Dala bags four as Sporting CP B secure sixth consecutive win

"There is nothing better than coming back from injury and scoring four goals", was how Gelson Dala summarised his performance against Olhanense at the final whistle this Sunday, as Sporting CP B netted five to tally a sixth successive win.

Luís Martins keeping his feet on the ground, despite inspiring Sporting CP's recent run of form

Luís Martins sat down the the Sporting Journal this week, reflecting on Sporting CP B's dominating performance against Leixões on Sunday.

"It was a really competitive game against a team that is struggling, like we were a few weeks ago. We didn't completely control everything, but the win came due to our superiority. Leixões reacted well, but once again we showed what we are capable of", said the Sporting CP B coach.

Although having led his side to what is now five straight wins, Luís Martins was careful to ask for calm: "We have shown that we can turn games around, regardless of who we are playing against. That is really important for me and I am really proud to be part of this team to help the lads grow. At the same time we are training up young players, while getting out of a tough situation. I wouldn't say that the team is closer to where we want to be, because it is already built up based on how our football department works. It is important that the lads understand that this is the last stop before going into the senior team and that they aim to turn professional."

Sporting CP B continue spectacular revival to tally fifth straight win

Sporting CP B have turned their revival into five straight wins, this time with Leixões falling victim to Luís Martins' side in a 2-1 win in Estádio do Mar.

Martins has tallied an incredible 16 out of 18 points, opening up a six point difference between Sporting CP B and the relegation zone.

Ricardo Esgaio, Ryan Gauld and André Geraldes were once again brought in as reinforcements and Sporting CP dominated from the off, but it wasn't until the 58th minute that the ball was first in the back of the net. It was Rafael Barbosa who struck, after being set up by Ricardo Esgaio. The Leixões boss Daniel Kenedy responded with the introduction of Bruno Lamas and the substitute leveled on 81 minutes.

The magic of the substitutes' bench wasn't over yet and Jovane Cabral, who Luís Martins had brought on in the 79th minute, took just five minutes to score and secure the three points.

Sporting CP B tally fourth consecutive Ledman LigaPro win

Sporting CP B have clearly found their form after a difficult spell in Ledman LigaPro. This time Freamunde were the victims, with Sporting CP B turning in a 2-0 win at the Sporting Academy.

Motivated by a win against Académico de Viseu that pulled the Alvalade youngsters out of the relegation zone for the first time in two months, Sporting CP B dominated from start to finish. The first chance on goal came after 11 minutes, when Rafael Barbosa carried possession forward and set up Leonardo Ruiz. However the striker was only able to blast over the bar. Freamunde responded, but Pedro Silva proved up to the challenge and did well to defend against Rui Rainho's chipped effort.

Leonardo Ruiz was brought crashing down for a penalty just before half-time, but Pedro Delgado shot over the bar from 12 yards to keep the game level at the break. 

Sporting CP B pushed the pace at the restart and chances soon followed. On 55 minutes Esgaio broke away down the left and threw in a cross that Radael Barbosa turned on to the cross bar. Ten minutes later Ryan Gauld picked out Bilel with a superb pass, but the final touch was off target. Insisting in attack, Sporting CP finally took the lead, when Pedro Delgado fired in after some scrappy defending following a corner. Freamunde tried to rally and the game looked to be heading for a nail-biting finish, before Esgaio dribbled the full length of the pitch and put away a cool finish five minutes before time. 

Luís Martins pleased with his side's return to form and push up the Ledman LigaPro table

Sporting CP B continue resurgent form to push out of the relegation zone

Two months after dipping below the dreaded relegation line, Sporting CP B can once again breath a little easier, courtesy of a third consecutive Ledman LigaPro win. Leonardo Ruiz stole the headlines, striking twice in a 3-1 win against Ac. Viseu at the Sporting Academy.

A good number of fans turned out for the action on a sunny afternoon and they were treated to a dominant performance by the hosts. The first chance came after 16 minutes, when a brilliant cross from Pedro Empis ended with a header off target from Pedro Delgado. A spell of play bogged down in a midfield contest followed, before Ruiz opened the scoring after half an hour with a classy chipped finish over the stranded Viseu keeper.

Despite the expressive final result, the second-half got off to a balanced start, before Sporting CP B again took command after around twenty minutes. Ryan Ruiz did well to pick out Pedro Delgado, but the midfielder was denied by a last dash tackle just before getting his shot away.

The opportunity blew fresh wind into the Sporting CP B sails and a beautifully crafted move going forward from Luís Martins' side saw Ryan Gauld fire a powerful effort that pulled a stop out of Diogo Freire. Just four minutes later the young Scot was once again the focus of the play, this time setting up for Jovane Cabral for a shot that ended up the wrong side of the post.

A goal looked to be only a matter of time in coming and Leonardo Ruiz came inches from securing his brace with an acrobatic effort that was scrambled off the line. Viseu responded with a chance of their own, but Pedro Silva was on hand to keep the hosts in the lead, before Ruiz did score his second after a pass from Bilel.

Although trailing by two, the visitors snatched a goal back through Capela late on, but a strike at the death from Bilel finally put the result to bed and secured Sporting CP B a well earned three points that move Martins' charges out of the Ledman LigaPro relegation zone.

Luís Martins hunting for another three Ledman LigaPro points

Luís Martins taking charge of Sporting CP B has seen a turn of fortunes in Ledman LigaPro and he is looking for his side to continue in the same stride against Ac. Viseu this weekend.

"It is really important that the lads understand what they are capable of. We have played well in our last two games and the fans are behind us. We want a third straight win now, which will be important for where we are in the league", said Martins, adding a word on the importance of keeping his side in league football: "It is really important for Sporting CP to have a team in Ledman LigaPro. This is a really competitive division, but we want to carry on perfecting the way we play. Getting out of this kind of situations is difficult, but it teaches the lads useful skills. I am sure we will pull it off."

Luís Martins satisfied with his side's second consecutive Ledman LigaPro win

Last week's performance had already shown signs of recovery for Sporting CP B, but this weekend blew any doubts out of the water, as Luís Martins turned in their first away win since November.

Luís Martins side continue recovery and claim second consecutive win

Sporting CP B's last win away from home was way back in November, but Luís Martins' side's revival took another important step this weekend with a win in Cova da Piedade.

Luís Martins expecting Sporting CP B to string together wins starting this Saturday

After finally bringing Sporting CP B's negative Ledman LigaPro streak to a halt, coach Luís Martins is looking to go on a decent run, starting with a trip to Cova da Piedade.

“This match, just like every single one until the end of the season, is one we have to look to win. We know it will be hard and they beat Académica last weekend, so they will be up for it. Our win last weekend has given us a lift and we want to build on that", said Martins, adding: "We want to get out of the situation we are in, in terms of the league standings, while giving our young players experience."