Israel round-up: Hapoel just edge derby

A solitary strike from Pini Balili was enough to give Hapoel Tel-Aviv a derby victory over Maccabi Tel-Aviv and maintain the pressure on Israeli Premier League leaders Maccabi Haifa.

Ten-man Maccabi
The Moldovan found himself through with just the goalkeeper to beat and made no mistake. Maccabi had been reduced to ten men in the 30th minute when Avi Nimni was dismissed.

Sevilia hits two
League leaders Haifa were 3-1 winners away at Hapoel Ironi Rishon. Nir Sevilia put them in front only for Ironi Rishon to draw level through Shai Holzman’s penalty just before half-time. However Nenad Pralia restored Haifa’s lead almost immediately and Sevilia’s headed second sealed the win in the 48th minute to make it three wins in a row.

Korman keeps his cool
Hapoel Beer-Sheva won 1-0 against Maccabi Netanya thanks to a goal by Davi Korman. Korman met a Rami Elyahu cross in the 57th minute to keep up the home side's good run of form, which has now seen them win four in a row.

Ansumbo just ace
Maccabi Petach-Tikva secured a comfortable 2-0 win over bottom club Maccabi Kiriat-Gat, after two second-half goals. New striker Congo Ansumbo headed the first goal in the 64th minute, after being set-up by Kobi Refoa. Ansumbo sealed the points with his second goal eight minutes from time.