BY SKIP BANDELE
Portimonense managed to garner four points from their two matches last week to move within touching distance of a promotion spot.
Wednesday’s (March 9) away trip to the Azores could easily have resulted in maximum points after Theo Ryuki put the Algarveans ahead just after the interval, but an unfortunate own goal from Lucas following a corner allowed Santa Clara to escape with a 1-1 draw.
Another stale mate looked to be on the cards last Sunday afternoon (March 13) with both Portimonense and visiting Oriental failing to convert good scoring opportunities throughout the encounter. However, the deadlock was finally broken two minutes from the end when Fabrício unleashed an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area to secure a precious 1-0 victory.
With 11 games remaining starting with Benfica B this Sunday morning (March 20), and only seven points separating the seven likely contenders for top level football next season, there is still everything to play for. Unfortunately Portimonense coach José Augusto will have to keep in touch with his assistant Pedro Silva from the terraces for the duration of the exciting run after having received a 57-day touchline ban for previously ignoring a similar albeit much shorter punishment.
