This match was the first opportunity for Aljezurense to end the day Champions albeit for two points.  One that they win this game and secondly that Serrano loose away to Tavira.

The visitors came full of certainty and running, egged on by a fervent support full of noise from bugles and drums, but were soon thwarted with some fine slick football that stunted their enthusiasm.

The Aljezurense midfield had for some reason changed with Lawrence back centrally but his excellent partner Fabinho 5 being dropped to the bench. Simão 80  took the second central defence spot along side Kieran 15 and Jardel Started up front. Lawrence played some excellent passes and soon his forward pass through the centre tempted the keeper to come to catch,  however, Jardel 21 was the quicker of the two and his excellent header found the net from the edge of the box.

Aljezurense were now flying and Claudio was unstoppable, his quick footwork dazzled the visitors and soon chances were coming thick and fast. Another move from central mid field found Jardel unmarked on the edge of the box and his first time pass to Claudio in acres of space on the left of the penalty box was enough to put the home side 2-0 up.  Claudio swept the ball into the far side of the goal with the home sides supporters cock a hoop.

This was all looking too easy and it was a surprise when the visitors reduced the lead, a disputed free kick won on the right was swept into the box and Abel 12 anticipating a centre could only push the ball into the goal 2-1. The goal caused some damage to the net and the game was held up for nearly 10mins whilst running repairs took place,. This was fortunate, as it seemed to take the wind out of the sails of the visitors and the halftime whistle was soon to follow.

The second half saw the visitors on the front foot and it was not long before they seemed to get the better of Aljezurense.  A corner won on the left was knocked into the box and a deflection off a leg of an Aljezurense player deflected the ball direct to the visitors unmarked forward, and his unchallenged shot back across goal saw the scores level. 2-2.

Aljezurense made some changes, the excellent Lawrence was replaced, Joao 7 came on and was soon to cause the visitors’ defence trouble.  Quick passing between Jardel and Joao was stopped only by a lunge on Jardel and a free kick awarded to the home side.  Up stepped Joao who bent a crisp drive past a keeper rooted to the spot. 3-2. This goal upset the visitors, and soon they resorted to tactics that were intent on stopping play and it was not long before the Red Card was shown and now the visitors were struggling. Another free kick this time just outside the box and Joao’s chipped effort crashed against the bar, the scramble was cleared more in luck than judgement.

Fabhino replaced Serra 28 and this strengthened the midfield, pass after pass was sent forward and it was not long before the game was settled.  A quick move up the left and the perfect cross was met by Jardel 21 who’s shot was soon to nestle in the visitors netting 4 – 2.

An excellent victory and all down to some great team work.  The back four were superb and both the full backs Pedro 8 and Leandro 6 played great parts in supporting the attacks.  Centrally Kieran 15 and Simão 80 were solid both in the air and on the ground, and they thwarted the visiting attack.

The midfield were strong whilst being constructive, Casinhas 10 and Lawrence 18 playing major roles in this victory. The forwards played their part and were mobile and always available and a strike force to be reckoned with on this occasion. Jardel & Claudio were too good for the visitors and came out top in this battle.

Well done Aljezurense  – a victory best summed up by saying that when asking the supporters for their man of the match we get 8 different replies!. The Champagne is on ice and let’s hope the title is won before the visit of Serrano – Monchique will be a great place to celebrate.

Next Saturday away at Monchiquense …….a ground with view.

The faithful travelling support arrived at Machados to an empty ground and no one in sight.  A hasty phone call checked we were supposedly in the right place but plan B, phone Sgt Gabriel to see if he could make contact with the club….10mins later call received that they were playing elsewhere so a speedy retreat was made…on exiting the club a home supporter arrived and he led us to another ground…then another,  before we arrived 2mins into the game.

Unlike the sand pitch up the road, the perfect real grass surface suited Aljezurense and they were soon in command.  The home side had other ideas and it varied from violence to homicidal attacks with a referee hapless at his job.

Quick passing caused chaos in the home defence and soon Pele 14 was found unmarked 25m out and his crisp shot was helped into the goal by the home custodian. 0-1. This was the sign for Machados to play more hard man tactics and Casinhas 10 rounded the full back, for him to kick his legs from under him, the referee booked the player and up stepped Casinhas who unfortunately had his poor shot saved.

This now spurred Aljezurense and it was not long before the keeper was left one on one and he was slow off the mark.  Casinhas rounded the keeper only to be pulled down, penalty, the referee had no real choice but to send him off  – but managed just to show the yellow card, amazing.  Up stepped Noel 17 to hit a perfect penalty past the keeper 0 – 2.

First half still not over and Aljezurense were flying in more ways than one…foul after foul felled the visiting players but only yellow cards were shown.  Fabinho 5 and Simão 80 in midfield and the centre  backs of Lawrence 18, Noel 17 stood firm until a blatant dive saw Noel receive a yellow card, no justice at all.

Again Aljezurense attacked and Pele rounded the keeper only to be hauled down by the keeper…off this time?  but no the referee thought he would give him another chance. Up stepped Noel again and this time his penalty crashed into the top corner leaving the keeper rooted to the spot…0 – 3 half time.

Aljezurense made 2 changes at half time – Catita 9 for Casinhas and Jardel 21 for Claudomiro 69 , giving the 2 forwards a much earned rest.

The game continued in similar vein to the first half, still violence going unpunished, with the home side trying desperately to wind up the visitors. A free kick was knocked into the box by the home side only for Toco 13 to have the ball well covered, he rose to catch the ball and had his legs knocked from under him, the ball was kicked into the empty net, and the now laughable antics of the referee became serious,  as he allowed the goal to stand. Within minutes the home side were throwing everything they could into attack but failing to get close to scoring.  Aljezurense were awarded a free kick and Noel awaited the referee’s whistle before he kicked the ball, this was seen as time wasting and he promptly booked him and sent him off. Laughable after all that had gone on in the game.

Aljezure still managed breakaway attacks and soon Catita was put away up the right  wing.  He hurdled two lunges and rounded the full back, his perfect cross was met by Jardel at the far post 1 – 4.

This was a well deserved victory in which most players had suffered from violent challenges.  The back four were outstanding and Lawrence held the defence together well when Noel was red carded.  Fabinho who suffered the most from the tackles kept his cool and his mastery in mid field ensured a relentless supply of goal making passes.  Simão steadied the ship and kept the shape required to win this battle.  Every member of the team had a part to play in this victory which is another step closer to being champions.

Next week Aljezurense entertain F C 11 Esperanças who at present remain in 3^rd spot with 21 points and a maximum of 33 points available. Serrano who visit Aljezurense on the 24^th March have 22 points with 12 points available, so the title is in our hands.

Hopefully the exclusion of Noel from the defence next week will not cause too much upheaval but rumour has it that Kieran who has played well in the centre of the back four most of the year has left the club, which if true, is sad and might well be costly for Aljezurense.