LIGA NOS: FAMALICÃO 0-1 PORTIMONENSE
Last Tuesday evening, Portimonense ended high-flying Famalicão’s unbeaten run since the re-start while notching up their own third win in addition to two draws from five games.
Bruno Tabata led an early charge from the visitors, firing a dipping shot over the bar in the sixth minute before forcing Vana into a brilliant one-handed save shortly afterwards, the Famalicão keeper tipping the ball against the crossbar. The 23-year-old Brazilian kept up the pressure, a tackle on the edge of the area allowing him to set up Ricardo Vaz Tê for clinical finish with just over a quarter-of-an-hour gone.
It was then the turn of Japan international Gonda to display his prowess in the Portimonense goal prior to the Algarveans resuming the attack, Lucas and Hackman going close before Aylton Boa Morte really should have doubled the advantage, the 26-year-old winger incredibly missing a close range tap-in with the empty net at his mercy.
The hosts made three half-time changes and almost drew level after the re-start but for Gonda producing a flying save of his own, denying Diogo Gonçalves.
Thereafter, a competent Portimonense defence did their best to snuff out any further chances, running down the clock for a very important victory.
Earlier in the week, bottom club Aves were relegated after losing 1-0 at home to Moreirense while Marítimo pulled off an unexpected – and unhelpful to Portimonense’s cause – 2-0 win over Benfica, leaving the lower half of the table looking as follows: with five matches remaining, Portimonense, in penultimate place, trail Tondela and Belenenses by two and three points respectively – the two facing each other on Wednesday evening (after the Resident went to press).
Also still in three-point reach are Setúbal while Paços de Ferreira and Marítimo are a further point ahead.
Portimonense’s spirited fight for survival continues at the Municipal Stadium this Saturday against Vitória de Guimarães, 7.15pm kick-off, live on SportTV.
By SKIP BANDELE
