Israel round-up: Leaders lose

Maccabi Tel-Aviv surrendered top spot in the Ligat ha-Al on Saturday as they were beaten 3-0 at Hapoel Petach-Tikva.

Unimpressive defending
Despite having an impressive defensive record, Maccabi were in poor form and fourth-placed Petach-Tikva were able to breeze past the league leaders for what was their second defeat of the season. Ran Ben Shomon opened the scoring after 19 minutes after sliding home Yossi Rozen's chipped through-ball.

Empty net
Enesh Demirovic made it two in the 34th minute, shooting into an empty net after visiting goalkeeper Liran Shtrauber blocked Eraz Eliav's initial effort. The visitors miserable performance was complete when Ami Azulai was left unmarked to head in Shomon's free-kick from the left-hand side.

Hapoel Tel-Aviv hit four
Hapoel Tel-Aviv are the new leaders following a 4-0 home win over bottom club Maccabi Kiriat-Gat. Yossi Abuksis skipped past two defenders before firing a great strike home from 15 metres to open the scoring for the hosts after 30 minutes. Tel-Aviv scored again two minutes after half-time when Pini Balili's right-wing cross was diverted into his own net by visiting defender Miki Atiya. Shimon Gershon's penalty in the 53rd minute made it 3-0 after Ilan Bachar had been felled in the box and Bachar headed in the fourth shortly after.

Beer-Sheva triumph
Elsewhere, Hapoel Beer-Sheva climbed clear of trouble with a 3-1 home win against Hapoel Haifa, Beitar Jerusalem and Maccabi Petach-Tikva played out a goalless draw, while Maccabi Netanya climbed to fifth courtesy of a 4-2 home victory over Hapoel Ironi Rishon.