LIGA NOS: PORTIMONENSE 0-2 MOREIRENSE
Portimonense lost 2-0 to high-flying Moreirense, fifth in the table, last Friday evening despite managing almost twice as many shots on goal than their opponents.
An early effort from Jackson Martinez well held by keeper Trigueira was followed by a flurry of corner kicks at either end before a Pedro Nuno shot clattered the Portimonense bar with 16 minutes played. That warning went unheeded by the defence as another powerful Chiquinho drive from distance just after the half-hour mark gave home keeper Ricardo Ferreira no chance.
A goal down, manager António Folha’s men made a strong start after the break, with Tabata doing his best to find an opening before Trigueira was in the right place at the right time to keep out Lucas Fernandes following a Paulinho corner.
The respite was short-lived, however, Heriberto forcing Ricardo into a good save before making no mistake from close range following a Chiquinho pass to make it 2-0.
With half-an-hour left on the clock, Portimonense still attempted to get something from the match, Tabata shooting over from a good position before being thwarted by quick thinking from Trigueira.
Another blocked effort minutes later resulted in Lucas wasting a golden opportunity, Paulinho saw his penalty claims turned down after smashing his free kick into the Moreirense wall, and substitute Ruster made sure of a rousing finish with two good efforts – but it was not to be Portimonense’s night.
Fortunately, the defeat did not cause any major changes in terms of league position thanks to results elsewhere – losses for the bottom three, Feirense, Chaves and Tondela, ensured that the ‘cushion’ to the relegation zone remained seven points, lending even more importance to next Monday’s Algarvean away trip to the last-mentioned of that trio. Interestingly, Jadson, Hackman and Boa Morte all played no part in last Friday’s proceedings, thus avoiding any further bookings which would have resulted in those players missing that game.
By SKIP BANDELE
