga – Game 22: Racing Santander v Cartagena

Facing a club third on the ladder, I think it’s wise to go a little more defensive, so I alter the tactics. On the insistent advice of my physio, I rest Alain, so Rafa Moreno comes in at left back. With Nunens and Ongala away at the African Cup of Nations for South Africa and the Congo respectively, that allows Josep Guardiola his opportunity to make his debut for the club in the middle of a midfield trio, with Michel and Godino along side him.

However, we begin the game badly when Conceição is the recipient of a clever through-ball from Jonathan and the ex-international nonchalantly knocks it past Iñaki on just 4 minutes. But we hit back on 20 minutes when Michel plays a beautiful ball to the completely unmarked Sívori, and last season’s top scorer for us makes no mistake, beating the Racing keeper at his near post. That was our only on-target shot for the game, although we have 7 shots in total at Racing’s goal. Unsurprisingly, Racing dominates play, ending up with 15 shots at our goal (5 on target), but Iñaki rises to the occasion, pulls off some magnificent saves and we’re able to extend our unbeaten sequence to six.

Racing Santander (4-2-3-1): Córdoba; Juanma, Mora ©, Pablo Casar, Schmidt; Torrado (Morán 61), Mateo; Javi Guerrero, Jonathan (Regueiro 61), Benayoun; Conceição (Bertin 72).

Cartagena (4-1-3-2): Iñaki ©; Rafa Moreno, Cazzola, Corino, Carlos; Conget (Jordi 45); Michel, Guardiola, Godino; Kaviedes, Sívori.

Final score: Racing Santander 1:1 Cartagena

MoM – Iñaki