An away point at Aves and a home defeat to fellow relegation strugglers SC Braga ‘B’ has left Olhanense just one place above the drop zone. When Aves were reduced to 10 men after 38 minutes, it looked as if Olhanense would go on to win but they failed to capitalise on their numerical superiority due to lack of firepower up-front and some outstanding goalkeeping by Quim, the 39-year-old former Braga, Benfica and Portugal international.
He made a great goal-line from Galassi on the stroke of half-time and again from the same player with six minutes of normal time remaining.
Minutes earlier Quim had made a fine save from Rodrigo António. With seconds remaining, Weldon blazed over with only the keeper to beat. Final score 0-0.
Four days later there were high hopes for a home win over lowly Braga who had recorded only one away all season. One of the poorest performances seen all season consigned Olhanense to defeat, courtesy of an 18th minute penalty.
Diakhité’s high tackle on Erivaldo resulted in FIFA international referee Artur Soares Dias pointing to the spot. Nuno Valente calmly slotted home past Ricardo Ribeiro.
Rodrigo António had two opportunities, before the break, to level matters but his first effort was saved by Tiago Sá and a glancing header at the near post flew into the side netting.
The second-half again saw the ball spending more time in the air than on the ground as Olhanense were bereft of ideas and continued to flounder. Only in the last five minutes did they threaten the Braga goal. Deep into stoppage time, substitute Adilson had a golden opportunity when a far post cross fell invitingly but his volley flew a metre wide.
With six games remaining, it is vital that Olhanense get a positive result at bottom club Trofense on Sunday.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
Photo: Nuno Valente sends Ricardo Ribeiro the wrong way to score from the penalty spot
