Olhanense followed up their exciting 3-2 win over promotion hopefuls Freamunde with the long trip north to Matosinhos to play relegation threatened Leixões.
Murilo, rediscovering his early season form after a long lay-off through injury, opened the visitors’ account after 15 minutes. Hesitancy in the home defence allowed the 21-year-old Brazilian to nip in and bag his eighth goal of the season.
Ten minutes later and Olhanense were down to 10 men when midfielder João Oliveira received a straight red for an off-the-ball incident. Minutes later and Leandro Borges went close to increasing the visitors’ lead but his shot flew over the bar whilst Murilo also missed a great opportunity shortly before the break.
Ten minutes after the break, Leixões lost their numerical advantage when Rateira was dismissed for an elbow that flattened Tiago Duque. Leixões gradually got into the ascendancy and Moreira had to be on top form to deny Bruno China an equaliser in the 79th minute. Two minutes later, Soriano Mané put the result beyond doubt when his low shot went in off the post.
The 2-0 win moves Olhanense, who have now lost only two of their last 16 games, up to eighth while Leixões must get at least a point in their last game, away at already relegated Oliveirense, and hope the teams immediately above them lose.
Azores to Olhão
There is a full Segunda Liga programme on Saturday with all games kicking-off at 4pm. Two of the current inform teams – Olhanense and Santa Clara – meet at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão. Whilst Portimonense will be pushing to grab the one remaining promotion place and join GD Chaves in the Primeira Liga next season, it is at the other end of the table where six teams will be fighting not to join Oriental (Lisbon) and Oliveirense in dropping down to non-league football. There are three spots to fill and one of those could be SC Farense.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
Photo: Rodolfo Lourenço (left) and Leandro Borges who have each made 42 appearances (max possible 45) and have been major contributors to Olhanense’s success since Christmas
