Naldo and Podence on target to continue Sporting B revival
João de Deus was back on the bench this weekend after serving a suspension and the Sporting B coach's side paid tribute with yet another win in what is becoming a solid run of results. With a virtually unchanged 11 - the only alteration being the introduction of Nalo in place of Rukas - Sporting B again dominated, showing some classy stuff against one of Ledman LigaPro's stronger sides.
The encounter got off to a sluggish start, with neither team willing to risk too much going forward. The first notable opportunity came after a link up between Fábio Martins and Daniel Podence, but the former's shot ended up high of the cross bar. Gil Vicente's only chance of the half came a couple of minutes later, with a move down the right flank ending up in a dangerous cross that was however headed over.
The clearest chances were made to wait until jsut before half-time, both falling to Sporting B. The first came from a quick break lead by Podence after his side stole back possession, eventually releasing Francisco Geraldes through on goal for a shot that pulled the best save of the half out of the keeper. The second came through Daniel Podence after an excellent cross from Rúben Ribeiro down the left, but the striker was unable to find the mark.
The second-half brought with it the expected forays forward for both sides in search of the three points. Opening proceedings was Francisco Geraldes with a shot just wide of the post, before Ryal Gauld found space out wide and floated in a cross that Naldo converted on to finally open the scoring. The goal actually opened up play even further and Gil Vicente took control for a spell as Sporting B fell back, however João de Deus' side were looking particularly cool when closing down the visitors' attacks and never really looked like conceding.
Gil Vicente's most notable spell came through a more physical approach to the afternoon, but it was Sporting B who struck. the visitors pushed a little to high in search of points and the team from Alvalade made the most of it to use the space off the back line. First Pondence put a shot wide, before turning creator and picking out Geraldes with a superb pass that the youngster carmly put past the stranded Gil Vicente keeper to seal the points.