LIGA PORTUGAL BETCLIC: FARENSE 0-1 AROUCA
TAÇA DE PORTUGAL: SC VIANENSE 1-3 PORTIMONENSE
Last Sunday evening, bottom-of-the-table Farense lost their sixth match in a row, this time at home to Arouca, and promptly parted company with manager José Mota the following morning. Favourite to halt the club’s worst slump ever, partly caused by the summer sale of the majority of last season’s starting eleven, is ex-Gil Vicente coach Tozé Marreco who, at 37 years of age, can look back on a to-date short but successful career.
On the pitch, Farense produced very little in the way of scoring opportunities and went behind to a Trezza shot on the stroke of half time. There was no real improvement during the second half although Belloumi – now Hull – replacement Merghem hit the crossbar.
The only positive news to emerge from the Algarve capital this week is that outstanding previously want-away keeper Ricardo Velho has signed a new improved contract valid until 2028. Farense’s first post-Mota test will be a trip to mid-table AVS-SAD on Monday night.
In contrast, Portimonense travelled north to Viana do Castelo for their Portuguese FA Cup second round tie at third division Vianense, one of the oldest clubs in Portugal (founded in 1898), last Saturday morning and came away with an easy win.
By now regular scorers Paulo Vítor, Elijah and Chico Banza found the back of the net following an uneventful opening half whilst the home side grabbed a late consolation goal in injury time. Next up for manager Ricardo Pessoa’s rapidly improving side is a home encounter with second division league leaders Penafiel this Saturday evening at 6pm.
By SKIP BANDELE
