IMORTAL FOOTBALL CLUB ALBUFEIRA

Irregularity in the training of security agent teams.

IMORTAL ALBUFEIRA 1 - 2 PORTIMONENSE B

A very disappointing outcome in front of a good crowd. Imortal played well in the build-up, creating many scoring chances, but the final touch was missing. In a frantic finale, the crossbar was rattled, headers and overhead kicks went just wide. All is not lost, but Imortal really do need to win their next game, at Ferreiras on 26th April.

There was one change in the line-up. Herlander Tome returned after a one match suspension. Mauro Jose dropped to the bench, with Tiago Sousa moving into the back four. Whether or not that change to the established defence caused the problem, I don't know, but twice Imortal were caught by swift counter-attacks and were twice punished with well taken goals.

A good crowd was in, including a fair few from Portimão and a boisterous but good natured group of about two dozen lads on a stag weekend. They appreciated the skills of Walter Alves, who did his best to torment the opposition, who did get rather physical as he twisted and turned around them. They also appreciated a bit of retaliation, for which he was lucky not to be booked.

The early minutes were very cagey. The first effort on goals didn't come until 15 minutes in. Imortal won a  corner, which Duarte headed wide. Imortal had a lot of the ball as the half  went on, Portimonense resorted to shirt pulling, which earned them two yellow cards . The first indication of a threat from the visitors counter-attack came on 27 minutes but, fortunately for Imortal, Guilherme Costa blazed his shot way over the bar.

Imortal responded. Good work in midfield by Alves set up Dragnev for a cross from the left but it was too high.

Then came the second counter-attack and the first goal. Imortal lost the ball deep inside the Portimonense half. A hefty clearance found João Marques on the half way line. He sped off towards the Imortal goal, pursued by Pedro Rodrigues. Marques won the race and finished with a thunderous effort from 20 metres.

Back came Imortal. A free kick by Alves shot across the goal, missing everyone, then a good header by Duarte put Coelho through on goal, but he shot wide from ten metres.

Early in the second half Imortal a big shout for a penalty, nothing doing. But the visitor's defence was in a tangle. Could Imortal exploit this? As in the first half, Imortal dominated the play but could not find that vital touch inside the box. Substitute Baldé went close with a difficult header. The press was on. More good play set up a header for Duarte that hit the crossbar, bounced down and was hacked to safety from among the bodies.

Then a killer blow, with eight minutes left of the ninety. A massive wind assisted clearance by 'keeper Henriques was picked by just inside the Imortal half, squared across to unmarked André Chamusca whose low shot went in off the far post.

Imortal pushed for the equaliser which almost came in added time when an overhead kick by Tomas Rodrigues went just over.

But it was not to be. News that Ferreiras had won didn´t help. Imortal  now have a few days off, there being no games over Easter. The next game is at Ferreiras on Saturday 26th April, ko 1600hrs. I shall miss that one as I shall be enjoying the delights of Tonbridge v Borehamwood in National League south.

Imortal don't do well against Ferreiras, having lost both games against them in the first phase.

Imortal Team : Inácio; Prates, Pedro Rodrigues, Dragnev, Sousa; Cintra, Coelho, Alves, Antonio; Herlander Tome, Duarte. Subs used : Tomas Rodrigues, Vieira, Santos, Martins, Baldé.

Match statistics :

Free kicks conceded : Imortal 13, Portimonense B 18 + the penalty
Offside : 1 each
Shots on target : Imortal 3, Portimonense B 3
Shots off target : Imortal 8, Portimonense B 5
Shots blocked : Imortal 0, Portimonense B 2
Corners : Imortal 9, Portimonense B 4
Yellow cards : Imortal 2, Portimonense B 4
Red cards : none