A long-range special from Sharon Attias earned Modiin the points following a well-contested affair against Sharon Attias in the second round of matches in the Hamilton FX Olim League.
The opening 20 minutes were evenly matched with both teams pressing for an early goal. It was evident that Raanana had an extra spring in their step as they looked to avenge last season's defeat which saw them narrowly miss out on the league title.
The Raanana pressure eventually paid off as Naftali Kanifowsky scored from a Danny Rebuck corner midway through the first half. The Modiin team was not happy, especially as they had been working hard in training on their defensive set plays.
Five minutes later, Raanana extended their lead as Modiin captain Martin Lange, gave away a penalty, which Ariel Langer calmly slotted into the bottom left-hand corner.
Modiin players rolled up their sleeves and Sharon Attias put the ball in the back of the net but it was ruled offside. With a few minutes left in the first half Modiin striker, David Zackon played through Matan Kroizer who superbly lobbed to oncoming keeper to make it 2-1 before the break.
Both teams made substitutions during half time, but it was Modiin who came out the stronger. Midway through the second half, Modiin won a corner which was swung in by Ilan Shmueli and meet by Mark Chass to level the game at 2-2.
Modiin were in the ascendency and caught Raanana cold five minutes later, when man of the match, Sharon Attias scored a 20-yard volley, giving the Raanana keeper no chance.
This seemed to spur the Raanana team on and the last 15 minutes were played in the Modiin half, but the Modiin defence stayed strong and was rarely threatened. The game ended 3-2 to Modiin.
Modiin co-manager Jamie Lazarus said: "It was a great all-round performance on the night. We have now assembled a great squad and are very confident of success this season."
Modiin defender Gary Bloch commented: "We believe that the win was partly down to our new kits, which were generously sponsored by FKGB Accounting."
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