LIGA NOS: PORTIMONENSE 1-0 BELENENSES
An early strike by Captain Dener, catapulting Portimonense from 18th and last place into 12th, proved to be the difference between the two relegation-threatened teams at the Municipal Stadium last Monday night.
Early pressure, which saw manager Paulo Sérgio’s men pressing high, paid off in the 17th minute when Willyan headed on an Anderson corner for Dener to rifle home.
With returnee Ewerton, new signing Bruno Moreira and former first choice keeper Ricardo Ferreira (back in goal for the precautionary self-isolating Samuel) in action for their first full match of the season, Portimonense continued to dominate and should have been two up by half-time but for a Moreira header rebounding off the post.
Belenenses attempted a comeback after the restart, but a second yellow card and subsequent dismissal for Henrique in the 68th minute soon put paid to that.
Instead, Portimonense renewed their efforts, running out the comfortable winners with Luquinha afforded the luxury of missing an open goal with a header against the woodwork near the close.
Now on 14 points, ahead of six clubs in close pursuit, the Algarveans next face Moreirense, seventh in the table but only three points for the better, in Moreira de Cónegos on Monday night.
Meanwhile, Jadson, who left in September, is expected back after ending his loan move to Vasco da Gama, but Hackman, out of action since the start of the season, could be on his way to either France or the Middle East.
By SKIP BANDELE
