By CHRIS WRIGHT
Olhanense travelled north to Paços de Ferreira for their first league game since the magnificent 0-0 draw with Champions FC Porto.
Manager Daúto Faquirá had little room to manoeuvre as his injury list lengthens with Nuno Piloto, Ismailly and Fernando Alexandre all absent along with the suspended Dady.
Veteran striker Djalmir made a rare start. In a poor first-half the 1,500 spectators may well have wondered why they bothered turning up on a cold November night.
Sixth place
After the break, the visitors looked the more lively and Wilson Eduardo tested the keeper before Djalmir was played through but his rasping shot was well saved by Cassio.
Midway through the half João Gonçalves’ clumsy challenge on Melgarejo resulted in a penalty and Michel calmly stepped up to send Fabiano Freitas the wrong way, the first goal he had conceded since the game against Benfica in October.
Fabiano is currently rated the top keeper in Portugal and scouts from France and Germany are closely watching his progress.
Six minutes later and Olhanense were level. Salvador Agra’s quickly taken corner was flicked on by Djalmir. Cassio’s save fell at the feet of André Pinto who rammed the ball home from six metres.
This 1-1 draw keeps Olhanense in sixth place but it was the end for the P.Ferreira manager Luis Miguel, who was sacked after the game.
