A largely experimental Portimonense XI took to the pitch at Ferreiras’ Nora Stadium against visiting Huddersfield Town last Saturday afternoon and came away with bloody noses.
The match featuring several trialists, described by one observer as a contest between “men and boys”, ended in a 4-1 defeat which will have left new coach Vitor Maças with plenty to think about ahead of this Sunday’s opening League Cup tie at AC Viseu.
The Algarveans found themselves four goals down before the hour mark at which time a degree of order was restored by the replacement of Roberto, David Viana, Ruben Casimiro and Bryan with more experienced squad members. The likes of Kanazaki, Fabricio, Fernandinho and Fidelis contributed to an improved closing 30 minutes thereafter which saw the last mentioned Brazilian newcomer from Marítimo grab the consolation effort following a good induvidual move.
Fidelis put his name to a three-year contract along with previously on-loan keeper Ricardo Ferreira, while Japanese pair Mou Kanazaki and Theo also comitted their medium term future to the club.
At the same time the Portimonense annual general assembly re-elected unopposed president Fernando Rocha for a further three-year term ensuring stability at the club whatever its fortunes on the playing field this coming season.
