Both the region’s Liga de Honra clubs, Portimonense and Olhanense, failed to make any headway in March. Portimonense languish in 12th place, five points clear of the relegation zone, following defeats against Leixões and Marco, a solitary point from a draw against Maia providing the only countable result. On a more positive note, influential Brazilian striker, Serjão, has signed a new three-year contract, a move that other players will hopefully follow.
Olhanense, last to Varzim, drew with Aves and beat Ovarense to register four points, a tally that leaves the Sotavento club in a relatively safe eighth spot on 35 points. New president, Carlos Nobrega, is hoping to persuade manager, Paulo Sérgio, to stay on to spearhead the clubs’ promotion challenge in their second season in the division next year.
One tier down Louletano have managed to arrest their free fall. Victories against Lusitania, Micaelense and Atletico, coupled with a draw with Pontassolense, have bolstered their points account to a respectable 43, giving them seventh place, 11 points behind leaders Pinhalnovense.
In the third division F, runaway leaders Silves have been hauled back by defeats against Évora and local rivals Lagoa. They now only head Imortal on goal difference, both teams on 54 points, three clear of third placed Juventude, the only realistic threat to the two promotion places. Almancilense and Lagoa are both secure in the top half of the table, but Farense are once more teetering on the edge of the relegation zone.
At district level, Ferreiras and Monchique are involved in a mighty ding dong battle for promotion, and a further step down, Algarve United will have to wait at least another year before starting their planned rise to the top.
