Aljezurense battled hard to win this match and ran out worthy winners. Several team changes from the last game saw Abel 12 replace Toco 13 in goal, Jardel 21 start up front and Laurence 18 replacing Fabino 5 in midfield, at last a strong squad.
With the ball fizzing about it was not long before the visitors’ number 9 showed his hand and in quick succession he made 3 terrible bookable tackles that went by a timid referee. With this followed the visitors’ number 20 who thought he would get in on the act and he tried exactly the same ploy.
Kieran at the centre of defence was having an off day and Abel, Noel 17 and Africano 4 came to the rescue. Claudio 69 was back to his best form and his dazzling runs troubled the visitors defence. Simao 80 holding the ball up well, together with Laurence, forged several great passes forward but at halftime there was still no score.
The second half started like the first, with the Quarteirense number 9 continuing in his violent ways, Kieran was now back at his best doing well, leading the defence into a solid base from which to spring, and it wasn’t long before Aljezurense were in front. A corner was forced out of a smart attack, and the perfect delivery saw Noel 17 rise above the visitors’ defence to head home a fine goal. 1-0.
The home team now looked to finish the game off, and Laurence was having a fine match marshalling the midfield. Fabino 5 was brought on to replace Claudio, and two swift moves found the visitors on the back foot. Another corner forced, and in replica fashion Noel again forced the ball home 2-0.
The poor referee still had not booked the Quarteirense number 9 although he gave several yellow cards for back chatting. After what looked like a perfect tackle by the ever improving Leandro 6 on the left, the free kick was knocked into an open space in the home defence, and the ball was knocked into the net past the stranded Abel 2-1.
The last 15 minutes saw the visitors rally, but sound defending by Aljezurense saw the team home to a deserved 2-1 victory.
Aljezurense remain top of the league, unbeaten with 21 points. FC Esperancas on 18 points and Serrano 15 points. Aljezurense travel to Tavira next Saturday 4th February, who have won 1 game, drawn 2 and lost 5. Let’s hope our winning streak continues.