Promotion could become a reality for Portimonense
Promotion to Portugal’s top tier could become a reality as early as this Sunday morning when Portimonense welcome Chaves – live on Sport TV1 from 11.15am – to the municipal stadium.
The two clubs are currently separated by three points in third and second place respectively, behind leaders FC Porto B who cannot be promoted.
Thanks to the fact that the Algarveans achieved a 2-2 draw with their closest rivals from the country’s extreme north-east during their first encounter earlier this season, and the fixture calendar which pits Chaves against the only other realistic contender, Feirense, during next weekend’s final encounters, a win would see Portimonense compete against the likes of Benfica, Sporting and Porto in 2016/17.
The present constellation evolved following last Saturday’s good away win at Oliveirense and some unexpected ‘help’ from fellow Algarvean clubs Olhanense and Farense who beat and drew with Freamunde and Chaves respectively.
In Oliveira de Azeméis, José Augusto’s men settled early nerves when Zambujo let fly from the edge of the area to give his team the lead just after the half-hour mark. The second half was well contested until the 78th minute 2-0 which saw a Fabricio effort deflected past hapless home keeper Helder Godinho by defender Luis.
In case of a draw or defeat on Sunday, the promotion race will go down to the wire with Portimonense facing a must win clash away at mid-table Varzim on the last day of the season. “Força Portimonense” – let us put the Algarve back on the football map!
By SKIP BANDELE
