It is now impossible for Olhanense to reach the pinnacle

In the battle to gain promotion to Liga 3 from the Campeonato de Portugal, it is Moncarapachense who are challenging GD Fontinhas (Azores) and Os Belenenses (Lisbon) for one of the two top spots.

At the other end of the table, it is now mathematically impossible for their former illustrious neighbours Olhanense to reach the pinnacle after yet another disappointing home performance.

Moncarapachense gained all three points with a late winner at Sertanense (Sertã) when São Tomé e Príncipe international Ebanilson Viegas slotted home with just eight minutes remaining.

Olhanense were looking to salvage some pride against fellow strugglers Pêro Pinheiro, after losing their previous four matches and racking up over eight hours of football without scoring. But it was the visitors who took the lead after 17 minutes through Eduino Júnior.

Olhanense levelled matters on the half-hour mark as Cláudio Major found the back of the net, only for Pêro Pinheiro to regain the lead five minutes later.

The visitors were then reduced to 10 men when Tomás Loureiro picked up a second yellow card on the stroke of half-time. Four minutes after the re-start, Ernesto Walker made it 2-2, but the home side failed to capitalise their numerical superiority and ended a miserable afternoon firmly rooted to the foot of the table on three points.

On Sunday, Lusitano GC Moncarapachense entertain Pêro Pinheiro at the Estádio Dr. António João Eusébio, Moncarapacho (just off the High Street), kick-off 5pm.

Olhanense travel to the Azores to play League leaders GD Fontinhas and would do their local rivals a big favour if they returned with a point or three.

By CHRIS WRIGHT