Despite a mixed series of results in March, Mazarrón FC managed to finish the first stage of the league season in 6th place in their group of 11 teams and qualify for the first stage of the play-off games to decide which league the teams will play in for the 2021/22 season.
The Murcia Group of the Tercera Division was divided into two groups of 11 teams for the first part of the season. The teams finishing in the top six in each group will now definitely play in the Tercera Division RFEF next season unless they achieve promotion. The teams finishing in the first three in each group (6 in total) will enter a play-off for two places in the newly formed Segunda B RFEF Division. Points gained in the first stage of the season will be carried forward and each team will play games home and away against the teams in the other group in which they did not participate (six games in all). The four teams that do not automatically qualify for Segunda Division RFEF with then go into a final play off for one place in the new league. The teams finishing 4th, 5th and 6th in each group will then play off in a similar fashion against the 4th, 5th, and 6th teams in the other group. Points gained in the first stage of the season will carry forward and each team will play home and away games against the teams in the other group in which they did not participate (six games in all). The top two teams in this group will then qualify for the play-offs for the final place in the new Segunda Division RFEF with the four teams who did not qualify from the teams who finished the first half of the season in the top three position. The remaining teams who did not qualify for the promotion play-offs above will play against each other to determine which teams stay in the Tercera Division and which will be relegated to the Preferente Autonomica. Complicated?? Yes, only in Spain!!!
In their six games in the initial play-off stage Mazarrón had to make up a deficit of six points to finish in the top two and qualify for the final play-off games, so it was vital to get off to a good start in the first game, away to UD Los Garres. With just 13 minutes left, the score was 2-0 to Los Garres, but Mazarrón scored twice in the last few minutes and went into stoppage time level. However, a 93rd minute goal gave the home team a narrow victory and further dented Mazarrón’s promotion hopes.
With the ban on spectators lifted, a limited number of spectators are now 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. Spectators must 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 37.5ºC). No eating or drinking of any kind is allowed 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 by email on pamada.1130@yahoo.co.uk on the Thursday before the away game. The 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. Obviously, 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.
Full details of all games, dates, venue and kick off times will be advertised in the local media, on www.mazarronfc.com or Facebook fb.me/mazarron2016
Forthcoming fixtures:
Sunday 2nd May – UD Los Garres – home
Sunday 9th May – UCAM Murcia ‘B’ – away
Sunday 16th May – CD Bullense – home
Los Amigos membership renewals will be accepted from the 1st August. Membership is 20€ and includes discounts on all Los Amigos activities for the member and a partner. Our Thursday weekly meetings will resume as soon as it is possible.
Please email pamada.1130@yahoo.co.uk for a membership application form.
It is planned to hold the postponed AGM in June and also to organise some social events as soon as the situation allows.
Plans are in hand to stage the twice postponed Golf Day & Gala Dinner in March next year. MC Gary Marshall, comedian Lea Roberts and ex-football John Beresford have all confirmed that they will be available. Tickets will be re-issued to those who have already purchased them. Anyone wishing to have a refund can do so when the current regulations allow by emailing salterkb@hotmail.com