Cyprus: AEL edge Larnaca thriller

AEL Limassol FC claimed a famous 4-3 victory against AEK Larnaca FC on Sunday, as Lambros Lambrou's goal sealed the points in a dramatic Division A encounter at the New GSZ stadium, Larnaca.

Michael double
Chrysis Michael gave the visitors an early lead but AEK were quick to respond, as Louis Eleftheriou equalised with a well-taken header after a dipping corner from Stelios Stylianou. The AEK celebrations lasted barely two minutes, as Michael grabbed his second and Lambrou made it 3-1 to AEL in the 42nd minute with a 30-metre free kick.

Lambrou on target
The hosts were given a lifeline in the fourth minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half, as Sebok brought down Pambos Christodoulou in the area and AEK captain Stylianou converted the spot kick.

Sixth goal
The second half saw AEK draw level after just 32 seconds when Eleftheriou got his second of the afternoon and sixth of the season, but the three points eventually went to the Limassol club, as Lambrou headed home decisively past Constantinou.

Philipou spares Apollon blushes
Playing in the temporary Makarios stadium in Nicosia, ten-man Apollon Limassol FC could only salvage a last-minute draw against Ethnikos Achnas FC thanks to a late goal by the Philipos Philipou. Georgos Kavazis scored to give the Limassol club the perfect start in the seventh minute but, when Apollon were reduced to ten men after Georgos Kais was sent off, their fortunes changed.

Nehoda impresses
Two goals in as many minutes late in the second half, by Alexis Alexnadrou and Michal Nehoda, gave Achnas a 2-1 lead that was eventually cancelled out by Philipou’s late goal in injury time.

APOEL maintain threat
APOEL Nicosia FC crept closer to the top of the table after an unimpressive but effective win over Doxa Katokopia FC at the Antonis Papadopoulos stadium in Larnaca. Two first half goals, by Costas Malekos and 37-year-old Sinisa Gogic, paved way for a 3-0 win, with Greek striker Elias Solakis getting the third in the dying minutes. APOEL are now in second place, just one point behind the league leaders Anorthosis Famagusta FC.