Chances go begging!

Olhanense dominated their game against Académica but failed to convert numerous gilt edged chances at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão last Sunday. With only sixteen squad members available the team picked itself and manager Manuel Cajuda could only hope for a stellar performance against opponents who had won three of their last four games. Olhanense were the more positive in the first-half with Targino causing problems up front and the experienced Mauricio marshalling the defence. Five minutes before the break Académica lost Edinho for using an elbow on André Micael. Referee Pedro Proença, who had an excellent game, had no hesitation in showing the red card. In the final minute of the half Luís Filipe had the ball in the net but was ruled off-side; a very dubious decision by the assistant referee. Within ten minutes of the restart the home side should have been 3-0 up. Targino’s header bounced over the bar, Rui Duarte’s blockbuster from five metres did likewise and Targino failed to beat keeper Ricardo when clear through on goal. Olhanense were now permanently camped in the Académica half and with an hour gone centre-forward Djalmir replaced defender Vasco Fernandes. Again chances were missed as Olhanense mounted attack-after-attack. Djalmir missed a golden opportunity and was also guilty of blazing the ball over the bar in the final minute when it would have been easier to score. It was certainly a case of two points lost in the fight against relegation but on the positive side manager Manuel Cajuda will have been delighted with the standard of football produced by his team. On Sunday Olhanense, away to top team FC Porto, will have Babanco, Djaniny & David Silva available after their heroic exploits with Cape Verde in the Africa Cup of Nations. The game against Porto, who have only conceded one goal at home all season, is live on Sport TV kick-off 8.15pm. Olhanense’s next home game on Sunday 17th February is another relegation battle against V.Setúbal kick-off 4.00pm. There is a strong bond of friendship between the fishing communities of Olhão and Setúbal and everyone is welcome to a BBQ by the marina on the waterfront from 12 noon. Chris Wright