After three consecutive wins, Maccabi Tel Aviv's Under-19's lost to Bnei Yehuda on a Aviad Burla goal just four minutes from time
Just as Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" had grown accustomed in their last three games to a 1-0 scoreline in their favour, on Saturday they found themselves on the wrong end of the equation, suffering a 0-1 home loss against Bnei Yehuda. Maccabi played better throughout most of the game and were close to scoring several times, yet they failed to find the net. On the other hand, one good header by Bnei Yehuda's captain Aviad Burla four minutes from time was all it took for the guests to leave Kiryat Shalom with all three points. Last season, Maccabi Tel Aviv's Under-19s suffered their first loss of the season in matchweek 18, in the exact same encounter with Bnei Yehuda, the guests leaving Kiryat Shalom training ground with a 0-2 victory.
The Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" squad hoped to end today's game with their fourth consecutive win and they indeed created more chances than their rivals during the first half. Halfway through the first half, midfielder Daniel Gretz found himself placed well in front of goal, but his shot was deflected by the visitors' defence. Maccabi's best opportunity of the first half came several minutes later when a long ball by Gretz found fellow midfielder Guy Cohen in good position, but his header narrowly missed the target. Before halftime Mansour Amash headed a corner towards goal but saw it deflected by Bnei Yehuda goalkeeper Amit Mesilati.
The second half began much the same as the first had ended. Immediately after the restart striker Dor Jan was the first to threaten the visitors' goal, getting round the goalkeeper only to see his effort cleared off the line. Gretz, Guy Cohen and Dor Jan continued to harass Bnei Yehuda's defence while at the other end the Maccabi defence stood firm. A goalless draw, an unusual result Maccabi's Under-19s have yet to see this season and one suffered only once last season, seemed inevitable. But four minutes from time Bnei Yehuda captain Aviad Burla rose to meet a free kick and he headed it accurately into the corner of the net, scoring the only goal of the match.
This was the third loss of the season for Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar", who will be looking to grab all three points in their next league match in two week's time, a difficult away tie against Ashdod FC.
Line-up: Gal Tuvaly, Daniel Schwarzboim, Mansour Amash, Daniel Levy, Sean Goldberg, Tamir Abrahmian, Dor Peretz (Sagi Dror '62), Dor Buzaglo (Sagiv Yehezkel '50), Daniel Gretz (Almog Ohayon '82), Guy Cohen (Sharon Zisso '79), Dor Jan.
