By CHRIS WRIGHT
Olhanense suffered their first away defeat of the season as they went down 1-0 to Nacional in Madeira on Sunday.
Nacional were in charge for the first 15 minutes and it was no surprise when they took the lead through Elizeu. Marion Rondon’s cross evaded the Olhanense defence and Elizeu, on loan from Brazilian side Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras, was perfectly placed to hammer the ball past Fabiano Freitas.
This wake-up call resulted in the visitors taking a grip on the game. Midway through the half Nacional keeper Marcelo made a fine save from Wilson Eduardo after good work by Mauricio.
The visitors continued to press and when Mateus shot from distance the ball appeared to cross the line after bouncing down from the bar.
Referee Jorge Tavares waved play-on and the moment was lost. The second-half was more even but Olhanense had more clear-cut chances with Fernando Alexandre, Mateus and ‘Man-of-the-Match’ Cauê going close.
Mexer and Ismaily were solid in defence. Dady wasted a late chance to level the score as Nacional hung on for an unlikely victory. Manager Daúto Faquirá was not a happy man as he felt his players should have secured at least a point from the game.
SALVADOR AGRA
The 19 year-old continues to make good progress after being concussed and rushed to hospital during the game with U.Leiria.
Further tests will decide when the popular young player, who is having an outstanding season, returns to training.
WILSON EDUARDO RECEIVES MAJOR AWARD
Olhanense’s young striker Wilson Eduardo has been voted “Best Young Player of the Month” by the Professional Footballers Union.
Runner-up for the month of September was another Olhanense player Salvador Agra. Wilson Eduardo was also a member of Portugal Under-21 squad that faced Poland on Wednesday and then travels to Moscow to face Russia next Tuesday (11th October)
NEXT HOME GAME
There are no league fixtures this weekend as Euro 2012 qualifiers take place across Europe. Next weekend is the 3rd round of the FA Cup and Olhanense are still waiting to find out who they will be playing as Amares, Fátima and Pampilhosa battle it out to see who will host
the Algarveans.
The next home game at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão is on Saturday, October 22, kick-off 6pm in front of the TV cameras.
In the BWIN League Cup, Olhanense travel to Estoril for the first leg on October 26, with the return leg at home on Wednesday, November 9, kick-off 7pm
MANUEL CAJUDA
Following U.Leiria’s defeat by Olhanense, their fifth in six games and the sacking of Vítor Pontes who had only been in charge for two games, Manuel Cajuda has taken control.
The 60-year old Olhão-born manager spent most of his playing career at Farense before turning to management.
At various times Cajuda has managed Farense, Olhanense, Portimonense and Louletano. His first match resulted in U.Leiria beating high flying Braga 1-0.
