Liga Portugal Bwin: Belenenses SAD 2-0 Portimonense
Things went from bad to worse for Portimonense last Saturday afternoon as manager Paulo Sérgio’s men suffered a largely self-inflicted defeat at hitherto bottom side Belenenses to continue their now 14 league match winless run this calendar year.
Lucas Possignolo gave away a penalty as early as the 11th minute, which Safira successfully converted, before Willyan’s straight red card and subsequent dismissal just after the half-hour mark added to the misery. Despite numerical inferiority thereafter, Portimonense continued to press forward but failed to take advantage of more than a handful of good scoring opportunities. Pedro Martins then made sure all three points stayed in Lisbon when doubling the home side’s score deep into injury time.
The latest setback now has the Algarveans in 12th place, only four points clear of third from bottom Tondela currently occupying the play-off position. Next up is a home game this Sunday afternoon against Famalicão, trailing manager Paulo Sérgio’s men by one point before a visit to league leaders Porto beckons.
Also still on the agenda are meetings with Arouca and Moreirense, both below Portimonense in the present standings.
Meanwhile, summer transfer out Beto showed what has been missing this season by scoring a hat-trick during Udinese’s 5-1 Italian Serie A win over Cagliari.
By SKIP BANDELE
