Greece round-up: Xanthi held

Xanthi FC's flying start to the Hellenic National League season stalled on Saturday as they were held to a goalless draw by Ethnikos Asteras.

Improved showing
Xanthi, who finished eighth last season, surpassed their fans expectations after they headed into the winter break in third place after claiming five wins and suffered just two defeats in their first ten matches.

Stubborn resistance
But they failed to break down the stubborn resistance offered by Asteras, who stay ninth after claiming a point. Xanthi remain third but will be pushed down a place if FC PAOK Thessaloniki clinch a point at Akratitos on Sunday, when the remainder of the matches take place.

AEK boost
AEK Athens FC, who have been boosted with the news that coach Fernando Santos has agreed to stay at the club, travel to Iraklis FC while second-placed Olympiakos Piraeus FC host Panahaiki GC.

First game in charge
New Panathinaikos FC coach Sergio Markarian takes charge of his first match as the sixth-placed side look to recover from a poor start to the campaign with a win at home to Aigaleo, who are bottom of the table with just five points from ten matches.