The Under-19 side visited Raanana on Matchday 23 and sat in 2nd place just two points off the table leaders Maccabi Petah Tikva while the host’s began the day in the 4th place with two wins in their last six matches.
Starting XI: Daniel Peretz, Ido Shahar, Amit Glezer, Alon Shtrozberg, Yoav Hofmayster, Tomer Mahluf, Tamir Glezer, Omri Ram, Eduardo Guerrero, Bar Cohen, Eyal Hen.
First Half
The Yellow & Blue controlled the pace of play and in the 12’ had their first opportunity when Guerrero and Ram teamed up for a pair of chances but missed the intended target. But Maccabi broke through in the 16’ when Cohen unleashed a shot that beat the Raanana keeper for a 1:0 lead.
Hen almost doubled the advantage a minute later but his shot went by the post, however, in the 30’ they would score their second of the contest from the penalty spot via Guerrero after a hand ball in the box, 2:0 Maccabi.
Raanana had their first opportunity in the 43’ but Asaf Hershko’s header went over the bar as Guy Tzarfati’s squad went into the break with a two goal lead.
Second Half
In the 50’ the host’s almost pulled a goal back but Asi Sela’s scorcher went over the bar and three minutes later Golan Beni came close as well but his attempt went by the post. Hen’s 60’ chance thanks to a Cohen through ball went over the goal and 11 minutes later Hershko’s opportunity for Raanana whizzed by the post.
But the host’s pulled a goal back in the 76’ when Roie Levi scored from inside the box, 2:1 in favor of Maccabi. However, Tamir Glezer was handed his second yellow card a minute later for a reckless tackle in the middle of the pitch leaving Tzarfati’s side with ten men.
Raanana drew even at 2:2 in the 78’ as Omer Mizrahi scored from inside the area. Maccabi had a chance to go ahead in the 90’ but Gil Ben Shalosh’s attempt was saved by the Raanana keeper as the sides split the points.
