Sporting B stage late comeback but finish up short of taking away points

Sporting slipped to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Vizela this Monday, on Ledman LigaPro matchday 5. João de Deus made just a single change to his starting 11 for the encounter, switching out Jovane Cabral for Elves.

Team in full: Pedro Silva; David Sualehe, Ivanildo, Guilherme Ramos and Mamma Baldé; Guima, Fábio Martins, Bilel and Elves; Leonardo Ruiz and Ricardo Almeida.

The first 45 minutes were a battling affair, with every inch in the middle of the park fought for tooth and nail. As a result chances were few and far between, with only Fábio Martins' effort on half an hour worthy of note.

Vizela looked happy to sit back in defence and absorb pressure, with even the Sporting keeper pushing out to try and release Mama Baldé and Sualehe into a yard of space down the wings.

Ivanildo Fernandes' first-half performance certainly attracted attention, pulling off a massive interception in the 28th minute when Kukula was preparing to pull the trigger. Ten minutes later he pulled off the same move on Mário Mendonça.

The second-half saw Vizela open up and both sides found a bit of breathing room. A shot from Bilel in the 59th minute finished just inches wide of Pedro Albergaria's posts, but if you don't finish your chances then you are always at risk of conceding and two minute later Vizela took the lead from the penalty spot after an aleged foul from Mama Badé on Filipe Augusto.

Sporting's attacking efforts kept up, but José Ribeiro's side continued to have more than their fair share of luck, this time with Kukula converting on a cross to put the visitors two goals ahead.

João de Deus' side would have been forgiven for letting down their guard, but the Alvalade youngers showed guts and chances followed for Pedro Marques (73'), Guilherme Ramos (78') and Guima (82'). Time after time chances came painfully close, before Leonardo Ruiz finally got one back for Sporting B with a spot kick from 12 yards. However, the goal proved to be too little too late and Sporting B snow slip down to 20th in Ledman LigaPro.