Nuno Coelho scored a late penalty to guide Arouca to a 3-2 victory over Boavista in their Primeira Liga clash this afternoon.
The home side took the lead in the 20th minute when Maurides raided forward and managed to bury his low strike into the net.
Boavista were handed the opportunity to get back into the match when they were awarded a penalty. Bernardo Tengarrinha took the spot kick and powered his strike past Rafael Bracali.
Arouca regained the lead almost immediately when they countered down the flank and Ivo Rodrigues was on hand to convert a low cross into the box at the back post.
However, Boavista rallied once again when Henrique sent a headed effort past Bracali from close range just before half time.
The visitors thought they had taken the lead early in the second half as Henrique steered the ball into the net following a scramble on the line, but after consulting with his assistant, the referee reversed his decision to award the goal.
Arouca capitalised on the situation when they were presented with the chance to go ahead late in the match from the penalty spot, and Coelho held his composure to fire his team in front.
Boavista pressed for a late equaliser, but the home side were to hold out to claim a narrow victory.
As a result of their win, Arouca rise to ninth in the table, while Boavista remain in 16th.
Simon Sinclair
