Raanana Meatlanders started their season with a thrilling 5-2 victory over Jaffa.
The game started off with both sides moving the ball around nicely and Raanana's pressure paid dividends in the 15th minute when Raffi Kanikowsky put his team ahead with a great right-footed strike.
The visitors came straight back into the game, taking advantage of a leaks in Raanana defence by using quick passes to press the Ra'anana goal.
Ra'anana restored the advantage after 35 minutes through Omri Geshitt whose powerful strike left the Jaffa keeper no chance. The goal was no more than Geshitt deserved as he and Danny Rebuck in midfield pressed the Jaffa defence.
The second half began with Jaffa looking to get back on equal terms. Raanana continued to press and within 20 minutes added three more goals to their tally through Yair Aronson, Naphtali Kanikowsky and another by Ranikowsky.
Raanana came close a number of times, but failed to add to their four-goal advantage.
Both the scoreline and the rain did not deter Jaffa, who continued to press forcing desperate tackles in by Raanana’s defense including a disputed penalty decision that was not given by the ref. Raanana’s Robin Burkeman was forced into a number of saves from strikes by Jaffa strikers.
Jaffa pulled one goal back after a blunder in the Raanana defence.
Raanana’s player-co-manager Avi Cohen said: “Kol Hakavod to Jaffa who gave us a real run for our money, from the first minute and until the final whistle.
"This is a great start to the new season. We are looking forward to a good challenging year. Good luck to everyone.”
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