By CHRIS WRIGHT
Rio Ave arrived in Olhão without an away win all season but that was to change in dramatic fashion.
The injured Mexer was replaced by Vasco Fernandes with Salvador Agra returning after a one match ban.
In their last league game, Olhanense were a goal down in three minutes and on Sunday, they were behind after only ninety seconds!
Former Olhanense player Yazalde scored from close range after Mauricio failed to clear the first corner of the game. The visitors were not slow in showing their physical intent and referee Hélder Malheiro incurred the wrath of the crowd as Olhanense players, especially the tricky Salvador Agra, were systematically fouled without punishment.
The main culprit was Andre Vilas Boas who was finally booked in the 37th minute after an altercation with Olhanense skipper Rui Duarte. Even so, the home side were well below par and with half-time fast approaching Yazalde pulled clear on the right and his pinpoint centre found top scorer João Tomás who headed firmly past Fabiano Feiras.
2-0 down and with a mountain to climb, Sérgio Conceição replaced Vasco Fernandes with Toy. The second period was mostly one-way traffic as Olhanense pressurised the Rio Ave defence in which Brazilian keeper Huanderson was outstanding.
Firstly Wilson Eduardo saw his shot saved and then Dady and Toy squandered gilt edged chances. Due to the histrionics of several Rio Ave players, stoppage time amounted to seven minutes but Olhanense never looked as if they would score.
After the final whistle, Sérgio Conceição approached referee Hélder Malheiro. “I asked him if he could explain why he failed to protect my players in accordance with the laws of the game but expelling them immediately from the field of play.”
Olhanense, who drop to 8th place, are away at Feirense on Sunday and will be hoping for a more polished performance as they endeavour to maintain position in the top half of the table.
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