Matchday 19 of the Israel Youth Premier League Ligat Ha’Al saw Maccabi “Shachar” visit Hapoel Raanana as the young Yellow & Blue came into the contest in 2nd place with 9 wins out of their last 10 league games while Raanana entered the tilt in 4th place. Guy Tzarfati’s attack included Eylon Almog, Eyal Hen and Rave Assayag.
The complete Starting XI featured Daniel Peretz in goal, Amit Glazer, Alon Shtrozberg, Fadi Najar, Yoav Hofmayster, Tamir Glazer, Tomer Altman, Prince Thomas, Eylon Almog, Eyal Hen and Rave Assayag.
First Half
The match in Raanana began with the players having a tough time on the water logged pitch due to the heavy rains. The host’s had the first chance off a corner, but the Raanana striker headed the ball over the goal as the following quarter hour saw very few chances from either side as they struggled on the field of play. In the 24’ the Yellow & Blue defense had problems in the box and the keeper Peretz pulled down one of the Raanana players.
Yoav Tomer stepped up to take the spot kick penalty and shot the ball towards the right corner, but Peretz was in the right place to to block the ball as Tomer jumped on the rebound but hit the post as the match remained goalless. Two minutes later, Raanana again had a good chance to take the lead but Tomer put the ball over the goal while in the 40’ Tomer Altman’s free kick for Maccabi also went over the bar as the half ended goalless.
Second Half
The match continued with both sides sending long balls to either side of the pitch as each team looked to break the ice. In the 62’ Raanana’s free kick created confusion in the box, but the ball went out for a corner which Prince Thomas then took on a fast break. Thomas passed the ball to Almog but his shot on target was parried away by the keeper for a corner which Almog took but hit the bar and went out. 10 minutes later, Almog went by a couple of defenders but his chance went out for a corner.
Almog continued threatening the Raanana goal as Maccabi kept looking for an elusive goal. In the 77’ the Yellow & Blue again had an opportunity via Almog who sent the ball to Jabrin who in turn dropped it down from the air to Thomas, but his shot went just by the post. However, in the 85’ it would be Raanana who would take the lead when their striker came down the right wing and went by the Maccabi defenders, finding the back of the goal for a 1:0 win.
