Oriental Lisbon - One Step Closer

Braga B <3

Jack loool Braga B are doing shiiit Thanks mate.

Josh I'm not too fussed, it gives us the chance to centre all attention on the league, and maybe promotion.

Nathaniel </3

August: The Starting Blocks

August Results

We were handed a relatively tough start to the league campaign but we were ready for the task at hand and we wanted to see if our summer acquisitions had paid off and if we needed to make any adjustments.

Braga B were the first team we'd face this month. After a drab first half in which neither side could break the deadlock, we knew something had to change. Rallying on the troops during the half time team talk, we came out of the blocks bursting in the second half. Five minutes in, Argentine Sergio Liparoti bagged his first goal of the season to give us the advantage. It was a nervy game up until the dying seconds, when Stefano Franchi's intended cross found its way into the back of the net.

961 people attended our first home game of the season against Oliveirense and we got off to a great start for the fans, with that man again Sergio Liparoti finding the back of the net in true striker fashion. This was his fourth goal in three games after a brace against Rio Ave in the League Cup. Unfortunately we were pegged back, meaning we'd have to settle for a point.

We then set off to the seaside town of Aveiro where we were would face Beira-Mar, a side who could well be promoted come the end of the season. We succumbed to our first defeat of the season but we weren't atrocious or anything - it just proved we had stuff to work on.

Our next encounter was at home to Portimonense, one of Portugal's 'yo-yo clubs'. After an evenly matched first period, we emerged as the ones who wanted it more and this determination paid off. Figo added the first on 65 minutes before his strike partner Balack added a second only two minutes later. We were close to keeping a clean sheet but Zambujo put away what turned out to be a consolation for the Portimão side.

August was brought to a close at home to Tondela, a deceptively tough team to go up against. Again it was our second half performance which won us the game. Balack added the first before Italian winger Stefano Franchi added another seven minutes later. Nigerian Cedric Omoigui put the icing on the cake in the 66th minute which meant we finished August off in winning ways.

August League Table

We've started our season well and sit in 5th place. We look good for our money and we've been an improved side lately. There are few things here and there that need tweaking but other than that I think we can look back on our start feeling positive about our chances.

Player of the Month

Our Argentine striker Sergio Liparoti takes this month's Player of the Month award simply for the fact that his goals won us games. He made an incredible start to his season with goals against Braga B and Oliveirense as well as a brace versus Rio Ave in the League Cup.

Very good start! Great detail in this update Walt! :-)

a good start of the season mate! this will be your season, I bet!

Aww, should of let Braga B win Unlucky against Beira-Mar who are a very strong side. Very good update as usual, Walt

Good start to the season Walter!
Do I even need to say it? Great update as usual

Josh_MU Thanks mate

AAN Haha, we'll have to wait and see

Jack And why would I do that? Thanks again.

Pompey Thanks and thanks, pompey

Martins: We Can Only Get Better

Portuguese Football Messenger
Oriental manager Vitor Martins believes his side can only improve following their strong start to the league season in the Second League.

The 38-year old told the press that he saw many positives from his side in their opening fixtures, where his side picked up 10 points to put themselves in fifth after August. "We played well, it's always satisfying to be able to say that," Martins said. "But really, we haven't hit first gear yet, or second for that matter. We have room to improve and as the season goes on I think we will."

Oriental were up and about the promotion places last year but could not catch up to União Madeira or eventual champions Académica, nor could they get one last stroke of luck. Martins admits last season they were fighting a 'losing battle' and that this year the squad is stronger and the coaching staff is vastly improved.

"We made a lot of adjustments over the summer, ones that I think have greatly improved the club as a whole. Players are developing better, they are getting more out of each training session," Martins explained.

The 38 year old, who led Oriental to promotion in his first season in charge, insists that his side are no longer the push overs and they aren't overachieving either. The normally media-shy manager spoke in depth to the press, telling them he believes his side can go up again.

"We have all the right ingredients," he started. "People may doubt us, but I think we can take that next step, if we all just push together, as a team, we can beat anyone."

YES. WE. CAN.

You're certainly right there, you can beat anyone, you will beat everyone!
ORIENTAL ARE GOING UP!

Oriental will win the world with Martins in charge

Fantastic updates as usual and i would buy a season ticket for your team!nh

Pauker Indeed we can!!

pompeyblue Thanks for the support!

Jack Martins is the special one!

jason Thanks jason and good to hear!

Good luck Walt, promotion appears to be a realistic goal this season.