Portimonense’s latest away trip netted three valuable points as AC Viseu were beaten 1-0 by a late André Ferreira strike.
Both teams struggled to find any kind of rhythm during an opening half severely disrupted by referee Artur Soares Dias who stopped play on no less than 25 occasions.
The accompanying three yellow cards took their toll after the break with Portimonense’s André Carvalhas and Viseu’s Fábio Martins receiving their marching orders in quick succession.
The remaining 10 men on either side seemed to be heading for an inevitable draw until manager José Augusto’s inspired late double substitution paid rich dividends.
On the counter attack, Zambujo crossed from the right flank for Ferreira to apply the final touch two minutes before the final whistle.
The win takes Portimonense within one point of a promotion place ahead of this Saturday’s home tie against Aves.
Meanwhile, Sporting Lisbon were the opponents on Tuesday night for the League Cup third phase match in the Algarve.
Portimonense more than matched the top division leaders in every department and took the lead through Ewerton just past the half-hour mark.
Sporting came back strongly after the interval and went close to levelling the match on several occasions before keeper Carlos Henriques denied experienced international William Carvalho from the penalty spot in the 79th minute.
The let-off boosted local morale and Ewerton sealed a famous victory with a penalty of his own deep into injury time to make it 2-0 on the night.
On maximum points after two group games, Portimonense are as good as in the semi-finals of the competition ahead of next Tuesday’s concluding visit to Paços de Ferreira – glory days indeed!
Photo: LUIS FORRA/LUSA
