PAOK in the driving seat

FC PAOK Thessaloniki edged a step closer to the last four of the Greek Cup with a comfortable 3-1 home victory over Hellenic National League champions Olympiakos Piraeus FC in Wednesday's quarter-final first-leg encounter.

Sweet revenge
The hosts, beaten 4-3 by Olympiakos in a thrilling league battle in Athens on Sunday, exacted revenge in fine style, taking the lead after ten minutes when Giorgos Georgiadis raced clear and chipped goalkeeper Fanis Katergiannakis. PAOK extended their lead 20 minutes later, Dimitris Markos thundering in an effort after a cross from Loukas Karadimos.

Controversial penalty
With the half-time whistle looming, Olympiakos were awarded a controversial penalty. Neri Alberto Castillo fell under goalkeeper Kyriakos Tohouroglou's challenge, and after a brief flare of tempers from both sides, Stelios Giannakopoulos held his nerve from the spot.

Crowd trouble
The start of the second half was delayed by five minutes after objects were thrown on to the pitch, but the longer break did not dim PAOK's enthusiasm. However, more bad news was to follow when play was suspended for a further ten minutes after Markos and Giannakopoulos were both struck by objects.

Okkas makes sure
PAOK coach Angelos Anastassiadis then spent the remainder of the match standing in front of the fans in a bid to quell further trouble and Giannakis Okkas made sure of the win three minutes from time. PAOK, cup winners in 2000/01, will now be firm favourites to take their place in the semi-finals when the two sides meet for the return leg in Athens on 12 March.