LIGA PORTUGAL BETCLIC: GIL VICENTE 1-0 FARENSE
LIGA PORTUGAL 2 MEU SUPER: PORTIMONENSE 2-2 TONDELA
Other than die-hard fans, everyone expected a trouncing for Portimonense from Sunday afternoon’s visit by clear second division leaders Tondela – but not so. Manager Ricardo Pessoa’s eleven was well-organised and remained on top despite a first half set-back when Miro scored against the run of play.
A long throw-in at the start of the second half soon had Paulo Vitor head the equaliser at the far post while Camilo Duran gave the Algarveans the lead with 20 minutes remaining on the clock. Unfortunately, Tondela managed to grab a second a whole seven minutes into stoppage time to ensure a share of the spoils.
The potentially vital draw now has Portimonense in 14th place on 34 points, two ahead of Porto B and four clear of play-off position holders Paços Ferreira with Oliveirense and Mafra further behind in the relegation places. There are three matches of the season remaining with a Saturday morning trip to mid-table Viseu up next.
In contrast, Farense showed little of the spirit needed to fight for top division survival at, at that point also relegation-threatened, Gil Vicente. Coach Tozé Marreco’s men managed only two harmless shots on target as the match headed for an uneventful bore-draw until the hosts’ Mohamed Bamba struck the previously unlikely-looking winner deep into time added on.
To make matters worse, fellow bottom four club Estrela Amadora subsequently defied long odds to beat Porto 2-0 and reach virtual safety. Farense now need a minor miracle to move off the foot of the table and reach at least the relegation play-offs.
