Campeonato Paulista wrap: Santos continue hot start

24 January 2013 03:09

Santos continued their flying start to the Campeonato Paulista with a crushing 3-0 victory over Botafogo on Wednesday.

Attacking midfielder Cicero was the driving force behind the win, scoring the opener on 33 minutes before assisting star forward Neymar's strike in the 41st minute.

The scoring was rounded out in the second minute of stoppage time when Neymar helped Ezequiel Miralles put the final nail in the Botafogo coffin.

After winning their first match 3-1 against Sao Bernardo, Santos remain clear on top with a healthy goal difference while Botafogo take their win-loss record to 1-1 and sit in seventh place.

Corinthians went two games without a win after a shock 1-0 loss at home to Ponte Preta.

William converted a penalty in the 88th minute to silence the Corinthians crowd and lift his side to third on the table.

Bragantino gave up a 2-0 lead after 88 minutes to get the second successive draw against Linense.

Goals to Lincom and Leo Jaime in the 80th and 83rd minutes looked to have secured the victory but an 89th minute strike from Daniel Lovinho gave Linense hope before Bruno Riberio completed the comeback with penalty in the 93rd minute.

Oeste were condemned to their second successive loss as they were beaten 3-1 at home by Palmeiras.

Guarani and Sao Bernardo finished in a goalless draw while Ituano's contest against Atletico Sorocaba also finished without a goal.