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APOEL make early running

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Monthly review: APOEL FC have made a positive start in defence of their Cypriot league title.

Great start
Ivan Jovanovic's APOEL could not have had a better start. Their three victories have all come away from home, the result of a two-match stadium ban carried over from last season. A 5-1 win against Alki Larnaca FC was followed by 2-1 successes at Nea Salamis FC and Enosis Neon Paralimni FC.

New signings
APOEL have been further boosted by experienced signings in midfielder Chris Bart-Williams, from English Premiership side Charlton Athletic FC, and Colombian striker Hamilton Ricard. Chairman Prodromos Petrides said of the Ricard deal: "I am sure he will make the difference up front in our tougher matches."

'Better than expected'
Meanwhile, Bart-Williams told uefa.com: "The club have got good facilities, and the standard of football is better than people give it credit for. I'm sure this team would be able to hold their own in the English first division."

Poor start
Across Nicosia at AC Omonia, the contrast is marked. Two points from their opening three games represents the worst start in their history, resulting in the sacking of Polish coach Franciszek Smuda and the appointment of player-manager Vesko Mihajlovic.

Grounds for optimism
Nonetheless, there are grounds for optimism for Omonia, following the announcement that a new stadium will be built outside the town of Dhali. It will cost €17m, have a 27,000 capacity, and be finished by 2008.

High-flying
Anorthosis are also in high spirits. Facing the prospect of liquidation not so long ago, Timuri Ketsbaia's side have begun the campaign in style, with two wins and a draw heralding a change in fortune which has coincided with the arrival of new chairman Andreas Pantelis.

Champagne start for Alki
Also grabbing the headlines are newly promoted Alki, who have recovered from their opening-day mauling by APOEL to record back-to-back wins. Coach Angel Kolev told reporters it is too soon to celebrate, however, saying: "Obviously we are happy with our start but must ensure we do not get relegated."

Difficult times
Apollon Limassol FC, one of Alki's victims, are experiencing difficult times. Greek coach Soullis Papadopoulos has gone, and the mood in the team is unsettled. Elsewhere, AEL Limassol FC have moved into third place, while Cypriot Cup holders AEK Larnaca FC are languishing near the foot of the table.

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