Oriental Lisbon - One Step Closer

Some quality acquisitions there Walt!

Nice signings Walt, should help you with your campaign.

Josh Thanks

Nealão Thanks Nealão, he does look promising

Griffo Thanks Griffo!

Feliks Thanks Feliks, that's the plan.

Almeida's Analysis: March-April

Two months until the season's end. It had been going very well up until these last two months, and this is where we needed it most. We needed our best players and leaders to give it their all and lift some of the younger guys. We knew we could do this.

March-April Results

OOC: Due to the sheer number of games these two months, I will not be updating in the usual format.

First up, Olhanense. We hosted the Algarve outfit and prayed for a win, as that would mean we'd be one step closer to survival. It was a nervy match, both sides under pressure and wanting results. But it was the mighty Oriental who got out on top - edging our opponents 2-1!

Next was one of the biggest matches of the season. In front of a huge crowd at the Estádio Jose Alvalade and a big television audience, we'd go head to head against Sporting, giants of Lisbon. Jardim's men went ahead but before long Sergio Liparoti snatched an equaliser. Again, though, we went behind and I honestly thought we'd lost the game. But a moment of brilliance from Sergio Liparoti, a curling 25-yard free kick, meant that we were able to take a point away from this clash!

Now it was a home game, we hosted União Madeira and looked to get a win over this stuggling side. Four minutes in and we hit the lead through Liparoti. He added his second before Stefano Franchi and China gave us a comfortable 4-1 win.

It was important we won that game, as our next few fixtures didn't get any kinder. Porto, kings of Portugal at this stage of the season. Three goals to nil their way is probably a fair reflection on the match, let's not eloborate any further than that.

Back from the north, we were back in the south to host an underachieving Braga, who we'd snatched a draw against last time round. This time it was to be a narrow loss, something that was always going to be on the cards.

Up next was Lisbon rivals Benfica. Of course us fans never expected anything out of it, why should we? Hey, at least we scored a goal this time... in all seriousness, I'm not too disappointed in this result. As long as we're competitive.

Vitoria Guimaraes were stiff opposition, and the small collection of fans travelling to the Braga district weren't very optimistic. We went 1-0 down, and were glad to only be 1-0 down at the half - until China found a late equaliser. This rejuvanated our squad, and we weren't to be stopped from then on. Franchi and Liparoti, who got another brace, led us to an outstanding comeback victory!

The season had come to a close. Survival was assured but that wouldn't mean we'd take things lightly against Marítimo. Uruguayan Guillermo Méndez put us in front 10 minutes in but we quickly relinquished the lead. China looked like the saviour with his 82nd minute strike but Marítimo weren't done yet, stealing a win from right under our noses in added on time.

Final League Table

We aren't very popular among Braga fans as Marítimo's late strike put them ahead in the standings, meaning they qualified for Europa League football. As for us, Oriental, well we performed amazingly for a side the media predicted to finish rock bottom. We actually finished very clear of the bottom two, and it gives the club something to build on.

The Fans' Final View

It's a lovely night. All the fans are rejoicing the end of the season, not because it was bad, it was certainly a bit harder than the last few seasons, but the fact that we managed to defy all odds and stay up. The club was rocked with a little insecurity regarding the takeover situation but I'm sure that will be fine and resolved soon enough!

Player of the Months

I'm pretty sure it was an easy one. Some people will say strikers get all the credit, but in Sergio Liparoti we have one that is fully deserving of it. His goals have picked this club up and really got us on a roll.

Next I'll present a short season review. Due to the lack of screenshots I don't really think it will be anything but a brief overview of the season that took place in Portugal. Thanks for reading this huge chunk of writing!

Brilliant March, although April/May was a little disappointing. Great season Walt, against the odds you were mid-table. And you're only going to keep getting better!

You actually ended up having a very good season, wonderful job finishing 9th, definitely something to build upon!!

Feliks Thanks, it was a tough set of fixtures but we ended well

Neal Yeah we did, thanks Nealão

A rough end to the season but you did play against the top teams so you should rejoice in your success

Very good season, hopefully youcan build on this good performance next year! Good luck

For the first season to finish 9th place is a very good performance!

Great season Walt, you can be very proud of your performance.

Justice Yeah, we were always going to lose to those teams, so that's why the wins against União Madeira and Vitoria Guimarães were so vital

ASR-PSV Thank you ASR!

AAN Thanks AAN!

Griffo Thank you Griffo!

Season Review: Oriental Take Two Awards Home

Supporter Spokesperson Daniel Almeida
I, as supporter spokeserson, am looking back on this season with great pride.We defied all expectations, odds and predictions to finish our premiere season in the top flight in ninth place!

A Bola and O Jogo said 16th, the Portuguese Football Messenger said 14th and the Portuguese Football Express said 13th! And we proved them wrong, finishing in ninth! An incredible effort.

Much of this is down to the manager - Vitor Martins. He has showed exemplary leadership in creating a harmonious dressing room that was absolutely crucial in getting the side to finish where they did.

Also, the other staff members. It's getting bigger every year, and so is the quality of their work. They've got more to do now we're here in the Primeira Liga, but they've coped with the pressure extradorinarly to get this team functioning on all cylinders.

Finally, the players. They do the work on the pitch and put everything into action. We are blessed to have a loyal, determined and ambitious bunch of lads in the dressing rooms here at Oriental, and we believe that this squad could be the first of many, many great Oriental teams.

The club managed to pick up two awards this season, they were as follows:





Thank you for a great season, everyone, and here is a brief summary of the season in Portugal.

Primeira League

Taça de Portugal

League Cup

Supertaça

As shown by the brief overview there, it was again perennial powerhouses FC Porto and SL Benfica dominating the domestic title front. Paços Ferreira pushed all the way to the final in the League Cup whilst Benfica edged Porto on penalties. Both Paulo Fonseca and AVB will be lauded by their numerous fans.

Nice update! You made a good account of yourself this season, let's see how you do next!

2014-07-12 09:49#183892 Josh_MU : Nice update! You made a good account of yourself this season, let's see how you do next!

Thanks Josh, it'll be interesting that's fo' sho'