Following last week’s fortuitous debut win, new Portimonense coach Carlos Azenha soon saw a return to the kind of form which left the club in last place prior to his enforced departure four years ago.
The midweek away trip to Feirense began well enough with Ricardo Pessoa putting the Algarveans ahead from the penalty spot just before the half-time whistle.
The harsh decision by referee Luís Ferreira in conjunction with the red card issued to ‘culprit’ Micael did not deter the hosts, however.
Strikes from Paulo Grilo and Luiz Phellype during a tumultuous second playing period which saw a further player from each side receive their marching orders, turned the score line around to leave Azenha’s men empty-handed.
Matters did not improve on Sunday morning when an early bombshell from visiting Sporting B’s Drame condemned Portimonense to their first home league defeat of the season.
Match referee Fábio Veríssimo subsequently ruled out what looked to be a perfectly good Pires equaliser before leaving the pitch complaining of flu symptoms.
Local fourth official Nuno Alvo then took charge of the second period of play during which Adelino and Fidelis both went close to salvaging a point from the encounter, but saw their efforts blocked on the line and rebounding off the post respectively.
The double loss caused Portimonense to drop down the table into 12th place prior to Wednesday’s visit to lowly Santa Clara on the Azores.
Azenha will be hoping for a better result there while victory over local rivals Farense this Sunday afternoon in the municipal stadium is a must if he is to avoid yet another crisis at the club.
By SKIP BANDELE
