The faithful travelling support arrived at Machados to an empty ground and no one in sight.  A hasty phone call checked we were supposedly in the right place but plan B, phone Sgt Gabriel to see if he could make contact with the club….10mins later call received that they were playing elsewhere so a speedy retreat was made…on exiting the club a home supporter arrived and he led us to another ground…then another,  before we arrived 2mins into the game.

Unlike the sand pitch up the road, the perfect real grass surface suited Aljezurense and they were soon in command.  The home side had other ideas and it varied from violence to homicidal attacks with a referee hapless at his job.

Quick passing caused chaos in the home defence and soon Pele 14 was found unmarked 25m out and his crisp shot was helped into the goal by the home custodian. 0-1. This was the sign for Machados to play more hard man tactics and Casinhas 10 rounded the full back, for him to kick his legs from under him, the referee booked the player and up stepped Casinhas who unfortunately had his poor shot saved.

This now spurred Aljezurense and it was not long before the keeper was left one on one and he was slow off the mark.  Casinhas rounded the keeper only to be pulled down, penalty, the referee had no real choice but to send him off  – but managed just to show the yellow card, amazing.  Up stepped Noel 17 to hit a perfect penalty past the keeper 0 – 2.

First half still not over and Aljezurense were flying in more ways than one…foul after foul felled the visiting players but only yellow cards were shown.  Fabinho 5 and Simão 80 in midfield and the centre  backs of Lawrence 18, Noel 17 stood firm until a blatant dive saw Noel receive a yellow card, no justice at all.

Again Aljezurense attacked and Pele rounded the keeper only to be hauled down by the keeper…off this time?  but no the referee thought he would give him another chance. Up stepped Noel again and this time his penalty crashed into the top corner leaving the keeper rooted to the spot…0 – 3 half time.

Aljezurense made 2 changes at half time – Catita 9 for Casinhas and Jardel 21 for Claudomiro 69 , giving the 2 forwards a much earned rest.

The game continued in similar vein to the first half, still violence going unpunished, with the home side trying desperately to wind up the visitors. A free kick was knocked into the box by the home side only for Toco 13 to have the ball well covered, he rose to catch the ball and had his legs knocked from under him, the ball was kicked into the empty net, and the now laughable antics of the referee became serious,  as he allowed the goal to stand. Within minutes the home side were throwing everything they could into attack but failing to get close to scoring.  Aljezurense were awarded a free kick and Noel awaited the referee’s whistle before he kicked the ball, this was seen as time wasting and he promptly booked him and sent him off. Laughable after all that had gone on in the game.

Aljezure still managed breakaway attacks and soon Catita was put away up the right  wing.  He hurdled two lunges and rounded the full back, his perfect cross was met by Jardel at the far post 1 – 4.

This was a well deserved victory in which most players had suffered from violent challenges.  The back four were outstanding and Lawrence held the defence together well when Noel was red carded.  Fabinho who suffered the most from the tackles kept his cool and his mastery in mid field ensured a relentless supply of goal making passes.  Simão steadied the ship and kept the shape required to win this battle.  Every member of the team had a part to play in this victory which is another step closer to being champions.

Next week Aljezurense entertain F C 11 Esperanças who at present remain in 3^rd spot with 21 points and a maximum of 33 points available. Serrano who visit Aljezurense on the 24^th March have 22 points with 12 points available, so the title is in our hands.

Hopefully the exclusion of Noel from the defence next week will not cause too much upheaval but rumour has it that Kieran who has played well in the centre of the back four most of the year has left the club, which if true, is sad and might well be costly for Aljezurense.

Aljezurense started off this home match like a rocket, and should have been 3 or 4 nil up after as many minuets, Pele 14, Casinhas 10, Simao 80 and Fabinho 5 all were very close to hitting the target.

The match settled but Aljezurense were still the more forceful, and were ahead after 20 mins when a corner was won on the right, the perfect strike by Simao found Noel 17, unmarked on the edge of the goal area and his forceful header crashed into the netting 1 – 0.

Almancilense responded and some hapless defensive work by first Africano 4, then Noel, allowed chances for the visitors only for Abel 12 to make fine saves. The first half came to an end with Aljezurense in command, but more goals were required to be assured of victory.

The second half saw Lawrence 18, replaced having been booked for a clumsy tackle, by Kieran 15, strengthening the defence with Africano moving to left back, and Peter 8, being replaced by Claudomiro 69, giving a more strength to the attack.

Several chances went by with Casinhas missing 2 simple tap ins but it wasn’t long before Aljezurense secured the match. Fabinho and Simao played some excellent football with  Catita 9 hitting a strong shot goal wards, the keeper made a fine save but he pushed the ball to the advancing Pele 14 who volleyed home 2 – 0.

Abel was called on to make a couple of fine saves to stop the visitors scoring, but Aljezurense ran out worthy winners. Next Saturday away to Machados on a sandy pitch that hardly resembles a football playing surface, and the following week at home to FC 11 Esperancas  second in the league.  These six points should secure the league title, with Serrano to play at home on the 24^th March, the other two matches being Monchiquense and Bensafrim away. For those planning a party for St. Patrick’s day 17^th March, Aljezurense have a day off so enjoy the day.