By CHRIS WRIGHT
Three hundred Nottingham Forest fans descended on Olhão for a pre-season friendly with Olhanense on Saturday.
The Olhanense British expat supporters made sure that the travelling fans received a warm welcome and there was much good humoured banter before, during and after the game.
Kurt Wilhems had travelled from his home in Germany to watch his beloved Forest, who he regularly watches in the UK.
Forest, who narrowly missed out on promotion to the Premier League last season, started the livelier of the two teams. With the Olhanense defence leaking like a sieve it was no wonder the visitors were 2-0 up after just 20 minutes through Robert Earnshaw and Joe Garner.
Manager Daúto Faquirá made a number of changes during the second half and Toy reduced the arrears with 15 minutes to go. Forest manager Billy Davies complemented Olhanense on the warm welcome given to the players, officials and fans.
The following night (Sunday) Olhanense took on Spanish La Liga side Athletico Bilbao in Ayamonte.
Bilbao took the lead through Ustariz after half-an-hour with Gurpegui adding a second on the hour.
Djalmir pulled one back for the Algarveans on 70 minutes before Diaz de Cerio added a third for Bilbao five minutes later.
Clecio (ex. AIK, Switzerland) and Yontcha (ex. Belenenses) looked sharp up front for Olhanense
NEW KIT LAUNCH
Olhanense will unveil their new kit at the Ria Shopping Centre in Olhão tonight (Friday) at 9pm. Everyone is welcome.
Tomorrow (Saturday) Olhanense entertain Belenenses at the José Arcanjo Stadium with a 7pm kick-off. Socio-members 2.50 Euros and non-members five Euros.
On Wednesday, July 28, Olhanense travel the short distance to Faro to take on old rivals Farense at the São Luis Stadium (adjacent to Faro Hospital).
Kick-off to be confirmed at www.scolhanense.com
