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.

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."

Fabrice Fokobo's reaction to Sporting B's 4-2 win against Penafiel

Fabrice Fokobo was given his 13th consecutive Sporting B start this weekend, going on to complete 90 minutes in a convincing 4-2 win against Penafiel.

Speaking with radio journalists at the final whistle, the midfielder stressed the importance of what has been a solid week for his side: "It was important to win another three points. This is a tough league and it important that we keep turning in wins. We did it again today and I am happy to be able to do my part in that. Wins give you confidence and we managed to build on the three points in Oliveira de Azeméis. We are happy with the result."

Sporting B put four past Penafiel to tighten grip on second in II Liga

Sporting B added to the midweek win against Oliveirense with a superb showing against Penafiel this weekend, on II Liga matchday 15.

Penafiel started the afternoon with two corners, but it was Sporting B who first found the back of the net, with a speedy move down the left in the 5th minute by Sacko. Just a minute later the Frenchman could have scored a second after latching on to a ball floated in behind the visiting defence, but Ângelo Meneses managed to divert away for a corner.

Excessive stoppages in the midfield slowed the pace of the encounter and Penafiel managed to hold down the majority of possession, but without really threatening the Sporting B goal. In contrast, João de Deus' side were looking deadly on the counter-attack and soon made it 2-0, when Mama Baldé was brought down in the penalty area for a spot kick that Labyad converted on.

Podence was next to try his luck, pulling a stop out of Coelho, before Penafiel finally created this first chance with 25 minutes on the clock. Sporting B smartly managed proceedings as the half progressed and the scoreboard could well have been kept ticking over, but Francisco Geraldes' chipped effort was clawed off the line.

Penafiel came out stronger after the break and quickly went about building two opportunities through Yero (51') and Ângelo Meneses (55'), but Pedro Silva was on hand to keep Sporting B in front. João de Deus' side continued to do damage on the counter and a minute before the hour mark Francisco Geraldes rounded off some superb dribbling by Podence to make it three-nil.

João Paulo struck back for the visitors in the 68th minute after some confusion in the area, but Sporting B again pushed forward and some brilliant link up play between Podence and Viola put the score well and truly beyond doubt. Penafiel did have time for a consolation goal five minutes before the final whistle, but the three points always looked destined to stay in Alvalade.

The result keeps Sporting B in second place in II Liga with 28 points, with only FC Porto B ahead.