Israel round-up: Maccabi inspired by Oved

Neck and neck
The two sides are level on 21 points - Maccabi have the superior goal difference - with leaders Maccabi Haifa FC six points ahead. But with five days to go before the capital derby, both will have to improve dramatically if they are to launch a serious challange and prevent the two-time reigning champions from winning the league again.

Oved lifts Maccabi
Injury-hit Maccabi Tel-Aviv took until the 54th minute to break the deadlock, Rodrigo Goldberg crossing for Reueven Oved, probably the shortest player on the pitch, to send a looping header over Bnei Yehuda goalkeeper Avi Ibgi.

Haifa on song
Five days before their UEFA Cup third-round tie in Greece against AEK Athens FC, Haifa's ninth victory of the season took their tally to 27 points from a possible 30. Two first-half goals from Yaniv Katan, and Nir Sivilia's strike in the opening minute of the second, earned Haifa a 3-1 home victory over Maccabi Petach-Tikva with Kobi Refuah scoring a consolation from the spot.

Kleschenko clincher
Hapoel Tel-Aviv recovered from the disappointment of last week's 2-1 defeat by Haifa to win 2-1 at Hapoel Ironi Rishon. Ben Luz put the visitors ahead on the hour, heading in a Yossi Abuksis cross. Shai Holtzman equalised 12 minutes later before substitute Sergei Kleschenko connected with a Yigal Antebi centre for the winner.

Beitar bore
Two first-half efforts from Oshri Alfasi helped FC Ashdod to a 2-1 home success against Maccabi Netanya. Newly promoted Hapoel Kfar-Saba recorded their second straight victory - 3-1 against Hapoel Beer-Sheva - while Beitar Jerusalem's indifferent form continued with a goalless draw against bottom club Hapoel Petach-Tikva.