League Play-Off

Abunheira
Spectators: 34 (Terracing: 26, Seating: 8, VIP seats: 0) Fernando Castro showed his good apprehension of the play when he made a fantastic save on a shot from Xavier Brás, who was totally free with the ball in the 6th minute. Thanks to some nice foot action and superb ball handling Filipe Vale in the 8th minute a chance for a shot on goal. With an extended leg and a bit of luck Fernando Castro prevented the ball from getting in the gole. After 10 minutes of play, Abunheira FC's Jacinto Pinheiro made it 1-0 when he simply outclassed the defender marking him and hit a curling shot into the right side of the net. Raul Fernandes was left in no man's land by his defense there! After 12 played minutes Abunheira FC got a freekick which was hit by David Ferreira. After 17 played minutes Palao got a freekick which was hit by Cristiano Matias. Jacinto Pinheiro could have scored with his fast shot on goal in the 23rd minute of the match, but Raul Fernandes made a huge save. Xavier Brás received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 25th minute. Fernando Castro tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. 29 minutes into the match, Xavier Brás had an open shot that he just couldn't miss and scored to the right of Fernando Castro. Abunheira FC's manager could be seen yelling to the referee that Xavier Brás was offside, but the referee ignored the protest. 1-1. If Xavier Brás had kept his shot down it would have been a goal in the 31st minute. The ball went over the crossbar and out instead. Ricardo Cabral's late challenge caught a Palao's player on the shin and left him crawling around in pain. The referee blew his whistle and produced the yellow card. Ricardo Cabral helped the player get up and apologised. The supporters of Palao booed when Abunheira FC was adjudged a doubtful freekick after 36 match minutes in a wonderful position. David Ferreira didn't get a good kick on the ball. Jacinto Pinheiro received a nice pass in the box and took a hard shot in the 41st minute. Raul Fernandes tensed up and prepared to dive, but the shot went over the goal with him having to interfere. Xavier Brás struck a weak shot in the 43rd minute. Fernando Castro didn't even have to move as the ball rolled over the line well wide of the goal. A wasted opportunity for Palao. After a very even first half the match was still tied. The players went to their respective dressing rooms to discuss the tactics for the second half.

Jacinto Pinheiro scored 2-1 in the 63rd match minute with a shot that went into the goal to the right of Raul Fernandes, who was just a little too slow in reacting to the shot. In the 71st minute, Ricardo Cabral got an opportunity to score, but he didn't get a solid hit on the ball and ended up kicking it wide of the goal. Xavier Brás sent away a hard shot on goal in the 77th minute, but the ball hit the crossbar and went out. A very good chance for a goal. Filipe Vale sent away a hard shot on goal in the 78th minute, but the ball went just over the crossbar and out. A very good chance. After some careless play in the Palao defense, Rui Maia kicked a shot that curved into the net to the right of Raul Fernandes. The Palao fans voiced their displeasure as they felt that Raul Fernandes should have stopped the shot. After a defensive mix-up in Abunheira FC's zone, Xavier Brás stole the ball and had only the goalie to beat. Fernando Castro came out of the goal and Xavier Brás tried to chip the ball over his head. To his dismay, the ball went over the crossbar and out of play. Many of Palao's supporters were seen to leave the ground early as it became clear their team was going to lose. Palao may have spent more time on the ball, but Abunheira FC were more willing to take their chances and they walked away with the win.