The start of the new football season in September was greeted with plenty of enthusiasm by Los Amigos de Mazarrón FC members who were looking forward to Mazarrón FC’s first season back in the Preferente Autonomica, despite having been relegated in the previous season. A successful pre-season, which had seen only two games out of ten friendlies lost, gave hope that an early return to the Tercera Division would be possible and a larger than usual playing squad has been recruited with 23 players under new Manager Paco Luna.
Los Amigos members supported Mazarrón FC with increased numbers of season ticket sales and a lot of new supporters came along to the opening games. The season began with a difficult trip to Aguilas who had finished second in the league last season and reached the play-off final, where they lost narrowly. Mazarrón fell behind twice, but came back strongly on each occasion and goals from Taborda (penalty) and David Ardil earned a welcome point in a 2-2 draw.
The first home game was against more tough opposition in SFC Minerva who reached the play-offs last season after finishing third. Mazarrón welcomed back captain Chiky Ardil after his beach soccer duties with the Spain National Team and he took just eight minutes before giving Mazarrón the lead. Minerva equalised just before half-time and despite Mazarrón’s best efforts, the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Next was a trip to CD Algar, the scene of Mazarrón’s last promotion back in the 2017/18 season when they won the play-off final for promotion to the Tercera Division. In a repeat of the first away game at Aguilas, Mazarrón twice fell behind, but again recovered to force a 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Chiky Ardil and Carlos Rivas.
Although they were unbeaten after three games, Mazarrón really needed a victory to start climbing the table and this was achieved in some style in the next home game against CD Lumbreras. Chiky Ardil celebrated his nomination for the World Beach Soccer Player of the Year award by scoring all four goals in Mazarrón’s 4-0 win. The winner of the Award will be decided at the World Beach Soccer Gala in Dubai on 9th November. This is the second time that Chiky has been nominated.
Mazarrón’s unbeaten run continued, albeit with another 1-1 draw in the away game at La Aljorra when central defender Lopez gave them the lead, only for La Aljorra to equalise in the second half with a hotly disputed penalty.
Mazarrón’s home games are normally played on Sundays. Kick-off times are not normally known until the Tuesday before the game. Full details are advertised in the local media, fb.me/mazarron2016 and on posters at various points throughout Camposol and Mazarrón.
Admission prices for the 2022/23 season are €8 for adults, €4 for juniors (12-23yrs) and free for juniors under 12yrs.
Forthcoming fixtures:
6th November – Atletico Santa Cruz (home)
13th November – CD Bala Azul (home)
20th November – Mar Menor FC (away)
27th November – Algezares UD (home)
11th December – Aguilas FC (home)
18th December – SFC Minerva (away)
Our supporters’ bar under the main stand has re-opened after a year’s absence and has proved very popular before each game and at half-time, so why not call in for a drink, a packet of crisps and a chat before the game?
Los Amigos Supporters’ Coach
Subject to demand. The coach leaves from Camposol B lower car park. The cost is €10 for members and €12 for non-members. Please email janperks1@gmail.com to book well in advance of each away game. Payment can be made at our Thursday meetings.
Memberships were due on 1st August and last for twelve months. Membership is €20 and members and a partner will be entitled to discount on coach travel to away games and to all social activities. Members only are allowed to attend monthly business meetings. Membership forms are available at our weekly meetings or email our Membership Secretary, Russ McMillan at 8254981@gmail.com
The meal at Bar Velasco on 13th September was again very successful and we were well entertained not only by the excellent singer Rees, but also Mazarrón FC’s
President Diego Arango who showed why he is respected as a singer with an impromptu performance.
We were saddened to hear of the death of our former Treasurer Patsy Davies. Patsy and her husband Robert were both very active members of Los Amigos in the early days until they moved to the San Pedro area of Murcia. We send our sincere condolences to Robert and the family.
We have decided that the Annual Gala Celebrations will not take place next year. Rising costs at the hotel for meals and rooms, together with air fares for visiting celebrities mean that it may no longer be financially viable. We are, however, looking at holding a smaller Dinner Dance at a local venue as well as a Race Night in the New Year. We will announce details as soon as possible.
Los Amigos meet every Thursday, at Mariano’s Bar & Restaurant, Camposol A at 4pm. All are welcome except at the monthly Business Meeting on the last Thursday in each month which is open to members only.