Portimonense more than earned the Algarve bragging rights with a convincing 3-0 success over second division newcomers Farense last Saturday evening.
The start to the new season was welcomed by almost 2,500 fans who managed to give the compact municipal stadium on the banks of the Arade the appearance of being almost full despite its 8,000 seat capacity.
A constant drum beat maintained by the visiting fan block spurred the team from the capital on during the early stages of the encounter, but Portimonense’s defence, which has yet to concede a goal in four official matches, soaked up the initial pressure before paving the way for what turned into a relatively one-sided match past the half-hour mark.
Two good saves from former Portimonense keeper Ivo shortly before the interval kept Farense in the game, but he was then powerless to prevent 20-year-old ex-youth team player Mica from burying the ball in the net twice within 15 second half minutes.
An impressive performance from manager Lázaro Oliveira’s men was capped by a third strike from returnee Semedo, raising serious hopes that a summer of rare continuity at the club may finally enable Portimonense to compete at the top throughout the coming season.
Portimonense travel to Feirense on Sunday before welcoming Porto B to the Algarve for a mid-week fixture next Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, Farense play their first home match of the new season tomorrow (Saturday) at 7pm against Penafiel. Skip Bandele
