Maxim Gretchkin nets his first goal of the season and Raz Itzhak adds the final touch as Maccabi's U19s book an important win over Beitar Jerusalem
After a period of mixed results that included a win, a loss and a draw, Maccabi's Under-19s hosted Beitar Jerusalem at the municipal stadium in Ramla for an encounter that was critical to their hold on the top spot in the Under-19 Premier League and their aspirations for the league title. And from the very start of the match, Maccabi Tel Aviv "Shachar" made clear their intentions to return to winning ways, putting the Beitar defence under pressure and creating a number of excellent chances. Gabriel Kanikovski ran riot down the opposition flanks and served up a number of excellent crosses for fellow midfielders Omri Haramati and Matan Hozez that but for the skills of Beitar keeper Lalo would have produced goals early on. On 17 minutes however even Lalo's best efforts failed as another of Kanikovski's crosses created a scramble in the Beitar defence in front of goal. After Matan Hozez saw a first effort saved, fellow midfielder Maxim Gretchkin slammed home his first goal of the season to put the home side in front 1-0.
Head coach Ziv Arie's lads continued to show good form throughout the first half but failed to increase their advantage. After the break he sent on striker Yonatan Cohen for Omri Haramati but the half got off to a hesitant start. After ten minutes, when the first shot on goal appeared, it came from the visitors, their first of the match, but Maccabi keeper Sahar Hasson immediately smothered their hopes of drawing level. When the home side did return to life it was largely due to the efforts of Sohil Armeli in midfield and on 73 minutes the home-side crowd were finally rewarded for their patience. Second-half substitute Raz Itzhak dispossessed the Beitar defence and sent a long ball to Yonatan Cohen, who obliged Itzhak by returning him the ball in front of an empty net. This splendid co-operative effort thus extended Maccabi's lead to 2-0, but by no means ended "Shachar"'s domination of the match, and late on both Matan Hozez and fellow midfielder Eliel Peretz saw excellent efforts saved by the Beitar keeper. But the proceedings ended with the same 2-0 scoreline after a positive and pacey display by Maccabi that keeps them three points ahead of their nearest league rival Maccabi Haifa.
Next Saturday Ziv Arie and his squad will attempt to keep the smiles on their faces when they head south to face Hapoel Beer Sheva away.
