With four straight wins behind them, significant new signings and a home game against a team struggling in the lower half of the league, there was great optimism that Olhanense would secure another three points on their way towards a play-off place. But the large crowd who piled into the Estádio Municipal de Olhão were to be disappointed as visitors CD Pinhalnovense returned north after completing the double over Olhanense with this 2-1 victory.
Keeper Alioune Fall made his home debut whilst prolific goalscorer Rodriguez, recently signed from Italian side Seravezza, started on the bench.
The visitors nearly snatched the lead midway through the first-half, but Diogo Tavares header rebounded off the upright. Ten minutes later, a fast-flowing move by Olhanense ended with Sapara in a great position on the corner of the penalty area but his curling shot drifted comfortably wide.
A minute later, Sapara cut into the box but was tripped, and referee Anzhony Rodrigues had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Leleco calmly placed the resulting penalty past keeper Pedro Carvalho to put the home side one up.
Olhanense were looking comfortable until the stroke of half-time when defender Yuran – he had plenty of time to despatch the ball to safety – was disposed by Jaló on the edge of the penalty area. The resulting cross was headed home by Diogo Tavares at the near post.
Ten minutes after the interval, Rodriguez made his Olhanense debut and could have slotted home a couple of efforts but for the heroics of keeper Pedro Carvalho.
Pinhalnovense always looked sharp on the break and on the hour mark took the lead through Jaló. Matters were to get worse for the home side 15 minutes later when keeper Alioune Fall was sent-off attempting to cut out a through ball and, in doing so, handled the ball outside the area.
Despite pressing forward, the home side failed to grab an equalizer and slipped to their first home defeat of the season in Campeonato de Portugal Division D.
On Sunday, Olhanense make the short journey to the Algarve Stadium to play Louletano – kick-off 3pm.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
