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."

João de Deus's side take on Desportivo das Aves in postponed Ledman LigaPro matchday 8 fixture

Sporting B slipped to a 2-0 away defeat in Vila das Aves this Sunday afternoon, after two strikes from Luís Barry (63' and 75'). This weekend was actually reserved for the international break, however Sporting B had to catch up with their matchday 8 postponed fixture.

João de Deus expecting a tough trip to Vila das Aves

Sporting B will take on Desportivo das Aves this weekend, in a postponed Ledman LigaPro matchday 8 encounter.

“We are expecting a hard game. Along with Portimonense, Aves are one of the sides looking at promotion. They play with two forwards and really go on the attack at home. A lot of their players are used to playing in the first division", explained coach João de Deus in an interview with the Sporting Journal this week, adding: "We want to keep tallying up the points so that we get into a better looking position in the league."