Last Sunday’s goalless away draw at Aves was anything but uneventful as Portimonense peppered the opposition goal without success following the third-minute dismissal of home defender Junior Pius.
The young Nigerian received a straight red card after bringing down Portimonense’s Fabricio who was through on goal soon after kick-off.
Reduced to 10 men for the remainder of the game, Aves were left with little option but to defend in numbers.
During the first half alone, Adelino, Fernandinho and Fabricio again came close to scoring on five occasions but the excellent former Benfica and Portugal keeper Quim dealt with everything that came his way. At the same time, his opposite number, Ricardo Ferreira, was called upon to make crucial stops on more than one occasion earning both men top marks by the close of the encounter.
Following the restart, Fidelis was guilty of two misses while substitute Ryuki’s pile-driver brought the best out of Quim once more. As the minutes ticked away under-strength Aves came closest to putting the goal in the back of the net but were twice denied by Ferreira before the final whistle was blown.
Portimonense, now one point behind both local rivals Olhanense and Farense and trailing new league leaders Oliveirense by 10, are next in action at home this Saturday afternoon when Sporting Braga B visit for their previously re-arranged mid-week tie.
By SKIP BANDELE
