Israel round-up: Haifa seize back top spot

Maccabi Haifa FC returned to the top of the Israeli Premier League at the weekend after brushing aside lowly Hapoel Kfar-Saba 3-1 on Sunday.

Straightforward win
Michael Zandberg fired Maccabi ahead in the 14th minute and Yaniv Katan doubled the lead 20 minutes later. Nenad Pralija increased the advantage four minutes after the restart before Yaniv Abergil grabbed a consolation goal.

Overnight leaders
Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC were the overnight leaders after securing a 2-1 home victory over Maccabi Petach-Tikva on Saturday. The visitors went ahead early on when Yossi Rozen fired in from the penalty spot but the home side levelled five minutes before the break courtesy of Salim Toema. Kfir Udi grabbed the winner 18 minutes from time.

Andanov penalty
Bnei Yehuda Tel-Aviv also helped themselves to three home points after seeing off FC Ashdod 2-1. Vladimir Andanov struck twice, cancelling out Sharon Amar's opener by scoring from the penalty spot in the 78th minute.

Slim wins
Hapoel Beer-Sheva left it late against Ironi Rishon Lezion, Ofir Haim striking the all-important goal in the dying stages, while Maccabi Tel-Aviv moved to within three points of the leaders thanks to a fourth-minute strike from Andreas Prohanenkovs in another 1-0 win.

Beitar still sixth