Jaffa 1 England FC 1
This was somewhat of a charity shield affair, as last season's league winners England faced last season's cup winners Jaffa, in the derby that never disappoints when it comes to entertainment. As always there were a few flying challenges and handbags as both sides battled out theis bitter rivalry.
Jaffa put out arguably the best 11 it has ever had and it showed as they took a first half lead through a strike from their towering Scotsman Josh Berkley.
A depleted England side struggled to get in the game without their usual performers in Josh Portnoi, Josh Hantman and several other notable absentees. But they seemed to be in control of the mind games as a frustrated Jaffa ended the first half with four yellow cards and some harsh warnings from the ref.
Every time Jaffa score first in this fixture, it always ends up being the kiss of death as they inevitably give up their lead as they did once again on Saturday night.
A battling and fitter England, led by skipper Yoni Sidi equalised, and the game ended 1-1. Sidi and co will now need to turn their attention to the game versus Raanana in a fortnight. Raanana are already three points clear at the top and if their youthful team upsets England there could be a real battle for the No. 1 spot up for grabs.
Raanana 2 Ashdod 1
League leaders Raanana traveled to Ashdod for their third round game. Raanana were led on the sidelines by Alan Ahronson, stepping in for Avi Cohen and Avi Wiesenberg.
Raanana held their own for most of the game, keeping play mostly in Ashdod's half. Raanana went up 1-0 through a great shot by Ariel Langer midway through the half after Raanana missed several opportunities.
Ashdod came back into the game in the second half through a corner in the 70th minute.
Raanana kept their cool and focused on the task at hand. Eitan Ben Baruch sealed the victory for the visiting team in the 80th minute, ensuring that Ra'anana stay top of the league with three wins from three.
Aviv City 6 England B 1
This was a big test for both teams - it was England B's third game of their existence, having formed over the summer and they were looking for their second win after going down 3-2 against Jaffa last week.
Aviv City, who finished seventh out of eight in their debut campaign last season, were looking to test their new, improved squad, on the back of an impressive 4-1 win last week to Modiin.
It was Aviv City who took control of the game, passing well and creating chances. Continued pressure eventually led to City talisman Adam Jaffe netting on 15 minutes with a lovely low strike.
Further into the half, Aviv City co-manager Uri Schneider set up winger Lior Shoham who floated an impressive 20-yard lob into the back of the net from the left side. Schneider also created the third setting up fellow co-manager Richard Binstock on the edge of the box who smashed it first time into the bottom left corner. Half time Aviv City 3 England B 0.
The second half saw more of the same, and a great passing move saw City's Nigerian new-boy Martin Udeani, finish delightfully to make it 4-0. Further attacking play saw another two goals for City with Ariel Peretz and Uri Schneider scoring for the Reds.
Nonetheless England B showed character and, late in the game, started to create some chances and test Aviv's keeper Rob Bradman. The England stalwarts of Jon Binke, David Bazak, Roy Benizou and England manager and league veteran, Clifford Corney all digging in, England pulled in a consolation goal with Assaf Attal netting in the final minutes.
This was a great moral boost for Aviv City who are a revamped team from last season.
Team of the Week
GK - Rob Bradman (Aviv City)
RB - Elias Sandler (Jaffa)
LB - Lewis Kaye (England A)
CB - Yossi (Aviv City)
CB - Stephen Caffrey (Jaffa)
M - Martin Udeani (Aviv City)
M - Yoni Sidi (England A)
M - Nir Madmon (Jaffa)
F - Adam Jaffe (Aviv City)
F - Josh Berekley (Jaffa)
F - Eitan Ben (Raanana)
Managers of the Week
Uri Schneider/Richard Binstock (Aviv City)
Player of the Week
Martin Udeani (Aviv City)
Goal of the Week
Josh Berekley Versus England A
Quote of the Week
Raanana co-manager Avi Cohen: "Our boys were determined to get another victory this round, and we did. Alan pulled our guys together for a great victory. We are extremely happy to have kept our record and the lead in the league and are getting straight back into focus for our next game, which will be our toughest test this season vs. England FC."
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