To say Olhanense dominated their local Campeonato de Portugal derby against Esperança de Lagos would be an understatement, yet, at half-time, the visitors were in front by a single goal! The home side pressed from the start but wasted numerous opportunities with their over-elaborate built-up play when shots on goal might have been more effective.
Five minutes before the interval, referee Ricardo Baixinho pointed to the spot as he awarded Lagos a very soft penalty. Zé Miguel duly dispatched the spot-kick despite the valiant efforts of keeper Rodrigo.
The second period was only a minute old when Hassan swung his boot on the edge of the area and the ball somehow eluded the visitors’ keeper Rúben Borges to level the score. Twelve minutes later and a flowing move down the left resulted in João Vasco crossing to Diogo Martins who swept the ball into the bottom corner of the net from 20 metres; a beautifully crafted and executed strike.
With 20 minutes to go, Olhanense made it 3-1 when the Lagos keeper brought down Caleb who duly stepped up to hammer home the resulting spot-kick. With five minutes remaining, Suleiman (on-loan ex-Spezia, Italy) replaced Hassan to make his debut.
In the final minute, Olhanense escaped the off-side trap as Tiago Jogo broke free, lobbed the advancing keeper and substitute Fábio followed through to make the final score 4-1.
Olhanense remain in fourth place, three points behind leaders Louletano who continued their perfect start to the season with a 2-1 victory at Sintrense, thanks to a brace from Sandro Cunha.
PORTUGAL CUP
On Sunday, SC Olhanense make the long trip to Benfica Castelo Branco in the second round of the Taça de Portugal. Local ties on Sunday (September 29): Louletano v. GC Figueirense at the Algarve Stadium, Faro; Esperança de Lagos v. Pevidém SC (Braga) at the Estádio Municipal de Lagos and Moncarapachense v. Sertanense at the Estádio Dr. António João Eusébio, Moncarapacho. All games kick-off at 3pm.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
