Liga Portugal Bwin: Portimonense 1-2 Braga

Last Sunday night’s home game against Braga did not bring about a change of fortune as Portimonense were always up against it after conceding two early goals to remain winless after 13 games this year.

Moura was at hand to tap in at the near post for the visitors following confusion in the area after only five minutes. Braga keeper Matheus then produced the first of a string of outstanding saves to stop a powerful Welinton Júnior drive before Yan Couto doubled the away lead with barely 20 minutes on the clock.

Portimonense could have been back in the match just after the half-hour mark, but Matheus again excelled by tipping Carlinhos’ goal-bound effort against the bar.

Braga again threatened after the break, Ricardo Horta pulling his shot just wide when through on goal as Samuel matched his opposite number’s goal-line heroics in keeping out Vitinha.

Beleaguered manager Paulo Sérgio’s men were finally rewarded for their renewed efforts when defender David Carmo’s attempted clearance of a dangerous Moufi cross ended up in his own net to reduce arrears, but as full time was reached, Portimonense once again found themselves on the wrong end of a closely contested score line.

The best chance for some time to get three much-needed points on the score board will arrive Sunday week, April 3, following yet another international break when the Algarveans travel to Lisbon to take on last placed, and in all likelihood second division-bound, Belenenses.

By SKIP BANDELE