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."

Gelson Dala shares his thoughts on his first few months in Lisbon

It isn't unusual for a player to be living the dream in representing Sporting CP. Gelson Dala, who made the move to Lisbon from Angola in January, is no exception, but he is already making quite the name for himself.

“People were taking about the move for about six months and I had no idea what was going on. I was focused on my work, but of course I was really happy. I didn't want to speak anybody about it, I just kept to myself", said Dala in an interview with the Sporting Journal this week.

Pedro Delgado looking for a second consecutive Ledman LigaPro win

Sporting CP B will travel to Cova da Piedade this Saturday, on Ledman LigaPro matchday 30.

For Pedro Delgado, this is the perfect chance for his side to put together a decent run of results.

"We are expecting a hard match and Cova da Piedade will want to win as well. Our win last week really lifted us", said the Sporting CP B midfielder.

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.

New Sporting CP B boss Luís Martins on the weekend's Ledman LigaPro action

Luís Martins took charge of Sporting CP B for the first time this weekend, in a tough away visit to Gil Vicente. Although behind on two occasions, a spirited Alvalade slide were able to secure a point.

Luís Martins leads Sporting CP B for the first time, with draw in Gil Vicente

Sporting CP B still haven't quite found their winning form, but the performance against the powerful Gil Vicente was a clear sign of things to come for the side now led by Luís Martins. The Alvalade youngsters dominated possession and led the shot count against the Ledman LigaPro promotion contenders.

Luís Martins

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD informs that Luís Martins will take on the role of coach for Sporting CP B, together with the role of technical director for youth football.

Sporting SAD wishes Luís Martins the best of professional and personal success.

João de Deus

Sporting Clube de Portugal – Futebol, SAD informs that a decision by mutual agreement has been reached for the termination of its contract with João de Deus.

Sporting SAD thanks João de Deus for the work performed since 2014/2015 and the fundamental role he has played in the development of various Sporting CP athletes.

Sporting SAD wishes João de Deus the best of personal and professional success.
 

João de Deus praises work ethic and points to missed opportunities

"We had two chances right in front of the goalkeeper and didn't score", said João de Deus at the final whistle on Wednesday, reflecting on another afternoon of Ledman LigaPro action.

For the Sporting CP keeper, hard work is the only way out: "We just aren't putting away the good chances we are creating. It is upsetting, because I see that the players are working hard. This is a phase and we believe we will get through it."

Leonardo Ruiz on Sporting CP B's midweek Ledman LigaPro encounter

Understandably frustrated, but not about to throw in the towel. That it how Wednesday's scorer Leonardo Ruiz analysed Sporting CP B's current situation.