Apollon Larissa move above Platanias into second
GREEK FOOTBALL LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 29
| Apollon Larissa | 1 - 0 | Platanias |
|---|---|---|
| Lucao 2' |
In a match billed as a final, Apollon Larissa defeated promotion rivals Platanias 1:0 at home, moving above their opponents into second place of the Football League standings with one round remaining.
Watch LIVE GREEK TV including full GREEK SPORTS coverage from AGONASport.com!
Having won their past five consecutive games, Platanias held a slender one-point advantage over Apollon Larissa in second place, but the Cretans conceded a bitter 0:1 defeat after Lucao scored the only goal in the opening 120 seconds. Apollon Larissa now boast a two-point lead in second spot with the Football League runners-up set to play against the 13th best Super League side in a promotion/relegation playoff. Volos NFC have already sealed first position.
Apollon Larissa struck the decisive goal within two minutes. Lurking inside the penalty area, Brazilian forward Lucao connected with a pinpoint cross from the right flank, thumping a powerful header beyond flailing Platanias goalkeeper Gott.
In the 27th minute, Platanias almost grabbed an equaliser after Stelios Pozatzidis’ free-kick from long distance caused panic inside the penalty area, but home goalkeeper Giannis Mantzaris knocked the ball over the crossbar after a teammate had inadvertently deflected it towards goal.
Dimitris Tasioulis was then presented with a golden opportunity to double Apollon Larissa’s advantage, but despite beating the goalkeeper with a low attempt at point blank range, Platanias defender Doriano Kortstam managed to clear it off the line.
Apollon continued playing on the front foot in the second half. Clean through, Marcolino should have made it two for the hosts, but he contrived to poke wide when under pressure from backtracking Platanias defenders.
Desperately needing a goal to keep the initiative in the race for second, Platanias increased the pressure in the closing stages, creating a handful of ideal chances. With 18 minutes remaining, Pozatzidis smacked the right post with a curling free-kick, before Mantzaris pulled off a smart save to deny an opposing forward who was clean through.
On the concluding matchday of the 2018/2019 Football League campaign, Apollon Larissa travel to struggling Irodotos, while Platanias host Iraklis.
HIGHLIGHTS: APOLLON LARISSA - PLATANIAS
