Israel round-up: Haifa hit the heights

Maccabi Haifa moved to the top of the Ligat ha-Al with a 5-1 away win at Maccabi Kiriat-Gat on Saturday.

Haifa hit five
The visitors took an early lead as Nir Sevilia headed home Yossi Benayon's third-minute cross. Benayon doubled the advantage with another header in the 14th minute from left-back Aduram Keisi's searching ball before Sevilia grabbed his second and the visitors' third after finishing off a fine move involving Benayon and Rafi Cohen.

Consolation goal
Walid Badir made it 4-0 in the 54th minute when he headed in Giovanni Rosso's corner for his first of the campaign. The home fans finally had something to shout about on 70 minutes when Stanislav Dobrovin tapped home Yossi Gordana's cross but Maccabi had the final say six minutes from the end when Eyal Almoshnino scored from close range.

Hapoel slip up
Maccabi's win was bad news for Hapoel Tel-Aviv who lost top spot after being held 0-0 away at Maccabi Petach-Tikva. Their lowly hosts constantly frustrated Hapoel and they were forced to make the journey back to Tel-Aviv with just a point to show for their efforts.

Hapoel Haifa win
Relegation-haunted Hapoel Haifa did their survival chances no harm with a surprise 2-0 win against fourth-placed Hapoel Petach-Tikva. A spectacular long-range free-kick from Michel Anichich opened the scoring for the home side after 17 minutes and Oren Nisim headed home the second after coming on as a second-half substitute. In Saturday's other game Hapoel Ironi Rishon inflicted a 1-0 defeat on fellow strugglers Beitar Jerusalem.