An unusual day for football, but the Bank Holiday fixture didn’t live up to much. Another changed side saw Diogo10 playing central defence; his turn of speed helped but he had his work cut out trying to cover for Carlinhos 2.

Aljezurense are still struggling with,  I’m told, a 4-3-3 system and were over run in midfield which has so many holes in it that the opposition partied in the space. The home team, who had many ex Senior players from Benfica and Portamenese, hit passes into the holes and it wasn’t long before Aljezurense were on the back foot – only bad shooting allowed the score to remain 0 – 0 at halftime.

The second half saw Armacenenses get the upper hand.  Poor defending centrally from Aljezurense gave ample room for the home side to score, but the woodwork and Toco 13 came to the rescue.  A long ball from the Armacenense defence beat the visitors’ central defence, and Diogo 10 caught up with the ball only to lash it out for a corner. Crosses had been a nightmare for the Aljezurense defence and the ensuing corner bounced dangerously in the penalty area before the ball was hit in goal off the post 0 – 1.

Aljezurense seemed to rally for a short while and won 2 free kicks within shooting range, firstly Sam 9 then Dani 23 came close but that was the end of any revival. Soon the Aljezurense were beaten again through the centre, and the home forward was brought down about 30m from goal. The free kick was soon helped into the net by a forward’s head and the match was over.

Clearly a settled side would help Aljezurense’s cause greatly and of course it’s still early days as far as the season goes. The team needs to keep its shape as most of the problems arise from this, at times the midfield flank of either side is left open and this space causes the defence to be flat footed.

Probably a 4 – 4 – 2 system would help to settle the side for the moment, and give greater stability allowing Sam and Dani the run of the forward space.

Into their fourth league game and yet another changed side, not good for settled football. Faro indicated their style of football early on, which consisted of the long ball forward, falling over and screaming and lack lustre football.  Aljezurense never really got started and their lack of ability to hold onto the ball and play simple passes cost them dearly.

Dan Robinson 23,  playing his first match was impressive and his early link up with his brother Sam looks promising. However, long balls played from the back by both sides bypassed the midfield,  and this is Aljezurense’s strength.

The referee was appalling and spoilt any chance of a proper game of football – his inability to see what was happening led to numerous yellow cards and one red for Africano.

The first half ended goal less and it was difficult to see where one was coming from for either of the sides.

The second half started where the first had finished,  with the ball being played too quickly by Aljezurense.  There is a real need for someone to Boss games, and silly flicks and lack of control enabled the visitors to get on top. A quick free kick on the right left the central defence of Aljezurense flat footed, and a far post header came off a defenders leg to send the visitors into a mad frenzy.

The final part of the match was alas turned into a pantomime scene, when a visiting forward was challenged in the penalty area and Africano was adjudged to have fouled the player.  Not only did Africano play the ball, but the minimal contact was shoulder to shoulder. The referee gave a second yellow card for the  offence and Aljezurense were down to 10 men. The penalty made the score 0-2 with no real way back.

Joao 7 came on and made a difference with his pace, and a fierce free kick from him rebounded off the keeper but alas was thumped clear. Another Aljezurense attack saw a foul in the penalty area and the referee from 40 metres gave a penalty. Up stepped Sam, who had battled hard up front with little assistance, to take the kick sending the visiting custodian the wrong way 1-2.

Aljezurense battled hard but all too late with Victor 24 having a fine match.  Sadly the visitors finished with the 3 points where a draw would probably have been the fairer result.

The need for calmness throughout the side can only be achieved through confidence and settlement in the team.  With some good players yet to get fit and strengthen the defence,  Aljezurense will need to battle hard to keep from falling down the league.

Please note that this week we play away to Armacenenses on Thursday 1^st November (All Saints Day) with the next game on Sunday 4th November at home to Castromarinense.