João de Deus' pre-match press conference ahead of II Liga matchday 20

João de Deus saw down with the press this Tuesday to share his thoughts on the midweek hosting of Desportivo das Aves, in what he sees as the perfect chance for his side to show what they can do against quality opposition.

“What I hope to do and what the players hope to do is to play as well as we have in our last four matches. Wins help the team grow and only consecutive wins can help the lads develop a winning mentality", explained the Alvalade coach, adding: “They (Desportivo das Aves (have some quality players and some are really gifted individually. It will be a hard game and I think it will be decided in the details, particularly the physical side of things with us having games in midweek."

João Pinheiro named for II Liga matchday 19

João Pinheiro, 27, from the Braga Football Association, has been named as the official to take charge of II Liga matchday 19 encounter between Sporting B and Benfica B.

Nélson Moniz and Nuno Eiras will act as linesmen.

Benfica B-Sporting B will get underway at 16h00 on Sunday the 6th of December, in Caixa Futebol Campus, Seixal.

João de Deus and Cristian Ponde on Wednesday's II Liga win

Sporting B claimed yet another II Liga win this Wednesday, this time claiming the scalp of Académico de Viseu

“It was a fair win. We were really strong. We were brilliant at times and our opponent didn't have a chance. We pressured really well and we made it difficult for them", said coach João de Deus at the final whistle.

One of the afternoon's standout performers with two goals, Cristian Ponde dedicated the result to the injured Seejou King: "This was for King. We really wanted to win for him, especially with him in the stands watching us. We started really well and let in an equaliser, but we reacted well. We showed a lot of attitude in the second-half and built up a result."

Sporting B continue in rich II Liga form

João de Deus on his side's draw with Gil Vicente and the injury to Seejou King

The serious injury picked up by Seejou King unsurprisingly overshadowed João de Deus' post-match press conference on Saturday afternoon, after his side's draw with Gil Vicente.

"We aren't happy, especially because we have lost another player to a serious injury. Even if we had have won, it wouldn't be the same with what has happened", opened the Sporting B coach, adding: "In relation to the match, it was split between both teams. When they had a player sent off, Gil Vicente fell back and we dominated. However, we let in another goal from a deadball situation. We knew Gil Vicente are dangerous from that kind of thing and we didn't do well enough to stop them."

Speaking specifically on the injury to Seejou King, João de Deus said: "I don't think anything more has to be said. The way everyone is feeling right now is enough. It is a tough time for us all and we have to get through it. Something similar had already happened with Mauro Riquicho. We hope the two recover as quickly as possible and can start helping the team again."

Francisco Geraldes on his side's draw with Gil Vicente and injury to King

Francisco Geraldes mirrored his coach's comments after Sporting B's draw with Gil Vicente, overshadowed by the injury to Seejou King.

“We don't know anything yet, but an injury to a teammate is the worst thing that can happen. Although we don't know exactly what happened, unfortunately it will take a long time. In relation to the draw, of course we are not happy because we wanted the three points. We have to look at where we went wrong and put it right for our next match. Gil Vicente closed in defence, but we were expecting that. Now we will focus on winning the three point ts against Ac. Viseu."

Afternoon marked by serious injury for King

Sporting B were held to a 1-1 draw by Gil Vicente this Saturday in a match marked by a serious injury picked up by King just before half-time.

The encounter got off to a balanced start, with the ball largely bogged down in midfield. As a result, the first chance on goal didn't come until after quarter of an hour, when Rafael game close after taking advantage of a defensive slip. Five minutes later, Labyad pulled a fine save out of the home keeper, before Rafael Barbosa also saw another effort denied by the Gil Vicente shotstopper.

The afternoon looked to be heading for half-time incident free, before a tackle from Goba saw Seejou King come away with a serious injury and the Gil Vicente player sent off.

Sporting B tried to make the most of the extra man and on 58 minutes Ryan Gauld followed up on a rebound shot by Viola to open the scoring. However, the lead only lasted for seven minutes, as Djamal leveled for the hosts.

The result keeps Sporting B in second place with 29 points.

João de Deus on the weekend's trip to Barcelos

Sporting B will travel to Barcelos tomorrow to face Gil Vicente, on II Liga matchday 17. Speaking with the press in a pre-match press conference, João de Deus affirmed the encounter as a chance to put right last Wednesday's loss in Chaves.

“We will be looking to do what we tried to do in our last game: to win. That is always our intention, no matter who we play against. Unfortunately that didn't happen in Chaves. We were close, but an error cost us", opened the Sporting B coach, before looking more specifically at Gil Vicente: "Gil Vicente still haven't lost at home in the league, but we are ready. Quick counter-attacks have been our best weapon, but it isn't our only way of getting a teams. We want to dominate as much as possible and of course we know that we will do that more sometimes than other, but we are ready."

To finish, João de Deus congratulated Gelson Martins and Matheus for their performance with the senior squad in the Europa League on Thursday night: "With every game this season, more and more examples are coming out that help to motivate the lads and to show them that they are really close to reaching the top level. We are really happy for Gelson, Matheus and Daniel, who are all earning their place. That makes us work even harder to get more players through."

Gil Vicente-Sporting B will kick off at 16h00 on Saturday the 28th of November, in Estádio Cidade de Barcelos.

Alvalade defender wins award for August and September

Domingos Duarte has been named as the Professional Football Players Syndicate Young Player of the Month for the months of August and September.

The Alvalade defender tallied a total of 12.94% of the vote, just 1% ahead of fellow Sporting player Pedro Silva (11,65%).

João de Deus happy with Sporting B performance against Penafiel

Sporting B coach João de Deus highlighted the quality of his side's performance against Penafiel this Sunday afternoon, claiming a convincing 4-2 win.

“It was important for us to win, but more important than that was for us to play some quality football again. We scored early and that set things out the way we like it, giving us space to go forward on the break", said the Alvalade boss at the final whistle, adding: "We beat a quality side today and I am sure Penafiel will soon climb up the table. We have the quality in the squad to be fighting for the top spots. Others will get their chance as well."