Sporting CP B finally return to winning form with a dominating performance against Ledman LigaPro promotion contenders

Sporting CP B finally brought their negative run to an end this weekend, beating Desportivo das Aves 2-1.

Ricardo Almedia's goal two minutes into added time decided it, when a draw looked certain.

The first-half got off to a slow start, with both sides preferring to study their opposition's approach to the afternoon. Although Sporting CP B were the slightly better outfit during the opening exchanges, two midfielders sitting deep for Aves broke up the space in the final third. Half-time arrived with neither goalkeeper having really been tested and the first-half's attention was deservedly focused on Francisco Geraldes, who did a fine job down the middle of protecting his defence.

Seven minutes after the restart Matheus Pereira finally opened the scoring, when the youngster looked up and found the back of the net for a much deserved goal. Continuing to push the pace, Sporting CP B created chance after chance, but Leonardo Ruiz didn't seem to have his shooting boots on. Completely against the run of play, Aves leveled through Balgoun (65').

Both defensive set ups frustrated any attacking efforts at the clock ticked over, but Ricardo Almeida had other ideas, coming of the bench to header home from an Esgaio cross.

Luís Martins highlights the importance of mentality in Ledman LigaPro

Luís Martins will take charge of Sporting CP B for the second time this Sunday, with an encounter against Desportivo das Aves.

Looking to bring to a close a series of 13 games without a win, Martins appealed to his players' mentality: "Playing for Sporting CP means getting out of these situations. Performance is controlled a lot by the psychological side of things. The lads were motivated against Gil Vicente, but it was a bit of a bitter defeat (2-2). We still have 14 matches to go and a lot of points to win to make sure we stay in Ledman LigaPro. We aren't looking at the league table and we have the resources to get out of the situation we are in, without forgetting that the objective of this team is to contribute to the development of our athletes."

Desportivo das Aves stand in his side's way this Sunday (15h00) and are themselves currently sitting in 2nd in the league. Luís Martins didn't shy away from complementing the promotion contenders: "We are two teams with completely different projects. We both need the points, Aves because they are trying to get promoted and us to stay in this league. They are a good side, but Sporting CP can win anywhere."

New Sporting CP B boss Luís Martins on the weekend's Ledman LigaPro action

Luís Martins took charge of Sporting CP B for the first time this weekend, in a tough away visit to Gil Vicente. Although behind on two occasions, a spirited Alvalade slide were able to secure a point.

Pedro Silva on the weekend's Ledman LigaPro action against Gil Vicente

Sporting CP B keeper Pedro Silva sat down with the press this Friday to look ahead to the weekend's Ledman LigaPro action, which will see his side face Gil Vicente.

"Gil Vicente are a hard team, especially when they play on a good pitch. We want to turn things around as quickly as we can and winning is our only option", said the Sporting CP B shotstopper, continuing to speak about the recent change of management: "João de Deus going took us by surprise, but the club thought it was the best decision for what we need right now. We already know the new coach and we are sure things will work out well. Change always brings hope in football."

João de Deus praises work ethic and points to missed opportunities

"We had two chances right in front of the goalkeeper and didn't score", said João de Deus at the final whistle on Wednesday, reflecting on another afternoon of Ledman LigaPro action.

For the Sporting CP keeper, hard work is the only way out: "We just aren't putting away the good chances we are creating. It is upsetting, because I see that the players are working hard. This is a phase and we believe we will get through it."

Leonardo Ruiz on Sporting CP B's midweek Ledman LigaPro encounter

Understandably frustrated, but not about to throw in the towel. That it how Wednesday's scorer Leonardo Ruiz analysed Sporting CP B's current situation.

Sporting CP B miss out to Varzim and continue to search for a long awaited three points

Sporting CP B slipped to defeat this Wednesday, with a lack of a more clinical touch in front of goal and the odd individual error allowing Ledman LigaPro highflighers Varzim come away with the three points.

Sporting CP B concede two in the first 20 minutes in Fafe

Sporting CP B were unable to reset their recent run of Ledman LigaPro results this weekend, with a 2-0 loss in Fafe.

The final result was dictated in the first 20 minutes, when the hosts stick in the third minute through Samu and Lytvyn seventeen minutes later.

The result leaves João de Deus' side in 18th place overall.

João de Deus notes his side's improvement and is looking for a return to winning form

João de Deus' side are on the road this weekend, facing a tough visit to Fafe on Ledman LigaPro matchday 24.

"It will be a really competitive match. Fafe are a tough side and they have a well defined way of playing. They try to win the individual battles and from there they move forward", opened the Sporting CP B coach in an interview this Friday, adding: "We will try and do better than we have been recently. We looked a lot better against Sp. Covilhã and the players felt that too. Now we have to turn performances into wins."

Ivanildo Fernandes looks ahead to the weekend's visit to Fafe

Sporting CP B will travel to Fafe this weekend, for Ledman LigaPro matchday 24. With three points proving hard to come by as of late for João de Deus' side, Ivanildo Fernandes is hoping for a turn of luck, starting this Saturday.

"It has been a while since our last win. We are going through a negative run, but we have been playing better and hopefully we will get the three points against Fafe. We have been working hard as usual and there is no reason for us not to get the win", said the defender in an interview on Friday.