Olhanense travelled to Sintra to play Pero Pinheiro in the second round of games for promotion to Liga 3. It was odd that both teams were allowed to play in red which must have caused some confusion for the players as it certainly did for the fans!
In an even first-half, it was the visitors who had the slight advantage but that all changed five minutes after the interval when Olhanense’s influential midfield general Carlitos picked up a second yellow card and was off for an early bath.
Pero Pinheiro took advantage of their numerical superiority but could not pierce a resolute Olhanense defence in which Tiago Cavadas and the 24-year-old Italian Andrea Magrini were in fine form.
Deep into stoppage time, Olhanense defender João Silva collected a second yellow, but the visiting nine men held out for a hard fought 0-0 draw.
After two games, Os Belenenses lead the Promotion Group South with four points followed by GD Fontinhas on three and then Olhanense, Pêro Pinheiro and Sertanense all on two; Moncaraphense bring up the rear on one point.
Olhanense are at home on Sunday, kick-off 1pm against GD Fontinhas (Azores) at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão (behind McDonalds on the EN125). The home side will be without Carlitos and João Silva, sent-off against Pero Pinheiro. The islanders’ squad will include Nigerian winger Patrick Igwe who made seven appearances for Olhanense two seasons ago.
Moncarapachense floored by late equaliser
Having lost their opening game away in the Azores against GD Fontinhas, the Moncarapacho team were keen to open their account against Sertanense as they strive for promotion to Liga 3. Miguel Furtado gave the home side a dream start, as he found the back of the net halfway through the first-half. Moncarapachense then wasted several gilt-edged opportunities to increase their lead, which was to come back and haunt them when the visitors scored in the last minute of normal time. Mauro Santos slotting home the equaliser giving home keeper Tiago Maia no chance. On Sunday, Moncarapachense travel to Pero Pinheiro.
Massive local derby
On Easter Saturday, April 16, Olhanense entertain Moncarapachense at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão, kick-off 4pm. This could be a defining moment for both teams who need points to stay in touch with the top two promotion places.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
