Relegation play-off first leg: Portimonense 1-2 AVS SAD
Last Saturday evening, Portimonense reverted to their by-now-customary shortcomings of poor finishing and momentary lapses of concentration in front of their own fans by failing yet again to produce a home win this calendar year, despite enjoying the majority of possession, 26 shots at goal and no less than 14 corners compared to 10 and two respectively from the opposition.
Bayern Munich loanee Fukui proved particularly wasteful in front of the visitors’ goal as Nakamura did well in keeping out John Mercado at the other end, before Anthony put AVS ahead on 20 minutes. Following the interval, Portimonense were still busy integrating substitutes Formiga and Gonçalo Costa when Benny struck from a tight angle to put the second division side two up.
Three minutes ahead of full time, Portimonense were then thrown a lifeline as José Teixeira inadvertently diverted a Costa cross in the area past his own keeper to leave the score at 1-2 going into next Sunday’s must win second leg in Vila das Aves.
At least manager Paulo Sérgio’s men appear to feel less pressure away from home as shown during victories over Boavista, Chaves and most recently Farense, and still have a fighting chance of retaining their top division status next season.
By SKIP BANDELE
