Photo by José Cruz
Académica, 1-Sporting CP B, 0
By Jornal Sporting
30 Dec, 2016
30 Dec, 2016
First-half penalty from Rui Miguel keeps the points in Coimbra
João de Deus' side were presented with the difficult task of a trip to Coimbra to face Académica this Friday, on Ledman LigaPro matchday 20. A first-half penalty conceded by Ivanildo Fernandes and converted by Rui Miguel was all that split the sides at the final whistle.
Pedro Silva was the outstanding performer for a Sporting CP B who were unable to get a solid foothold. Making some fine saves in the the 21st, 30th and 38th minute, the Alvalade keeper was unfortuantely only able to delay Académica's scent for goal and the hosts finally broke through a few minutes before the break, when Rui Miguel converted from the penalty spot.
Ronaldo Tavares had a chance before the break to respond, but his shot finished off target after some good play from Bilel.
Credit to Académica in the second-half, who were able to smoother Sporting CP's attempts to get onto the scoreboard after the restart. Ronaldo Tavares tried his luck with a header in the 52nd minute, but was unable to threaten Ricardo's goal, before Kiki came just inches away from equalising after a corner whipped in by Pedro Delgado.
The result leaves Sporting CP B in 13th place, with 25 points.