SPORTS DIRECT OLIM LEAGUE
MODIIN 3 RAINBALL TEL AVIV 2

Jamie Lazarus believes Modiin's first victory of the season can lead them to bigger and better things in 2015.

In a clash between the basement battlers, it was Modiin who came through a five-goal thriller against Rainball.

With both teams clearly up for the game, Rainball wasted no time by scoring from their first corner of the game. The ball was swung in and headed home by their new signing Oren Kagan.

To their credit, Modiin kept their composure and took control of the game, playing their fast-paced, sweeping passing game that bought them much success last season. Rainball goalkeeper Ron Cohen was kept busy after several long-range efforts from the Modiin attack.

Modiin finally drew level on the half hour mark after Matan Kroizer was played through and he calmly slotted the ball passed the oncoming Cohen.

Modiin continued to press and five minutes later, Amichai Friedman scored direct from a corner to make it 2-1 to Modiin going into the break.

The second half continued in the same vein as the first, with the Modiin midfield playing lovely one-touch football. The third goal came from Itay Saidoff who bypassed five players on a mazy run before firing into the bottom corner in what will undoubtedly be a goal of the season contender.

Modiin took the foot off the gas a little Rainball pulled one back with 10 minutes to go after Kagan intercepted a poor back-pass and he rounded the keeper to make it 3-2.

Modiin regained their composure to see out their first and well deserved win of the season.

Modiin manager Jamie Lazarus said: "The boys were fantastic and showed great character to hold on.

"We have had a tough season so far and have not got the results for the effort put in. Hopefully this game will be a turning point and we will start our charge up the table."