November
October was a frustrating month for us, it seemed like every offside decision, every free kick and every other 50-50 decision was going against us. There were some solid individual performances but some other worrying ones. One thing we really needed to do was find some consistency as I was finding myself rotating players to make sure they knew they couldn't rest on their laurels.
But November was completely different. Obviously the rotation and more easier approach to match preparation worked. Our defence was much, much better this month. Over the past few months I found myself not knowing whether we'd win or lose because it tended to be 3-3 coming into the home stretch.
The started at home against promotion rivals
UD Oliveirense, and we played simply some of the best football we had in a long time. 3-0 was the final score, completely one sided. Next we played on TV for the first time this month against mid-table
Santa Clara, and we were extremely unlucky drawing 1-1. What came next was amazing!
After we conceded in the last minute vs. Santa Clara, I got a bit agitated at the press, and made a few bad calls. What I ended up with it a touchline ban.
Despite sitting in the stands, we went out with the same tactics and starting eleven as usual. A good cup run is always solid, but when I found our team
3-0 down at half time, I couldn't help but race down to the dressing room. I told the boys to lift their games, the fans paid money to watch them, and that this was utter dog shit.
Three goals in the second half got us even, and I was ecstatic! But when Margaca added a fourth, I got up with the Oriental faithful and could not stop myself screaming "GOOOOOOOOOLASO!" Unfortunately, Martinho equalized, but then Margaca headed in a late winner (part two) and we kept our cup hopes alive. A further match report on this match will be made.
After that we travelled to rivals
Atletico CP and brushed them aside 3-1. Next was lowly side
CD Trofense and we walked all over them, the final score four goals to nothing. In the next round of the Cup we went to last season's champions
Vitoria Setubal, and played some of the best football. Alves and Margaca scoring the vital goals which meant we continued in the cup.
That completed what was a fantastic month, in which we were undefeated! If we kept this form up we could definitely stand a chance of promotion! Hopefully we were able to. I thanked the boys and the staff for such a brilliant month.
League Table: November
THIRD!! Even if Belenenses have a game in hand, this is a good stepping stone. We are closing on the top two, and also breaking away from the rest of the pack! This is shaping up much better this season, especially this month. Hopefully we can continue this form, as it is oustanding.
Awards
Due to our fantastic month some players and managers picked up some awards. And because of the fantastic results this month, the Segunda Divisão officials handed me an award of Manager Of The Month! My first this season, and I am really grateful for it!
What you might have noticed is that we managed to shut down the opposition's goals this month. That was mainly thanks to youngster
Joaquim Monteiro who really stepped up this month, and showed the other defenders what to do, despite being one of the youngest.
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