Europa Point grab late winner against Magpies

FCB Magpies 0-1 Europa Point
Scorer: Amador De Magalhaes Pereira (97’)
Red Card: Lombays (Europa Point)

The match began slowly, with neither side able to settle into rhythm.
Europa Point showed early attacking intent, looking to press forward, but were missing the final ball in the opening quarter. On 15 minutes, Bruno’s Magpies hit the crossbar — their first real warning sign to the opposition.
As the half progressed, Bruno’s started to take control, dominating possession and forcing Europa Point back into their own half. Del Rio was a constant threat, and the first yellow card was issued after he was literally pulled back by his shirt and thrown to the ground while trying to break forward.
Despite Bruno’s control, Europa Point continued to pose a counter-attacking threat. In the 31st minute, a quick break reminded everyone they were capable of surprising their opponents.
Bruno’s Magpies — once known as a pub team in the Second Division — had previously attracted more fans in their lower-tier encounters with Europa Point than were present for this top-division fixture. It was a reflection of how the local football scene has shifted focus towards on-field competition for UEFA qualification and subsidies, rather than club-building or creating fan-centred entertainment that could generate sustainable income.
On 36 minutes, Europa Point came close through a corner, but Bruno’s goalkeeper cleared well with a strong punch. Del Rio continued to drive Bruno’s forward, and although their control of possession and tempo was impressive, their inability to finish in the final third left them goalless at the break — and vulnerable to a Europa Point counter.
Bruno’s came out stronger in the second half, immediately pressing forward. Within the first five minutes, they earned several corners and forced desperate clearances from Europa Point’s defence. However, despite sustained pressure, no goal came.
Europa Point then had a golden opportunity — the Bruno’s keeper came off his line and missed the clearance, leaving an open goal, but the Europa Point striker sent the ball high over the stadium roof. Two minutes later, in the 56th minute, Europa Point broke again, forcing Bruno’s to defend deep.
Having dominated much of the match without reward, Bruno’s began to tire. Europa Point grew in confidence with every forward run. In the 58th minute, Bruno’s hit the crossbar twice in quick succession following a corner — but still could not find the net.
As the match became more evenly contested, Europa Point began pushing higher while Bruno’s attacking edge started to fade. With legs tiring, Bruno’s made three substitutions on 71 minutes. The changes added fresh energy, and the side began attacking with greater urgency once more, while Europa Point continued to threaten on the counter.
On 75 minutes, a dangerous cross into the six-yard box narrowly missed being converted. Two minutes later, another Bruno’s attack saw the keeper beaten but a last-ditch defensive foot saved Europa Point. Moments later, a promising move was halted for an infringement after Clinton delivered a fine ball into the area.
In the 79th minute, Europa Point earned a rare free kick near the right side of the penalty area. The ball was cleared, but a second attempt was blasted high over the stands. Substitute Anthony Hernandez brought renewed energy and composure to Bruno’s midfield, distributing well as the match neared its conclusion.
On 83 minutes, a floated ball behind the Europa Point defence was just cut out. A following corner from Clinton was cleared, and more Bruno’s pressure came in the 88th minute, when another corner was again cleared at the far post.
In the 90th minute, Europa Point’s goalkeeper made a crucial save, tipping the ball over the crossbar. Two minutes later, Bruno’s squandered a clear chance when a shot deflected off one of their own players and went out for a goal kick.
In the 94th minute, a confrontation between Clinton and Lombays in front of the referee saw both players sent off after teammates intervened to separate them.
Then, in the 96th minute, disaster struck for Bruno’s. Having just missed a chance at one end, they were caught by a quick Europa Point counterattack. Amador De Magalhaes Pereira beat the keeper to the ball to score the winner.
A late mistake by De Haro gave Europa Point a dangerous free kick, which they used to run down the clock in the corner as they claimed all three points — a victory that, by all accounts, was undeserved.