LIGA NOS: BELENENSES 2-2 PORTIMONENSE
Portimonense continued where they left off against Nacional last weekend to establish a two-goal advantage by the interval in Lisbon on Saturday afternoon, only to let that advantage slip during the second half.
Jackson Martinez intercepted a loose ball soon after kick-off and found Tabata in space on the left wing, who in turn produced a pin-point cross for the in-form Aylton Boa Morte to head home for an early lead. That perfect start was cemented as Aylton turned provider for Jackson to bury the ball with his first-time shot to make it 2-0 before 20 minutes were up. But Portimonense failed to kill the game off before half time, keeper Muriel making some good saves from Tabata and then a Lucas Fernandes to give the home side some hope for the second playing period.
Belenenses piled on the pressure after the restart, a corner and a free kick preceding a Licá strike on the turn to reduce the deficit, Lucca then letting fly from outside the area on the 67th minute to level the scores. Both sides now went in search of the winner, Aylton going close when just shooting over from close range, Tormena heading wide and Muriel doing well to keep out Wellington, while Dalcio should have done better at the other end, scuffing his shot when put through on goal. A point a piece will not have displeased either manager but, given their performance over the initial 45 minutes, the draw will have proved slightly disappointing to the Algarveans.
Portimonense, still seven points clear of the relegation places following the latest set of results, next face this season’s surprise contenders for a Europa League place, Moreirense, at the Municipal Stadium next Sunday afternoon (March 31).
By SKIP BANDELE
