Portimonense maintained their winning ways by inflicting Gil Vicente’s first home defeat of the season last Sunday morning.
A quick turn just inside the opposition area from the once-again-outstanding Paulinho as early as the 13th minute proved to be decisive as the 22-year-old Brazilian buried the ball in the back of the net for the only goal of the closely-contested encounter.
As half-time came and went, scoring opportunities were created at both ends, most notably Gil Vicente’s Arthur rattling the Portimonense crossbar before Touré forced Ricardo Ferreira into a good save.
A second booking for Pedro Sá in the 78th minute saw the Algarvians soak up further pressure during the final quarter-of-an-hour whilst a man down, but it was substitutes Stanley and Ewerton who came closest to doubling the visitors’ lead when the first mentioned saw his effort ruled off side before the latter’s strike was brilliantly kept out by home keeper Vozinha with the final whistle about to be blown.
The 11th victory from 14 matches disputed so far now sees Portimonense seven points clear of closest pursuers Aves, who beat Académica 2-0 over the weekend, while early pace makers Santa Clara now trail by 10 points in third place following a 3-1 loss to Sporting Lisbon B.
After another international break, Portimonense will host Sporting Braga B on November 20 before travelling north for a top-of-the-table clash with Aves the following Sunday.
By SKIP BANDELE
Photo: Portimonense coach Vítor Oliveira has reasons to smile
