Portimonense failed to take advantage of a golden opportunity to close the gap on the leading teams when failing to beat Santa Clara last Sunday morning.
The visitors from the Azores had not lost in the Algarve for nine years and continued that proud record for at least another season after withstanding the Algarveans’ best efforts to secure all three points.
Against the run of play Clemente had given Santa Clara a surprise 11th minute lead from which time on Portimonense laid siege to their opponents’ goal-mouth. On two occasions during the first half alone, defender Luis Dias blocked two certain scoring opportunities to add to the host of others the home side proved unable to beat keeper Serginho.
The onslaught continued after the interval and was finally rewarded when Serginho could only parry a powerful effort from Fidelis which was turned in by Zambujo. With the score level, both sides had further opportunities to grab the winner but the game remained deadlocked at one a piece by the time the final whistle was blown.
Now six points behind top-placed Freamunde, Portimonense travel to Guimarães this Saturday. They then welcome Benfica B the following Sunday for a televised 11am kick-off.
By SKIP BANDELE
