England FC moved to within two points of leaders Jaffa FC after winning the top-of-the-table clash 2-0 in the JC Olim League.
The derby was on a knife-edge until the 60th minute when Yaron Galinsky pounced from close range from a Lewis Kaye free kick to release the tension.
England, who are yet to concede this season, stood firm and as Jaffa chased an equaliser, they killed off the game 20 minutes from time. Roy Bihi finished off a free-flowing move by side-footing home at the back post.
England assistant-manager David Bazak said: "Jaffa showed a lot of heart but it was not enough. We were spurred on by an excellent performance from man of the match and new soldier to the IDF Josh Hantman."
Modiin caused one of the season's biggest shocks so far with a convincing win over table-topping Ashdod. Chaim Finn and Sharon Attias opened up a 2-0 interval lead. There was controversy in the second half when Finn's darting run was ended with a late challenge. The referee adjudged that it was inside the area sparking fury among the Ashdod players and, in protest at the decision, their keeper refused to face the penalty, leaving Finn to roll the ball into an empty net for his second of the game.
Ashdod pulled one back with a penalty of their own but further efforts from Ilan Shmueli and Attias capped a fine Modiin performance.
Modiin manager Aron Lazarus said: "The result may be a surprise to some but it was no less than they deserved for their tireless performance."
Elsewhere, Brazil FC have withdrawn from the league through a lack of squad numbers. League Board member Yoni Sidi said: "We want this league to be open to as many people as possible and to Olim from all parts of the world. We hope other teams will join next season."
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