Mazarrón FC’s form improved greatly following the appointment of the new Manager Roberto Carlos or ‘Kenny’ as he is known. After a 3-1 victory against Lorca in his first game in charge, Mazarrón beat Muleno 2-0 away from home and Racing Murcia 1-0 at home.
The Muleno game was particularly impressive and, after a goalless first half, Chiky Ardil and Salva Ballesta found the net to seal the points.
The Racing Murcia game saw the appearance of a former Real Madrid player in the Murcia team. Royston Drenthe, who had seventeen Under 21 and one full international caps with the Netherlands was in the starting line-up having scored twice in the two previous games. He began his career with Feyenoord before moving to Real Madrid for a fee of 14 million euros in 2007. He was with Madrid for five years before he was loaned to Everton where he made 21 appearances scoring three times. He showed neat touches in the game before being substituted after an hour. Mazarrón won 1-0 with, arguably, the goal of the season; a 25-yard free kick from Diego.
Mazarrón moved up to 5th place in their group table after this win, but dropped down one place after the first defeat under Kenny’s management; 2-0 away to CD Minera. Mazarrón played virtually all the second half of this game with ten men after left back Edu was sent off for an off-the-ball incident when he hit an opposing player in the face and conceded a penalty.
Because of COVID-19, the League this year is being played in a different format. The 22 teams have been divided into two groups of eleven, playing each other at home and away. After the end of these 20 games for each team, the top six teams in each group will combine to play each other on a home and away basis to determine the promotion place(s); a total of 22 games for each team. The bottom five teams in each group will also combine to play each other home and away to determine the relegation places.
At the time of writing there are just two games to play in the first half of the season. If Mazarrón beat CAP Ciudad de Murcia in their next home game, they will secure at least 5th place and go into the top group for the second half of the season.
The home game against Racing Murcia saw the ban on spectators lifted and a limited number of spectators were allowed back in to watch the game with season ticket holders guaranteed priority and with strict safety protocols in place. This situation continues at present and supporters need to register at the entrance to the ground at least 30 minutes prior to kick off time and avoid crowding. ID should be shown, (passport or driving licence) and supporters must leave one seat free either side of them. Remain seated at all times and refrain from using the toilet facilities unless absolutely necessary. Use the hand sanitisers provided and masks must be worn at all times. Your temperature will be taken (maximum 37.5C). No eating or drinking of any kind except for water and no smoking. Keep a safe distance of at least 1.5 metres at all times
With regard to away travel, allocation seats to visiting supporters is subject to ground conditions and reduced capacity. Anyone wishing to travel to away games should contact Barbara on pamada.1130@yahoo.co.uk on the Thursday before the away game. Names will be passed to the Mazarrón FC President who will contact the President of the other club to see if he can organise the necessary tickets. This procedure should guarantee admission and save a wasted journey. Some grounds with very small capacities may not be able to accommodate visiting supporters, but we will keep our members fully informed. If tickets are available, travel will be in private cars until coach travel becomes feasible.
Until the final positions in the initial group stages are determined, we are unable to list any forthcoming fixtures. Mazarron’s final game in Group B was away to Huercal-Overa on 28th March with the second stage commencing on 4th April.
Full details of all games are advertised in local media, on www.mazarronfc.com or fb.me/mazarron2016. Mazarron Hoy have kindly streamed most of the games this season live on their Facebook page at a cost of 2.99€.
Los Amigos membership is 20€ with discounts on all Los Amigos activities for the member and a partner. Our Thursday weekly meetings will resume as soon as it is possible. A new date for the postponed AGM will be announced as soon as regulations allow.
The Golf Day and Gala Dinner have been postponed. It is hoped to re-arrange these events later in the year.