Combination Division I table last night after scoring a controversial 82nd minute penalty kick to win by the only goal against Magpies.
At a deserted Springfield – there were just 30 watching – player-manager José-Manuel Vieira thumped his rising spot-kick straight down the middle of the goal to score his team their fifth league win of the season.The penalty was given for an alleged clip on the heels of midfielder Nelson Mwakazi, after Magpies’ defence was stretched for the only time in the game with the move of the match up the Portuguese right involving several players.Magpies, who dominated the first 20 minutes, will be kicking themselves for missing a couple of good chances while Portuguese too had one effort cleared off the goal-line, by Paul Cauvain, together with ‘Pies goalkeeper Tony Carlyon denying them with a couple of fine saves.Overall defences were on top with Antonio Costa and Jason Reynolds prominent for the winners and losers respectively.’We deserved something from the game,’ said Magpies manager Ian Golding.’We’ve been beaten by a controversial penalty and we’re extremely disappointed.
Not one of the Portuguese players appealed for it and that to me tells you something.’Our back three coped very well but our problem is that we’re struggling to score goals.
We had two clear-cut chances but we couldn’t put them away.’We’re in a dog-fight at the bottom but I’m confident we won’t go down.
Apart from Jersey Scottish and Trinity we are capable of beating all the other teams and I think we’ll finish mid-table.’Portuguese secretary Vasco Pinto said: ‘We’re very happy to have won and move up a place to third.
The mood in the camp is good and winning will give us confidence going into our next game against Jersey Wanderers.’We’re fighting hard for points and our target is a top-five place to gain us qualification into Guernsey’s Jeremie Cup competition next season.’Magpies: Tony Carlyon; Dave Bisson, Haydn Bechemin, James Ollivro, Jason Reynolds, Paul Cauvain; Chad Morris, Andy Barker, Peter Warrell; Stuart Truscott, Jason Newman.
Subs used: Paul Cosgrove, Dieter Paland.Cautioned: Bechemin, Truscott.Portuguese: Paulo Campos; Helio Freitas, Antonio Costa, Artur Calaca, Joao Gouveia; Vitor Santos, Nelson Mwakazi, Marco Varela, Pedro Lopes; José-Manuel Vieira, Vitor Santos.
Subs used: Ricardo Pereira, José Costa, Duarte Ferreira.Cautioned: Freitas, Varela.Officials: Andy Cox, Barry Breuilly, Jim Machon.
