New boys Netanya stunned Jerusalem, last year’s runners-up, into submission with a 6-3 victory in the JC Olim League.
After two last minute goals in their first two games condemned the Seasiders to defeats, Netanya bounced back with a solid performance.
Jerusalem took an early lead when David Preston tucked home an excellent cross from David Zachon.
Netanya responded well and before long, they lead 3-1 with Aviv Goldman scoring twice and a corner swung in by Netanya’s left wing maestro Hanani Corney ended up in the back of the net after confusion reigned in the Jerusalem defence.
Jerusalem made a tactical change on the half hour, bringing on Avishai Kestenbaum, whose pace caused Netanya trouble. With Jerusalem on the ascendancy, they finally pulled one back though their supersub, finishing of another slick move two minutes before the interval.
An early Netanya goal in the second half from Saar Katz, who rounded the keeper after an excellent run, made it 4-2 for Netanya.
It was not until the last ten minutes that Netanya stretched their lead to 5-2 from a wonder goal from Tal Neeman.
Jerusalem responded quickly to close the gap back to two goals, Eran Benari - who signed from Modi'in in the close season - sprung the offside trap and nonchalantly lobbed the keeper.
The home side then had a period of strong pressure on the Netanya goal but the excellent performance by their keeper kept the Jerusalem strikeforce at bay. A second goal from Katz two minutes from the end rounded off a 6-3 victory which probably slightly flattered the new boys from the Sharon region.
This week’s fixtures throw up a highly anticipated match between FC Jaffa and England FC, as well as Modiin AFC against Ashdod, while ever-improving Ranaana take on a Brazil team that is yet to get off the mark.
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