Portimonense gained a very credible away point after drawing 1-1 with direct promotion rivals Famalicão last Saturday afternoon.
Still ‘exiled’ coach José Augusto’s men came under increasing pressure from the home side as the match progressed despite a by-now almost customary early goal, on this occasion headed in after seven minutes by the fully recovered Zambujo.
The lead still stood at half-time and could have been doubled against the run of play shortly after the re-start when a Pires effort rebounded off the crossbar.
Famalicão continued to dominate without unduly troubling keeper Ricardo Ferreira until Fidelis Irhene’s 62nd-minute dismissal allowed substitute Chico to take advantage of his team’s now numerical superiority by forcing in the equaliser eight minutes later. Half an hour later, the final whistle rewarded stout Algarvean defending as the result stood and three points continue to separate the two clubs who have their sights set on top level football next season.
Next up for Portimonense is another Saturday away trip, this time to struggling Leixões, before a mid-week visit from currently fourth-placed Freamunde. The first of those two matches will see third choice Brazilian goalkeeper Leo give his league debut as Ricardo Ferreira is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season in Famalicão and second choice Carlos is still recovering from injury.
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Caption: Portimonense coach José Augusto
