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After eleven consecutive league matches without a defeat, Maccabi Tel Aviv's Under-19s lost 0-1 at home to Beitar Jerusalem, losing ground in the title race

After having narrowed the gap at the top of the table to two points last week, Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" today hosted Beitar Jerusalem in matchweek 26 of the national Under-19 Premier League. Playing in blue kit, the club's Under-19s hoped to continue the run of excellent form they've displayed in their second round of league ties and harvest an additional three points that would keep them in title contention at the top of the closely contested Under-19 Premier League table. From the very start of the match, head coach Ziv Arie's charges dominated the game and tried to create chances in front of the opposition goal. The first clear threat came in the form of defender Shaun Goldberg, who was first to connect with a Maccabi corner, but his effort was cleared by the Beitar defence. Halfway through the half striker Jonathan Cohen, whose form has been on the rise in second round matches, came closest to goal when he slid in to meet defender Guy Aviv's cross but his shot bounced off the post. At the other end, Beitar's Avishai Cohen came closest to threatening Maccabi keeper Sahar Hason but his shot strayed wide to send both sides off at the break locked in a goalless draw.

The second half started much as the first had ended, with Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" on the attack. Just after the restart striker Ofek Barzani found Stav Shoshan in position to score but the Beitar keeper too was at the ready. Moments later the keeper's mettle was tested even farther as he deflected a strike by substitute midfielder Matan Hozez. "Shachar" continued to harass the Beitar defence but missed the final touch, enabling the Beitar back four to clear their efforts again and again. This profligacy cost "Shachar" dearly, as against the run of play Beitar's Avishai Cohen found the corner of the Maccabi net from inside the area just over a quarter of an hour from time. Despite a good last-minute opportunity by midfielder Dor Peretz, who headed over in injury time, "Shachar" failed to find an equaliser and at the final whistle the score remained 0-1 in Beitar's favour. The loss means that Maccabi's Under-19s once again trail leaders Maccabi Haifa by five points at the top of the national Under-19 Premier League table with four matches left to the season.

Next week the Under-19s will hope to return to their winning ways as they appear at Wolfson training grounds for an intriguing away derby against Hapoel Tel Aviv.

Click here to see the full Under-19 table.