Sporting B see points snatched away by late Gil Vicente equaliser

João de Deus' side haven't had the easiest start to the season, with the league standings speaking for themselves after seven matches: one win, one draw and four loses. The statistics however are a harsh reflection of what have been some solid performances, worthy of much more.

Up this weekend for Sporting B at the Academy was Gil Vicente. Reinforcements were brought in from the senior squad, with Ricardo Esgaio coming in and putting on the captain's armband, accompanied by Bruno Paulista and Matheus Pereira.

The first-half was largely uneventful for the most part, before coming alive just before the break. In fact, Pedro Silva was only called into action for his first save of the afternoon after 30 minutes, following a free-kick by Bruno Silva. At the other end, the Gil Vicente keeper Júlio was also given a quiet start, only being called into action after 36 minutes when Guima floated in a cross that was headed towards goal by Ronaldo Tavares.

Sporting CP pushed the pace just before half-time and both Pedro Delgado and Matheus Pereira tried their luck from range, but to no effect.

Fifteen minutes in the dressing room with João de Deus proved to be just what the players needed and Sporting B came out looking like a different side. Playing higher liners, the Alvalade side began to carve out more space going forward. However, a cool head was missing in the final third and good build up play only occasionally turned into clear chances.

One minute before the half-hour mark Ricardinho made the most of a hashed clearance from Pedro Empis inside the area to give Gil Vicente what was largely an undeserved lead, against the run of play.

Who better than Pedro Marques, the forward from Belenenses who captured attention in midweek for his UEFA Youth League goal against Real Madrid, to level the scoring, with a hammering header after a cross from Pedro Empis.

On 71 minutes Pedro Marques completed the Sporting B comeback with a fantastic turn and snap shot on goal after a counter-attack lead by Matheus.

The fans were out of their seats ready to dash off to beat the traffic with the three points sealed, but Gil Vicente had other ideas and on 90 minutes a kind deflection was enough to wrong foot Pedro Silva and level for the visitors.