New Year, new venue, new manager, new hope. Just three days before the crucial home game against V.Setúbal, SC Olhanense were informed by the Portuguese Professional Football League that they could return to their own ground at the José Arcanjo Stadium in Olhão.
The team had been playing all home games at the Algarve Stadium in Faro and many fans had been boycotting matches in protest. Remedial work to the José Arcanjo Stadium passed inspection and there was renewed excitement as new boss Giuseppe Galderisi battled to instil confidence in players who had lost their six previous league games.
Further good news was the return to match fitness of skipper Rui Duarte and the influential Jander.
V.Setúbal started the brighter of the two sides and it was no surprise when they took the lead after nine minutes through Cardozo.
Olhanense looked like a team struggling for survival but midway through the half the team began to believe in themselves. Seven minutes before the break and a miscued shot by Jander rebounded off the bar and Mehmeti was on hand to knock in the rebound.
The second-half saw the Algarve side grow in stature and on 67 minutes they edged in front with a superb goal. Femi and Luis Felipe combined well on the right and fed the ball to Dionisi who proceeded to beat three defenders before firing past Kieszek.
Olhanense maintained pole position to record their first league win since October 26 and give former Italian international Giuseppe Galderisi the perfect start to his managerial career in Portugal.
V.Guimarães in town
Another important fixture takes place on Friday, January 17, with SC Olhanense playing V.Guimarães at the José Arcanjo Stadium in Olhão (behind McDonalds on the EN125) – kick-off 8pm. Tickets are available before the game with expectations high as players and fans pull together to lift the team up the table. Next weekend there is an equally important match away to bottom side P.Ferreira.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
