Israel round-up: Hapoel in trouble

Maccabi Haifa cemented their status as champions of Israel for the second year in succession after beating city rivals Hapoel Haifa 2-0.

Double still on
While Maccabi celebrated with a lap of honour in front of their home fans, Hapoel know they have are in danger of relegation. The champions are also on course for the double as they face Beitar Jerusalem on Tuesday in the semi-final of the Israeli Cup.

Chances missed
Hapoel dominated the early stages, hitting the crossbar and shooting wide when it seemed easier to score but they were made to pay in the second half. In the 64th minute Maccabi took the lead through Ayegbini Yakubou. Yossi Benayoun carved Hapoel's defense open with a perfect pass and the Nigerian, watched from the stands by English coach John Gregory of Derby County FC, kept his nerve to slot past Anan Pero. In the 83rd minute Rafi Cohen who came on as a substitute minutes earlier sealed the triumph after being released by Walid Badier's clever pass.  

Hasan hat-trick
While Hapoel remain in trouble, Beitar did their survival hopes no harm with a 3-2 win at Maccabi Petach-Tikva. The hero was Manor Hasan, who hit a hat-trick, and Beitar are now out of the relegation zone. Petach-Tikva took the lead through Kobi Refuah in the eleventh minute but the club's top scorer then wasted chances to double his side's advantage. Hasan then took over in the second half with three excellent goals before Petach-Tikva had Ophir Koppel sent off. Refuah did get a second deep into injury time but it came too late for his team.

Woe for Kiriat-Gat
Finally today, Hapoel Ironi Rishon beat struggling Hapoel Tel-Aviv through goals from Shai Holtzman, from the penalty spot, and Moshe Sabag, while Hapoel Petach-Tikva saw off Maccabi Kiriat-Gat 3-1. Kiriat-Gat's defeat leaves them rooted to the bottom, and the most likely of the top-flight teams to be relegated.