Following a roller-coaster season which saw Portimonense close to achieving first class status for long periods during what is their 100th anniversary year, the dream finally ended in Chaves last Sunday afternoon.
Caretaker coach José Augusto’s men came out fighting and, following missed opportunities from Zambujo and Kanazaki, keeper Márcio Ramos was still able to successfully defend a penalty kick from the home side’s Lués Pinto in the 35th minute.
Chaves then took the lead through Barry shortly after the interval, an advantage which was quickly cancelled out by Kanazaki despite the interim dismissal of Rui Correia to the detriment of the Algarveans.
As the game hung in the balance, Barry was again on the mark only to see Fabrício restore parity four minutes from the final whistle. A special effort was needed at that stage of the game in order to produce a winner and Chaves Brazilian midfielder Gustavo provided it with an unstoppable strike from 30-metres out which handed victory to the locals by a 3-2 margin.
Afterwards Augusto said: “We were warriors and fought to the end but (referee) Paulo Baptista lost control of the game”- the man in black ended up handing out eight yellow cards as well as the red to Correia and another to Portimonense’s Mazola after the final whistle had gone.
The Algarveans’ poor disciplinary record is certainly partly to blame for their failed promotion bid this season and is something the next incoming manager will have to address.
Meanwhile, Chaves remain in the hunt for the play-off spot but remain two points behind also successful Aves who only need a draw at home against Viseu on Sunday while Portimonense complete their fixtures at the Municipal Stadium with Oliveirense.
By SKIP BANDELE
