Good news this past week that Youth football is coming back from March 15th with matches returning for Infantiles, Cadetes and Juveniles. My eldest will restart on the 28th away in Manacor which he’s really pleased about. Still no decision yet about the younger ones which includes my other Son, with the Alevines, Benjamines and pre-Benjamines, being told they’ll have to wait. There seems to be a lot of dithering about the younger age groups which is utterly crazy. They’ve been back at school and training since September but the authorities say they will make a decision at the end of the month. The frustration amongst parents, who’ve paid for their children to play is easy to see and more importantly the kids are chomping at the bit. Also the clubs are struggling and have launched a campaign called SOS Football Base. Basically they’re saying without youth football they’ll be no professional football.
Real Mallorca are in action against Cartagena today, with kick-off at the Visit Mallorca Estadi at 18.15. Currently lying in 18th, their league position doesn’t reflect their current form, they’ve only lost one in the last five. A win would put Mallorca 6 points clear of second placed Espanyol who could only draw 1-1 yesterday. There’s 15 games to go and Mallorca need to keep winning their home games and not losing away. It’s a very inconsistent league this year, so it’s important that they continue this form and hopefully pull away. Automatic promotion will remove them from the lottery of the play-offs and will also give them time to assess their squad before the challenge of La Liga. Two years ago after finishing the play-offs, they only had a few weeks to get themselves prepared and the squad wasn’t strong enough. I heard a little rumour there is a possibility of fans getting back into the stadiums before the end of season. That would be amazing if promotion is on the cards.
Atlético Baleares look to have blown their chances of making the play-offs. A creditable 1-1 draw with top of the table San Sebastián last weekend, was followed by a disappointing 0-0 draw with Navalcarnero midweek. With three games to to they are 5 points behind the team in third place, which would put them in the play-offs. It’s a must win game today away at Las Rozas.
UD Poblense got a creditable 1-1 draw away at Real Madrid Castilla. And there lies the problem for them, too many draws. Of their 15 games, they’ve drawn seven. If they could have converted a few of those to wins they would definitely have saved themselves. They still can starting with Navalcarnero today, but it looks unlikely.
UD Ibiza have made the play-offs but need to get rid of their current indifferent form. They’re at home to Orihuela today.
Peña Deportiva will need to keep their current good form going. They are mid table and if they can stay there that will be a great season. A difficult away game at second placed Alcoyano today.
In Tercera group A, Andratx lead the way by four points from Ibiza Pitiusas. Ibiza do have a game in hand.
In Tercera group B, Platges de Calvia lead Formentera by five points with a game in hand.
In Division Honor Penya Arrabal will have to beat second placed Barcelona and third placed Girona to avoid the relegation play-offs. There’s two big games left, Barcelona v Espanyol to decide who finishes top and Real Mallorca v San Francisco, with the winner making the play-offs for the Champions and the losers the relegation play-offs.
Take care everyone.
Richie presents the Radio One Mallorca Breakfast show Monday to Friday 07.30-11.00am on 93.8fm in Mallorca and 102fm in Calvià, online at www.radioonemallorca.com on mobile through their free App for IPhone & Android, The Tunein Radio App, iTunes, the Spanish TDT TV service and all smart speakers. If you can’t hear him on the radio then you’ll find him working at Pirates Adventure the islands number one night out and every now and again he may make an understudy appearance!
Follow him on Twitter @DadTaxi1 & Instagram @dad.taxi or feel free to email him at rprior@globobalear.com
Dad Taxi Mallorca 