Assaf Madar's second half goal was not enough for Maccabi Tel Aviv's Under-19s to maintain their perfect season 2012/13 record
Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" played at Vasermil Stadium today against Hapoel Beer Sheva, a match that finished in a 1-1 draw. Assaf Madar headed Maccabi in front at the beginning of the second half, but the hosts' equaliser 5 minutes from time meant the two sides shared the points. Maccabi came into the tie in matchweek 4 of the Under-19 Premier League with a perfect record from the first three matches, but their run has now been interrupted as they dropped their first points of the new season.
The Under-19 teams met in the same stadium that will host the senior teams of both clubs in just two days time. Head coach Amir Turjeman and his players have recent and pleasant memories of Vasermil, where last season they officially guaranteed themselves their second consecutive Under-19 Premier League championship. In that championship match they beat Hapoel Beer Sheva 3-0, but today the going was a bit more difficult. Unlike last week's game against Beitar Jerusalem, where Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" fell behind twice, the Under-19s today came out in attack with a view to taking the lead early on. Less than ten minutes into the match they had an excellent opportunity to do just that when they were awarded a penalty, but striker Dor Jan's spot kick was saved leaving the teams goalless.
The first half continued uneventfully and it ended without any goals. The hot weather in Beer Sheva did not make it easy on the two teams, but Amir Turjeman's lads continued to attack, looking for a breakthrough. Just before the hour mark, last week's hero Assaf Madar, who scored a brace in the final minutes against Beitar Jerusalem, came into action. The midfielder rose for a corner delivered by Guy Cohen and headed in to put Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" in front. For Madar, who returned to Maccabi Tel Aviv this summer after being on loan at Hapoel Ra'anana last season, this was his third goal in two games.
Unfortunately for Maccabi, Madar's goal was not enough for them to snatch their fourth consecutive win after Hapoel Beer Sheva levelled the score five minutes from time, settling the final score at 1-1. The Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" squad will try to get back to their winning ways next Saturday, as they host Hapoel Tel Aviv in the first intriguing Tel Aviv derby of the new season.
Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" squad: Gal Tovali, Itam Shamai, Daniel Levy, Mantzur Amash, Dean Akafi, David Aviv, Dor Peretz, Daniel Gertz, Amit Farhi, Assaf Madar and Dor Jan.
