With four games of the season left, Mazarrón FC were two points adrift of second placed CD Algar, having been in prime position for the promotion play-off spot for most of the season. Unbeaten until they lost to SFC Minerva on 18th December, MFC won only three of their last nine games, drawing one. As it turned out they went into the last game of the season needing to draw to avoid a place in the relegation play-offs.
It was a remarkable turnaround. Having lost 1-0 at home to Olimpico de Totana at the start of February, MFC travelled to Atletico Santa Cruz and were met with the worst possible ground with no seating, no canteen facilities and, to make matters worse, driving rain throughout the game. Another below-bar performance saw the home team come out on top 4-2 in a game where MFC had introduced new signing Nico Carrasco. Carrasco had been brought in to address MFC’s goal drought which had seen only one goal scored in the previous four games. Carrasco did score in that game, but failed to reproduce that in the remaining games.
The next game was the local derby away to Bala Azul and the home team had the game virtually won in the first 35 minutes, scoring three goals without reply. MFC fielded another new striker, 18 year old Brazilian striker Kewen Andrade. He had few chances to shine, although showed some promise and, although MFC had much of the play in the second half, the home keeper was rarely troubled.
For the first time, MFC and their supporters were looking over their shoulders at the relegation situation rather than promotion, as about six teams were within one point of each other. MFC’s next game was a must win against bottom of the table Mar Menor. In the past, these games have proved tricky for MFC, but they made no mistake on this occasion racking up four goals before conceding a late goal, with Kewen Andrade getting two goals.
As it turned out MFC went into the last game of the season needing one point to avoid being dragged into the relegation places. Their opponents, Algezares, were in a similar position, so it is perhaps no surprise that the game ended in a 0-0 draw, although MFC had most of the possession during the game. In the end MFC finished 5th out of 12 teams, but had the final game been lost, they would have been in the relegation play-off place.
Central defender Lopez was presented with the Los Amigos de Mazarrón FC Player of the Year award. This award is voted for by Los Amigos members at every game and Lopez was a clear winner ahead of the dependable midfielder Taborda. The presentation was made by Los Amigos Executive Committee member Paul Cassidy.
Thanks must go to our President, Diego, who rescued the club at the start of the season and provided funds to bring in players from what seemed all corners of the globe. He also introduced a Manager, Paco, who had vast football experience, but just failed to complete the task which had started so brightly. Whether Diego will be able to re-produce the type of funding he has introduced in the last six months is a big question, but his enthusiasm for the Club has been unquestionable. His income streams were vastly reduced because of the restructuring of the Spanish football system. The Preferente Autonomica was split into two teams of 12, which meant only 11 home games for each club instead of the usual 17. After the restructuring, next season will see the usual 18 teams in the Preferente giving 17 home games for each team.
There will be a report in next month’s edition about the dinner dance, which was held on Tuesday 28th March at Mariano’s, Camposol A.
Tuesday 25th April – Quiz Night @ the Black Bull, Camposol B
Entry €2 for Los Amigos members and €4 for non-members. Food available at €8 – steak pie, chips & garden peas/cod goujons, chips & garden peas/chicken in chorizo breadcrumb, chips & salad/pork tenderloin with pepper sauce & chips/veggie lasagne.
Contact dereksocialfc@gmail.com to book
Tuesday 16th May – Race Night @ Alley Palais, Camposol B
7pm with first race at 7.30pm. Tickets €5 to include a Race Card and entry into a prize draw. Eight races including two auction races.
Food available at an additional cost – details of the menu on our FB page shortly. If you want to sponsor a horse (€3) or jockey (€2) please see one of the committee members at our weekly meetings at Mariano’s every Thursday (4pm-5pm).
Tuesday 19th September – Black-Tie Dinner @ Restaurante Amapola, Bolnuevo. 3 course meal with glass of cava or orange on arrival followed by a choice of starters – squid in batter with tartare sauce, Spanish ham and cheese or vegetable tempura. Main course – Chicken with Peppered Sauce & Potatoes or Special Sea Bream Amapola. Dessert – Cheesecake or Fresh Fruit. Local beer, house wines and soft drinks will be included during the serving of dinner only. Coffee included. Entertainment by vocalist Carolynn May.
Tickets €33 for members and €37.50 for non-members.
Transport provided to and from the venue at an additional cost.
Please contactdereksocialfc@gmail.com for tickets or our weekly meetings at Mariano’s every Thursday (4pm-5pm)