17 October 2006, by Tom Kundert

Naval stun Boavista to continue magnificent start

Boavista 0-1 Naval

Naval continue to cause a sensation in the Bwin Liga, beating Boavista 1-0 to move up to joint third in the table with Braga, their next opponents.

An own goal by Cisse 13 minutes from time gave the three points to the team from Figueira da Foz.

A dull first half was dominated by the defences, with goalkeepers Taborda and William mere spectators. The only hint of danger came from dead ball situations, with Fernando hitting a free-kick from a good position against the Boavista wall in the 40th minute.

Shortly afterwards Ze Manuel sent a rasping cross from another free-kick into the box, with Austrian striker Roland Linz just failing to get his head to the ball.

The pace of the game increased in the second half with Boavista substitute Zairi looking dangerous for the home side.

However, it was Naval who almost broke the deadlock on the hour mark. A long cross from Gilmar was met by a powerful Nei header, but Boavista keeper William produced an excellent reaction save to tip the ball over the bar.

Gilmar himself then came close before Naval got the goal they had been threatening. Farjado whipped over an excellent cross which Cisse turned into his own net in his anxiety to prevent Nei from reaching the ball.

Things went from bad to worse for Boavista as Helder Rosario was shown a straight red card for kicking out at Nei.

Naval held on without undue alarm for a deserved win to maintain their magnificent start to the season. Meanwhile new Boavista boss Zeljko Petrovic has plenty of work to do to turn Boavista into a force again in Portuguese football.

Boavista:
William, Cisse, Ricardo Silva (Marcos Antonio, 88), Helder Rosario, Mario Silva, Tiago, Lucas, Ricardo Sousa (Zairi, 51), Kazmierczak (Fary, 65), Ze Manuel, Roland Linz
Yellow Card: Ze Manuel (25), Cisse (39)
Red Card: Helder Rosario (78)

Naval:
Taborda, China, Fernando, Orestes, Mario Sergio, Pedro Santos (Tony, 65), Gilmar, Paulao, Fajardo (Gaucho, 91), Lito, Nei
Yellow Card: Pedro Santos (24)

Goals:
[0-1] Cisse, 77 (o.g.)