11 September 2006, by Marco Pereira

Surprise package Naval keep pace with early leaders

Academica 1-2 Naval

Naval are the surprise team of the season thus far keeping up with the likes of FC Porto, Sporting and Braga and at the top of the standings as they secured a 1-2 victory at Academica.

Not only did Naval achieve the win, but did it in impressive fashion, playing most of the second half one man down.

But it was Academica who got on the scoresheet first. Lino struck home a free kick in the 27th minute giving the Students the advantage at the break.

There was an explosive start to second half as Naval defender, Fernando, was shown a straight red card for obstructing Academica striker, Gelson, by putting his hand on his face preventing the striker from having a free run on goal.

However, far from demoralising Naval, the team reacted well and drew level through a Lito goal in the 63rd minute. They then added another just three minutes later as Nei ran to meet a Lito cross and headed the ball into the net for what proved to be the winner for Naval.

Nei came close to getting a brace in the 74th minute as he beat his defender, Medeiros, and his shot hit the post, but the game ended with a well-deserved win for Naval.

Academica coach, Manuel Machado, felt that the game served as a lesson for his pupils and congratulated Naval on the victory.

“Up until the sending off the teams were equal. Ironically, the sending off was the main reason behind our defeat. When you have numerical superiority, the team believes that it will be easier, but we became disorganised and lost respect for our opponents.”

“We were punished and the result could have been worse. We learned a big lesson. Congratulations to Naval. They won with justice.”

Naval boss, Rogerio Goncalves, was beaming after the match and admitted that his team were the superior of the two: “Our offensive play was excellent and we created a series of opportunities. After we suffered the first goal and had Fernando sent off, we knew how to react and always had our eyes fixed on their net.”

“We had a great day. We played good football and were clear victors. We hit the crossbar twice and were always organised. You would not have known that we were down to ten men.”

Academica:
Pedro Roma, Nuno Piloto, Danilo, Medeiros, Lino, Roberto Brum (Paulo Sergio, 82), Alexandre (Miguel Pedro, 68), Filipe Texeira (Nestor Alvarez, 67), Estevez, Gelson, Helder Barbosa
Yellow Cards: Nuno Piloto (57)

Naval:
Taborda, Mario Sergio, Paulao, Fernando, Chine, Orestes, Pedro Santos (Tiago Fraga, 71), Gilmar, Fajardo, Nei (Saulo, 82), Lito (Carlitos, 87)
Yellow Cards: Pedro Santos (37)
Red Cards: Fernando (53)

Goals:
[1-0] Lino, 27
[1-1] Lito, 63
[1-2] Nei, 66