Porto five points clear after win

LISBON, Portugal (Reuters) -- South African striker Benni McCarthy slotted home an injury time penalty to give Porto a 1-0 home win over Rio Ave on Monday, enabling the reigning champions to move five points clear at the top of the premier league.

Victory over their mid-table opponents, moved the unbeaten Porto onto 42 points after 16 matches, ahead of Sporting on 37 and Benfica on 33 in third place.

Porto struggled without injured Brazilian striker Derlei Silva but were able to clinch victory late on.

Rio Ave defender Rui Mendes brought down Lithuanian striker Edgaras Jankauskas to concede the spot kick, duly converted by McCarthy.

Sporting beat Benfica 3-1 in the Lisbon derby on Sunday, while Braga moved up to fourth place with a 1-0 win at Academica in Monday night's other game.

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