Portimonense recovered from the previous week’s double reversal with a win and a draw to keep in touch with the promotion race this time around.
First up was a more or less uneventful 1-0 home success over close rivals Gil Vicente last Wednesday afternoon. After a goalless opening half bereft of scoring opportunities, the visitors were punished for their unadventurous play when back-to-form Zambujo pounced on a parried Fabricio free kick to make sure of maximum points.
Sunday’s precious away point at Covilhã was less easily garnered. Again scoring opportunities during the first 45 minutes proved to be a rarity, but the Algarveans came under increasing pressure when the hosts stepped up the pressure after the interval.
When Lucas’ dismissal just before the hour mark additionally gave Covilhã the numerical advantage on the pitch, Portimonense’s defence underwent a stern examination and only the woodwork prevented Diogo Ribeiro from securing the home team’s third successive victory in as many weeks in stoppage time.
Now in fifth place, five points behind Chaves and Feirense sharing the two promotion places, manager José Augusto’s men next take on long-standing local rivals Farense on Saturday afternoon. The derby at the municipal stadium kicks off at 3pm and should be the customary closely contested affair despite Farense’s currently lowly position in the table.
In other news, it has been confirmed that recent returnee Mu Kanazaki has once again left the Algarve for Japan while a midweek friendly match against Chinese second division side Nei Mongol Zhongyou finished two a piece.
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