By SKIP BANDELE
Portimonense’s journey to Funchal appeared to be ill-fated from the beginning. Plans for a time and energy saving direct flight from Faro had to be abandoned and things did not improve after the Lisbon plane landed on Madeira.
The coach driver opted for an, at times, virtually impassable secondary road and the team was finally ushered into the Nacional stadium by a police escort 25 minutes before kick-off.
Undaunted, the Algarveans launched themselves at their opponents to dominate an opening half hour which ended with Jumisse giving the visitors a more than deserved lead.
The celebrations were short-lived, however, with a Claudemir free kick finding the back of the Portimão net almost by return. Inspired by the Brazilian, Nacional gained the upper hand after the interval culminating in a powerful Edgar Costa strike in the 74th minute to put the home side ahead.
Shortly before the final whistle Claudemir sealed a flattering 3-1 win for the islanders from the penalty spot to condemn manager Litos’ troops to their fourth defeat of the season.
Portimonense now go into the international break in 12th place, four points clear of the two relegation places currently occupied by Maritimo and Rio Ave who shared a goalless draw on Sunday afternoon.
The return to action will be the long-awaited ‘home’ game against champions Benfica at the Stadium of the Algarve. The clash, which will be shown live on Sport TV1, kicks off at 8.15pm on Sunday, October 24.
Meanwhile, local authorities have revealed that delays to the improvements currently in progress at Portimão’s municipal stadium will prevent the club from returning to the city before December.
According to the latest information, the game against Sporting Lisbon on the fifth of that month will thus be the first back in familiar surroundings.
