Israel round-up: No separating leaders
Tuesday, May 20, 2003
Article summary
The title could be decided on goal difference after the top three sides all won to stay level on points.
Article body
Exciting finish
The weekend victories for Maccabi Tel-Aviv, Hapoel Tel-Aviv and Maccabi Haifa ensured an exciting finish to the season - as well as another dramatic instalment of action.
Nimni double
Maccabi Tel-Aviv came from two goals down to win 3-2 at Beitar Jerusalem, with Avi Nimni scoring twice in the second half for the league leaders. Nimni, the club captain, had just settled a public argument with coach Nir Klinger - and his double strike marked the perfect act of contrition.
Kleschenko strike
Meanwhile, Hapoel Tel-Aviv stayed second thanks to a 3-1 comeback win at Bnei Yehuda Tel-Aviv. However, they had double reason to be grateful for Sergei Kleschenko's goal three minutes from time. As well as sealing the three points, his strike also gave Hapoel the edge over reigning champions Maccabi Haifa in terms of goal difference.
Five-star show
Yitzhak Schum's team triumphed 5-0 at home against Hapoel Petach-Tikva, with Idan Tal, Walid Badier, Rafi Cohen and Michael Zandberg, with two goals, all on the scoresheet. That was not enough, though, to leapfrog either of their title rivals, with Maccabi Tel-Aviv's goal difference standing at +27, Hapoel's at +26, and Maccabi Haifa's +25.
Total recall
Haifa's win was also notable for the reappearance of goalkeeper Nir Dadidovic, who was handed his first start in ten months at the expense of Dudu Awat.
Trading places
Elsewhere in the Ligat ha-Al, Hapoel Beer-Sheva captured fifth place after beating previous occupants Maccabi Petach-Tikva 3-1 in Petach-Tikva. Beer-Sheva also remained within three points of Maccabi Netanya, the team in fourth position whom they meet next week. Netanya defeated Hapoel Ironi Rishon 2-0 at home, while FC Ashdod won 5-2 at Hapeol Kfar-Saba.
