This important match in the second half of the season was poised to entertain as both sides are well to the bottom of the league and have leaked goals, but it turned out far better for Aljezurense than anticipated.
The game started with Aljezurense on the front foot and their football was the best seen this season, sharp in attack, solid in defence, with passing from midfield that split open the visiting defence.
Aljezurense took the lead from a most unlikely source when a fine corner by Sam 9 was met fair and square by Carlinhos 2 and his powerful header screamed into the net.
Aljezurense then played some exciting stuff and were soon 2-0 up when a fine shot from the side of the penalty box from Diogo 10 nestled in the far side netting. All seemed well but just before halftime a needless free kick was given away 30m from goal, the free kick was taken and not struck well but the bobbling ball beat the wall and bounced over the outstretched goalkeeper’s arm 2-1.
Halftime was not far away but it could be seen that the goal shocked Aljezurense and they managed to pull through to keep the score 2-1 at halftime.
The second half started with some more crisp play from the Aljezurense mid field, Lawrence 8, Dani 23 and Eddy 14 defended well and splayed the ball around. Soon Diogo was set free again to increase the lead with a crisp shot after Sam 9 had worked the ball forward and almost scored himself.
Looking good Aljezuense continued in attacking vein but were caught out when Tiago pushed forward leaving a space behind him, the ball was lost to the opposition and they used this advantage, a quick cross ball and the score was 3-2.
Aljezure then froze and within 5mins the visitors were level when an almost copy cat goal was scored from similar circumstances to the last except the cross was headed unchallenged 3-3.
The next 10mins. was shaky to say the least, but the midfield worked hard to regain order and on the first telling attack Diogo 10 increased his tally and the score line with a fine goal 4-3. Now Aljezurense were rampant, with regained confidence they opened up the visitors easily and Sam latched onto a fine pass to drill the ball home for a much deserved goal 5-3.
Lawrence was next on the score sheet when a fine corner by Sam was knocked into the visitors goal area and Lawrence leapt in front of the keeper to make the score 6-3.
The visitors were well and truly beaten now and Aljezur flashed the ball forward, a fine pass found Diogo wide on the right and his crisp cross shot hit the net via the far post, 7-3.
Aljezurense made a few changes and this did not weaken the play. They continued to command the match, however a long ball forward bounced awkwardly in the home penalty area and a miss hit clearance by Kieran fell into the home sides goal, 7-4.
With minuets to go Dani 23 finalised the score line when he scored the eighth goal with a fine shot into the corner of the goal, 8-4.
A great result but most importantly a fine display. At last there was talking on the field, information flowing amongst the players. The midfield dominated and the front players ran, chased down and made opportunities for each other.
Diogo 10 was outstanding and back to his form of the start of the season, Sam 9 was tireless in his running, Dani 23, Eddy 14, and Lawrence 8 battled well and found the right passes at the right time. Kieran held the central defence together and generally the team played very well.
At times though within this game, Aljezurense got caught out and careless running from the back, and at times bad marking cost them with silly goals. However things can be learnt from these situations and hopefully this outstanding performance will give them the springboard to put a run of wins together, and creep out of an end of season relegation battle.
