By Oded Ashkenazi

The first half was very weak, when Petah-Tikva played a very tactic game, pressing Hapoel’s players, not allowing them to play their usual game.

The first opportunity came at the third minute of the game, when Avihay Yadin tried a kick from 20 meters, but Shekel blocked it. Minute-28, Zahavi tried his luck after receiving a short corner, kicking outside the box, surprising Shekel, whom at the last second blocked the ball.

Hapoel fans(kobiko)

At the 35^th minute, the game woke up. A surprising attack from Petah-Tikva found Salami, who kicked the ball from the side of the box, but it was too weak. Immediately afterwards, Vermouth got the ball on the other side, passed it to Shechter inside the box, but his kick was weak. Two minutes later, another attack for Petah-Tikva found Sagiv Cohen, who kicked a good shot towards the goal, but Enyema was ready and blocked the ball.

Shechter escaping defence(Kobiko)

The second half started with Gutman deciding to thicken his offence, when he took Mentashashvily out and replaced him with Victor Mari the striker. The first one to attempt a goal was Yadin, who kicked twice in three minutes toward the goal, both kicks ending at Shekel’s hands.

The 65^th minute gave Petah-Tikva a great chance at goal, when a free kick found Edo a meter away from goal line, but his header was weak and found only Enyema’s hands.

Abutbul back in business(Kobiko)

At the 76^th minute it finally happened. Verochina, who came into play only five minutes earlier kicked a high ball that hit Shekel’s hand and went straight to Da-Silva’s chest and inside. 1:0 to Hapoel Tel-Aviv.

Hapoel players calebrating(Kobiko)

This advantage lasted only until the 88^th minute, when a free kick taken by Tzarfati went straight to goal, giving Enyema no chance, and a great goal that ties the game. 1:1.

Hapoel Petah-Tikva: Shekel, Mateas, Cohen, Edo, Abu-Siam, Asus, Cohen, Srur, Oved, Biton, Salami(Ben-Naim, 55)

Hapoel Tel-Aviv: Enyeama, Badir, Da-Silva, Ben-Dayan, Kanada(Vrucina, 69), Yadin, Mentashashvili(Mari,45), Zahavi, Vermouth, Lala(Abutbul, 62), Shechter.