Photo: Paulo Moreira / More photos

The Men travelled to Porto and started their game against Viso in steady drizzle but, with 7 minutes gone, Philipp Wenzel tucked away a good square ball from the right to put them ahead. He could have made it 2-0 shortly after, but his snapshot went just wide. Viso also went close several times, including being frustrated by Joe Kodde’s amazing clearance off the goal-line at a short corner. But, with Lorenzo Neuland, Ruben Campos and Vitor Rosa working tirelessly in the midfield, Casuals were fully deserving of their 1-0 halftime lead.

4 mins after the restart, a fast break sent Lorenzo through alone – the keeper took him out mercilessly, and Joe calmly put away the ensuing penalty stroke for a 2-0 lead. Viso then put the visitors under fierce pressure: João Miguel Freitas had to make some classy saves, including a great stick save low to his right, and the defensive setup of Temwa Smit, Andrew Baird, Michael Kodde and the herculean Joe kept their heads and held firm.

But with 15 minutes to go, Viso finally pulled a goal back from a delicate tip-in. This could have rattled Casuals, but they showed a determination not to defend deep: with 6 mins left, an attacking move involving João Ralha and Philipp found Diogo Brito alone in the circle to beat the keeper with a strong flick for an excellent 3-1 win.

Tony Pringsheim