One-time league leaders Portimonense’s promotion hopes are fading rapidly after failing to win for the fourth time in succession last Sunday afternoon.
The over 2,000-strong crowd sensed that a precious victory was finally to be theirs when visitors Tondela were reduced to 10 men as early as the 38th minute, but manager Lázaro Oliveira’s troops were once again unable to convert their far superior possession into meaningful scoring chances.
Prior to Robson’s straight red card for violent conduct, the Algarveans had fallen behind against the run of play to a 12th-minute Tiago Barros free kick but were soon back on level terms when Ivo Nicolau found the back of the net from a Ricardo Pessoa corner. Unfortunately little followed thereafter as Tondela comfortably saw out the 1-1 draw despite their hour-long numerical inferiority.
The less than satisfactory share of the points was made worse when hitherto closest pursuers Aves scored deep into injury time against top dogs Moreirense to secure a 1-0 win and leap-frog Portimonense to take over the promotion play-off spot behind their vanquished opponents and second-placed Penafiel who also won.
With only four games remaining including away trips to Madeira and Chaves, Portimonense’s chances of gaining access to the country’s top tier in what is their centenary year are dependent on results elsewhere.
In order to make up the one-point deficit on Aves over whom they enjoy a better head-to-head record, the Algarveans must not only start winning games but also hope that their rivals slip up during some of their outstanding fixtures.
By SKIP BANDELE
