By CHRIS WRIGHT
A 2-0 victory over local rivals Portimonense propelled Olhanense into second place in Liga Zon Sagres, albeit only for twenty-four hours.
There was much expectation as the first Algarve derby match in the top flight for twenty-one years took place at the José Arcanjo Stadium, Olhão last Friday.
Olhanense manager Dáuzto Faquirá started with the exciting young Brazilian Lulinha playing behind front man Yontcha. With Jorge Gonçalves and Paulo Sérgio playing wide, the was an attacking formation that could worry any team in the league.
On seventeen minutes the swift interplay between the wingers saw Lulinha peal off to the right and his pinpoint centre was flicked on by Jorge Gonçalves. Paulo Sérgio was on hand to steer the ball into the far corner beyond a helpless Ventura.
This was a typical derby, with both sides testing the opposition, although it was not until ten minutes before the break that Portimonense had their first effort on goal which was comfortably dealt with by Moretto.
Jumisse and Pedro Moreira worked hard in midfield for the visitors but the home defence, with Maurico at its fulcrum, was as solid as ever.
Olhanense has the best defensive record in the league, having only conceded one goal in five games.
The second period was ten minutes old when a deftly taken free-kick resulted in man-of-the-match Paulo Sérgio winning a penalty when he was adjudged to have been felled by Pedro Silva. Portimonense can feel slighted aggrieved by referee Elmano Santos’ harsh decision.
Substitute Djalmir, who had replaced the injured Yontcha five minutes earlier, stepped up to coolly place the spot past former Olhanense keeper Ventura.
With fifteen minutes remaining Portimonense were reduced to ten men when Ivanildo, already booked in the first-half, was shown a straight red for throwing a punch after being fouled by Carlos Fernandes.
The largest cheer of the night was reserved for home club skipper Rui Duarte as he made his first appearance since April following cruciate ligament damage.
He nearly added a third goal in the final minute but his rasping shot was well saved by Ventura.
A full blooded encounter witnessed by a disappointing crowd of 4,089, although this might be considered good compared with the 712 supporters who turned up for the Naval v. V.Setúbal Premeira Liga game on Sunday.
