FC CARTAGENA – 1 BIRMINGHAM CITY FC – 2
BY STEVE HIBBERD
On the day that Shelby Companies became major shareholders at Birmingham city, a crowd of more than 1,500 gathered inside Pinatar Arena. Segunda ‘A’ side FC Cartagena, provided the opposition for this mouth watering pre-season friendly. A large crowd were an even split of both teams’ fans, but it was the Birmingham blues section who probably out sung their rivals. Cartagena fans were justifiably disappointed that their team narrowly missed out for a place in the play offs to La Liga last season, but have subsequently made 4 new signings for the forthcoming campaign. Probably the biggest name to arrive, is that of local lad Gonzalo Verdu. Verdu returns from Elche, whom he joined back in 2017, and is expected to stiffen up the defence that leaked too many goals throughout the season. In addition to Verdu, Uruguayan Lautaro Leon is a loan signing from Celta Vigo, whilst fellow striker Juan Carlos Real arrives from SD Huesca. Finally, midfielder Hector Hevel has been signed from Andorra.
On 4 mins, Keshi Anderson crossed from the left for Welsh international Jordan James to head home for the blues. Ortuno had a chance to respond soon after, but once he had swivelled on a bouncing ball, his shot on the volley was wide of Ruddy’s goal. New signing Tyler Roberts doubled the lead on 34 mins. His emphatic strike rose with venom on its way into the net as he stylishly opened his Birmingham goal account. Although under the cosh for the majority of the 1st half, Cartagena finished strongly. First on 41 mins, Alcala headed a corner over the bar, then 2 mins later, Calero failed to hit the target when in a good position.
As with most pre-season friendlies, both teams made wholesale replacements (Cartagena at half time, the blues on the hour mark). Cartagena continued where they left off, pulling a goal back seven mins into the half. De Pedro forayed into the area then was able to pick out the far bottom corner, thanks to an accurate finish. Blues appeared a shade disjointed after all the changes, allowing Cartagena many opportunities to level the scores. Djaka had an inviting opportunity to equalise on 64 mins, only for his attempt to be slashed off target. It looked odds on that Carlos Sanchez would snatch an elusive equalising goal, but on the stroke of full time, his shot from an acute angle, hit the far post, rolled along the line, before being cleared to safety. Referees are often maligned, but praise must go to Campos Salinas, who controlled the match in a firm yet sensible manner – not 1 booking!
