By CHRIS WRIGHT
Fifty Olhanense fans travelled to Paços de Ferreira for the final game of the season.
The long journey north started on the Saturday morning with the fans debating who might replace manager Jorge Costa, who had announced his impending departure the previous day.
The club’s mascot, Moss the Stork, travelled with the group and there was much amusement when the British expats organised an impromptu game of cricket at one of the numerous refreshment stops.
With Portimonense winning their game on the Saturday evening there was much speculation as to when the Algarve last had two teams in the top flight of Portuguese football.
Sunday morning and a visit to the port caves on the banks of the River Douro. The large oak barrels and vats were a reminder of an industry that supports the third oldest wine region in the world.
The names of Cockburn, Croft, Dow, Gould, Graham, Osborne, Offley, Sandeman, Taylor and Warre are a reminder of Britain’s historic involvement.
A few samples of the fine wines and the group was ready for the match. There was only pride to play for, with both sides being clear of the relegation zone.
For Olhanense Toy and Paulo Sérgio were missing through suspension while Pietravallo and third choice goalkeeper Ricardo Ferreira were included in the starting line-up.
The home side took an early lead when Romeu Torres rose above a static Olhanense defence to head home Livramento’s corner.
Paços de Ferreira should have added to their tally with their aerial dominance but failed to hit the target.
Midway through the first-half a dipping free-kick from Livramento was tipped on to the bar by Ricardo Ferreira.
With half-time approaching a rare Olhanense attack resulted in a corner. The ball was whipped over and once again the prolific goalscorer Djalmir was on hand to head the ball home and level the score.
On 74 minutes Candeias, the pick of the home side, restored their lead when he netted after Ricardo Ferreira could only parry Leonel Olímpio’s shot.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Djalmir’s thundering header cannoned off the inside of the post and away to safety.
But Olhanense’s star performer was not to be denied. Minutes later and a cross from the industrious Rui Baião found Djalmir in space. His one touch control and perfect finish levelled the score at 2-2.
His 12th goal of the season from only seventeen starts. There was still time for substitute Rabiola to jink past the P.Ferreira’s left-back only to see his shot rebound off the post.
In the end a fair result that sees Olhanense finish 13th in their first season back in the top league since 1975.
Olhanense have been the draw specialists, 14 of their 30 games, with only champions Benfica, Braga, Porto and Sporting losing fewer games than the Algarveans.
