Israel round-up: Maccabi Haifa claim top spot

Maccabi Haifa FC went top of the Israeli Premier League on Monday after a 4-2 win against Hapoel Beer-Sheva.

Barda double
Michael Zandberg gave Maccabi the lead after just six minutes and a double from Elyaniv Barda saw the hosts dash into a three-goal lead with just 27 minutes gone. Goals from Ofir Haim and Remik Yajerski either side of half-time temporarily gave Beer-Sheva hope before Walid Badir's last-minute goal made the points safe.

Goldberg goal
Maccabi Haifa are now two points clear of former leaders Hapoel Tel-Aviv FC, who lost to Maccabi Tel-Aviv FC for the first time in two years on Saturday, Chilean striker Rodrigo Goldberg's first-half goal securing a narrow 1-0 win.

Second defeat
Hapoel slipped to only their second defeat of the season when Goldberg, chosen ahead of club captain Avi Nimni, unleashed a right-foot shot which left goalkeeper Shavit Elimelech with no chance. Hapoel went close to equalising on the half hour, but Salim Tuamah’s free-kick drifted just wide. Maccabi almost went further ahead after the interval, Bruno Rais testing Elimelech with a powerful long range effort which was only just kept out by the keeper.

Late goals
Hapoel Kfar-Saba collcted their second victory of the season, overcaming Macabi Netanya 2-1 thanks to two late goals in the space of three minutes. Reueven Atar's volley put the visitors ahead in the 14th minute and Netanya held firm until the 70th when Alon Mizrahi levelled from close range. Claudio Millar then stole the win with his 13th goal of the season.

Decisive penalty
Manor Hasan's 67th-minute penalty earned Hapoel Petah-Tikva a 1-0 victory over Bnei Yehuda while Hapoel Ironi Rishon and Maccabi Petah-Tikva fought out a 1-1 draw with En'goi N'sombo on target for the visitors and Moshe Sabag for the home team.

Unbeaten run
On Sunday, second-bottom side FC Ashdod stretched their unbeaten run to three matches with a goalless draw at home to Beitar Jerusalem, for whom Itzik Zohar missed a penalty after ten minute.