Many Aljezurense supporters followed the team up the mountain in hope that the league title would be settled, but alas Monchiquensie had other ideas.

In a scrappy match made far worse by a deplorable referee, Aljezurense looked jaded or had already thought the title was won. Monchiquense played some pretty football but the finishing touch was fortunately lacking, or they could well have been at least 3 goals up before halftime.

Missing the injured Lawrence 18 in midfield, Fabio 5 was not supported enough by his fellow players with Serra 28 battling against an eager home side that were able to run at the Aljezurense defence.

A game with a view

Against the run of play Aljezurense went ahead after a good move that ended with Casinhas striking home a rebound from the keeper. This seemed to put some spark into the visitors and several chances went missing from, Joao 7, (starting the match – a first for some time) Jardel 21 and Casinhas 10.

This period of the game saw Aljezurense more dominant and they should have gone in at halftime 3 goals to the better but for slack forward play.

In the second half Aljezurense sat back and the home side took control, far too many chances went begging only through poor finishing, otherwise the home team would have wrapped the game up.

Noel 17 was red carded for 2 yellow card tackles, the second from a laughable dive that conned the Referee again – this put severe pressure on the defence in which Kieran 15 played an important role in gaining a point.

This was probably the worst performance of the season with Aljezurense still needing 1 point to ensure that they are crowned champions. Noel 17 will now be side lined for the match against Serrano in 3 weeks time, although Serrano need to win by a very large  margin at least to give themselves a chance in overhauling Aljezurense, but of course we still have to visit Bensafrim.

The next game is Serrano at home on 24^th March, I apologise for misleading people that it was next week

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.