For the second week running, Olhanense failed to capitalise on their superiority as they shared the points at Armacenenses last Sunday.
Before the start of the game, players, officials and fans observed a minute’s silence in memory of Leonel Baptista, a former manager of Olhanense who passed away recently. Eighty-year-old Leonel Baptista, a highly respected member of the organisation, had until recently assisted with administrative duties at the club he had served for so many years.
Current Olhanense manager Bruno Ribeiro drafted in Vasco Coelho to replace Joshua, sent-off at Sintrense, at the heart of the visitors’ defence whilst Diogo Martins started ahead of top-scorer Hassan who dropped to the bench.
The blustery conditions were not conducive to a free-flowing game and Armacenenses were determined not to allow the league leaders time to dwell on the ball. The home side had to make an early substitution after just 13 minutes when Marocas limped off injured to be replaced by João Silva.
Olhanense’s ball playing captain Leleco received little protection from the referee as Armacenenses closed him down at every opportunity. The visitors took the lead after half-an-hour when Diogo Martins’ wind-assisted cross from the left drifted into the top left-hand corner of the net.
Armacenenses started the second-half on the front foot with the wind behind them but failed to make any impression until 11 minutes from time when João Silva curled in a wicked free-kick from the right touchline that zipped over the heads of the Olhanense defence to nestle in the back of the net and level the score.
Hassan, who had replaced Sapara on 70 minutes, looked to have won a penalty for Olhanense with two minutes to go, but referee João Bernardo waved away the appeals and awarded a goal-kick. In the final minute of stoppage time, the visitors nearly snatched victory when the ball fell kindly to João Vasco, but his rasping shot was safely gathered by Luís Pedrosa in the home goal.
With four draws in their last six games, Olhanense have got to second place below Real SC with Alverca (Vila França de Xira) in third whilst much improved Louletano moved up to fourth following their 2-1 home win against Amora FC.
On Sunday- kick-off 3pm – SC Olhanense entertain Sc Mineiro Aljustrelense at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão (behind McDonalds on the EN125).
By CHRIS WRIGHT
