The 2018-19 season which saw Mazarrón FC back in the Tercera Division of the Spanish League for the first time in nine years proved to be a season of progress and consolidation. The team put together by President Ruben and Manager Juanjo started the season well and mid-November saw Mazarron third in the league and the supporters were excited at the possible prospect of another play-off place. However, a dreadful disciplinary record and the departure of a number of key players following problems in the dressing room saw a steady decline in fortunes in the New Year. With one game remaining at the time of going to press, Mazarrón stand in 10th position. Only two victories in thirteen games from February to May prevented what could have been another memorable season. Players missed 32 games through suspension during the season which has a massive impact on a small squad.
Manager Juanjo deserves credit for keeping the team in the division, although his tactics and team selections were called into question on a number of occasions. Apart from a couple of occasions, he chose to play with a lone striker supported by two wide players who were normally too far removed from the action to give any assistance. Our most dangerous striker Basi was, for the biggest part of the season, confined to a position on the rightwing where he had to spend much of his time and energy supporting an overworked defence. The standard of football left a lot to be desired at times with the team seemingly unable to string passes together on a regular basis and often resorting to the long aimless ball down the middle to the lone striker which invariably came straight back to the opposition.
There were plenty of positives however. Young midfielder Andreo continues to improve with every game and was a tower of strength in mid-field. His enthusiasm brought him plenty of yellow cards, but he got to grips towards the end of the season. Goalkeeper Antonio Pena had another great season and came to the rescue on many occasions and Captain Adrian Campoy was a rock at the centre of the defence. It will be interesting to see how many of the current squad will re-sign for next season. Andreo needs more support in midfield and a new striker is desperately needed to support Basi if he remains with the Club.
The 2019-20 fixtures should be published in late July when Mazarrón FC report back for training. The season begins on the weekend of 24th/25th August. Mazarron’s home games are normally played on Sundays with varying kick off times. Los Amigos de Mazarrón FC organise a coach to most away games and a stop is often made or refreshments. Tickets can be booked at the Los Amigos meeting a week prior to each game. Details of games/dates/kick-off times are advertised in the local media, on www.mazarronfc.es, fb.me/mazarron2016 and on posters throughout Camposol and Mazarrón.
There have been a number of enjoyable social events for Los Amigos members throughout the past season including a trip to Yecla to play the 2017/18 champions. We stopped in Jumilla for an enjoyable pre-match meal and excellent local wine.
There was a Quiz Night & Supper at The Diner, Camposol B in January when members and friends enjoyed a choice of steak pie, fish and chips or chilli with rice before an excellent quiz by Carl Thomas which was won by a team captained by our President Alan Lyle.
In March Los Amigos members and friends joined the celebrities for the Gala Week in a pre-match lunch at La Sienna Restaurant prior to the home game against SFC Minerva. The food was excellent, but the game unfortunately was not, ending in a 0-0 draw.
The Gala Week in support of Mazarrón FC was the most successful yet with €8,000 being raised. A Race Night & Celebrity Golf Day preceded the Gala Evening & Dinner at the Hotel la Cumbre with former football stars Alex Stepney, Tony Currie, Chico Hamilton, Lawrie Madden, Alvin Martin, Steve Daley, Steve Kindon, Peter Reeves, Jan Molby and Premier League referee Mike Dean and comedian Gary Marshall.
The Los Amigos de Mazarron FC end of Season Player of the Year Presentations & Dinner was held at La Sienna Restaurant, on Tuesday 21st May. More information next month.
On Friday 28th June we will visit Meson Los Ortigas (Lamb Chop) in Totana to enjoy their delicious Suckling Pig Feast. Tickets €20 plus the coach fare which will depend on numbers travelling. There are still a few places remaining so please email pamada.1130@yahoo.co.uk if you wish to join us.
The annual BBQ & Quiz hosted by President Alan Lyle and his wife Sue on Wednesday 3rd July is now sold out.
Los Amigos de Mazarrón FC weekly meetings have ceased for the summer months until August but there will usually be someone in The Club House, Camposol at 4 pm on Thursdays if you would like to call for a drink and a chat. Memberships for next season is €20 with numerous discounts available on most social events and coach travel. Please email pamada.1130@yahoo.co.uk for a membership form.