When you are bottom of the league and after a long trip to Madeira, the last thing you want is to be two goals down after just 26 minutes. But that is exactly what happened to Olhanense as they took on relegated União da Madeira.
Debutant goalkeeper Dimitar Evtimov, on loan from Nottingham Forest, was beaten after just three minutes as Nuno Viveiros nipped in to put the islanders in front.
Former Gil Vicente midfielder Kiki, also making his debut, linked well with skipper Coubronne as the visitors attempted to control the middle of the park. But all the good work was undone as Breitner da Silva added a second for the home side.
Olhanense manager Cristiano Bacci made two substitutions at the interval, Aldair replaced Gonzalez and new signing Salim Cissé took over from Leyzller. In the second period, a more cohesive Olhanense battled hard to penetrate the resilient U.Madeira defence and, with 10 minutes to go, Tiago Barros reduced the arrears with his second goal of the season.
The visitors pressed forward for the equaliser but, on the counter attack, the home side restored their two-goal cushion when Rodrigo Henrique slotted home in the final minute of normal time.
Two minutes into stoppage time and Salim Cissé pulled a goal back for Olhanense to make the final score 3-2. Olhanense have now conceded 14 goals in six games whereas last season they only conceded 14 goals in their last 24 games!
TV spotlight turned on Olhanense
On Sunday morning, kick-off 11.15am, SC Olhanense entertain V.Guimarães ‘B’ at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão. The game, being shown live on SportTV, will be a good benchmark for Olhanense as Segunda Liga leaders SC Portimonense won 5-1 away at Guimarães last weekend. It hoped that the international clearance of registrations will enable Olivier Kingue (on loan from Standard Leige) and midfielder Fabrício (ex.Caldense, Brazil) to be considered for selection. In the second round of the Portugal Cup, SC Olhanense will travel to Sacavém to play Sacavenense. The tie is scheduled for Sunday, September 25.
By CHRIS WRIGHT
Photo: Bulgarian U23 international keeper Dimitar Evtimov made his debut for Olhanense
