IMORTAL FOOTBALL CLUB ALBUFEIRA

Saturday's game has been changed to a 1500hrs / 3pm kickoff!

IMORTAL ALBUFEIRA 2 - 2 QUARTEIRENSE

A result that was no good to either team. At the end, a deafening silence on and off the field told all. Quarteirense out of the title race, Imortal with now only the slimmest chance.

The statistics show a game of two halves. Imortal dominated the first half, Quarteirense the second. Imortal had been 2-1 ahead as early as the 19th minute, but such was the pressure from the visitors during the second period that a goal was inevitable.

The game got off to a lively start with Imortal defender Tiago Sousa getting himself booked after 17 seconds, but that was one of only seven free kicks in the first half. The second half made up for that!

Imortal took an early lead via an own goal by Diogo Marquês. A nice move down the right between Alves and Dragnev was finished with a cross to the far post which Marqûes arrived at first, unfortunately for Quarteirense. A few minutes later Imortal should have gone further ahead, but Duarte inexplicably failed to connect with a low cross while unmarked five metres from goal.

Quarteirense equalised with a stunning first time shot from the edge of the area, struck by Afonso Cavinho. Goalkeeper Froita had no chance with the well hit low shot, but he should have been closed down.

Imortal struck back and went ahead with a classic far post header by defender captain Pedro Rodrigues, converting a corner well taken by Dragnev. That was his first goal of the season.

The visitors responded, with winger Bruno Pereira causing Imortal's defence a lot of problems. Good defending was needed. Wilson Quintino should have scored from close range, while at the other end Imortal had more chances. One good save from Orfao denied Herlander Tome and António shot just wide.

A lively end to the first half included a mis-kick by Imortal's skilful Alves that landed on top of the crossbar. Defender Coelho stopped a powerful cross in the most painful way.

Quarteirense were very slow coming out for the second half, a good five minutes after Imortal were on the field. A fine coming I think. The second half eventually started at 16:09!

The early exchanges were even, with no clearcut chances for either side. Prates stopped one with his head, causing a long delay while he treated. Quarterense made three changes on the hour and the effect was immediate. Froita showed good hands dealing with long and deep crosses. Some defending was verging on panic, anywhere would do. Frequent stoppages interrupted the game. Imortal made all five changes, there were pauses for three more bookings and numerous 'injuries'.

The pressure mounted. Ricardo Tome (Ruca) replaced Alves, his first game since the end of March. Coelho was sent crashing into the advertising boards, nothing given. It was all one way traffic and the equaliser was coming, we all felt it. Ninety minutes were up as a good effort by João skimmed the crossbar. Could Imortal survive?

Nine added minute were announced. Groans from the home fans. It wasn't long after that when the equaliser came. The ball was banged into the area once more, confusion in the Imortal defence and into the goal went the ball. Officially given as an own goal by Imortal's captain Rodrigues. I couldn't tell.

Imortal went desperately searching for the vital winner, all hands to the pumps. Players were out on their feet, cramp being the cause. One last effort by Imortal ended when Imortal's Santos and the Quarteirense 'keeper got involved in a scrum for a loose ball. The ref gave a free kick against Santos as the clock ticked over to 99. The ´keeper lashed out at Santos, who lashed back. Both were sent off. The clock meanwhile had run out of minutes. There was just time for Quarteirense to kick off and and the game with a weak shot over the bar as my watch said twelve extra minutes had elapsed.

Imortal's next game is away at leaders Portimonense B on Saturday. Only a win will do and that would also depend on Portimonense B losing their last game on 31st May while imortal host neighbours Ferreiras in their last game.

Imortal team : Froita; Prates, Pedro Rodrigues, Dragnev, Sousa; Jose, Coelho, Alves, António; Herlander Tome, Duarte. Subs used : Tomas Rodrigues, Santos, Baldé, Salvador, Ricardo Tome.

Match statistics :

Free kicks conceded : Imortal 12, Quarteirense 11
Offside : Imortal 1, Quarteirense 0
Shots on target : Imortal 5, Quarteirense 4
Shots off target : Imortal 5, Quarteirense 5
Shots blocked : Imortal 1, Quarteirense 5
Corners : Imortal 6, Quarteirense 4
Yellow cards : Imortal 3, Quarteirense 3
Red cards : 1 each