What a difference a day makes. Our first Sunday game with the rain holding off, yet another changed side ran out to greet the visitors. It’s difficult to say what is going on, maybe a new rotation system, with both Sam 9 and Lawrence 8 on the bench for the start, on a pitch that in places resembled a lake.
Aljezurense started well and it was not long before weaknesses in the visitors team began to show. Some play acting and fouling off the ball began their down fall, and soon gaps started to appear. The Aljezurense midfield although still leaving big holes on the flanks at times, pressed well and midway through the half after both Jardel 21 and Dani 23 had gone close, a throw in was won on the right side. Up stepped the long throw specialist Rafael 15, wiping the ball on the strategically placed towel, to send the ball looping into the visitors penalty area. The defence froze and Dani 23 with the slightest of glances nudged the ball home 1 – 0.
Aljezurense were now looking assured of victory, and several attempts at goal came but alas no goals. The visiting side’s frustration was showing and several yellow cards were shown for stupid fouls. Aljezurense pressure soon paid off and Serra 16 hit a hopeful shot from 40m that struck a visiting defender and the ball looped into the air. Jardel, totally unmarked, latched on and his looping header beat the stranded keeper from 20m entering the net unchallenged. 2 – 0 and halftime.
The second half started the way the first half ended, with Aljezurense in charge. Although the central defence looked vulnerable, Diogo 10 cleared up from some sloppy marking. The visitors were continuing with their not so subtle ways of tackling and more yellow cards were shown.
Mid way through the second half Dani pressing forward, found Andrei 18 with a pin point pass, and cutting into the penalty area from the flank beating the visitors defence, he hit a fierce shot past the helpless keeper to open his account with Aljezurense, 3 – 0.
Aljezurense brought on Lawrence and Sam and much of the same ensued. The visitors were reduced to 9 men after more yellow cards made red and a sloppy piece of defending allowed the referee to point to the spot, and the visitors made the final score 3 – 1.
The home supporters, happy with the result, talked about Jekel and Hyde football over the last two games, but can see that the squad is strong and with defenders soon to return from injury, all bodes well for the future.