Apollon Smyrnis maintain grip on second with comfortable win
SUPER LEAGUE 2 - MATCHDAY 20
| Date | Home Team | Score | Away Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9-Mar-20 | Apollon Smyrnis | 3 - 0 | Apollon Larissas |
| 9-Mar-20 | Ergotelis | 2 - 2 | Doxa Dramas |
Apollon Smyrnis maintained their grip on second spot in the Super League 2 with a comfortable 3-0 beating of Apollon Larissa, while Ergotelis were held to a thrilling 2-2 draw by Doxa Drama.
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APOLLON SMYRNIS 3-0 APOLLON LARISSA
In Rizoupoli, Apollon Smyrnis kept a grip on second place of the Super League 2 standings, defeating Apollon Larissa 3-0 inside the empty Georgios Kamaras Stadium.
Apollon Smyrnis, on a three-match winning streak, are seven points behind leaders PAS Giannina and four ahead of third-placed FC Chania. Apollon Larissa, however, have only won one of their last six games as they occupy sixth spot of the table.
Apollon Smyrnis immediately took the initiative. Starting with energy, the hosts quickly took the lead in the seventh minute of play, as Marko Markovski excellently controlled a high, searching pass and subsequently sent his low effort into the net with the help of the left post.
After weathering the early storm, Apollon Larissa could have notched an equaliser just four minutes later, but Dimitris Litainas’ clever attempt was turned aside by Huanderson. The visitors, who did create a handful of promising chances during the first half, were denied by Huanderson again as Konstantinos Kamperis’ shot was palmed to safety.
In the 23rd minute, Apollon Smyrnis had a second marker disallowed for offside, but they wouldn’t have to wait too long to double their money. Pouncing on a rebound, Fatjon Andoni knocked the ball over the line at point blank range, with Apollon Larissa goalkeeper Nestor Gekas having failed to hold on to the initial free-kick. Within an instant, the away side had a glorious chance to halve the deficit, but Dimitris Tasioulis blasted over after receiving a great pass from Panathinaikos loanee, Mark Sifneos.
In full control of proceedings, the home team were largely comfortable throughout the entire second half, defending solidly and proving to be dangerous on the counter. For their part, Apollon Larissa offered plenty of endeavour as they searched for a way back into the game, however they lacked the required creativity to carve open the opposing defence.
Apollon Smyrnis ended the match as a contest once and for all with 17 minutes remaining. Completely unmarked in the penalty area, Manolis Patralis controlled an accurate pass and stroked his ensuing shot beyond the stricken Gekas to secure the three points.
In stoppage time, Andoni did receive a second yellow card for Apollon Smyrnis, but it made no difference to the outcome.
Next week, Apollon Smyrnis will face Panachaiki in Rizoupoli, while Apollon Larissa will host Platanias.
ERGOTELIS 2-2 DOXA DRAMA
Ergotelis, after previously losing their last two matches in the championship, were held to an exciting 2-2 draw by Doxa Drama at home.
With 20 rounds in the books, Ergotelis are seventh with 29 points on the board, while Doxa find themselves in 10th place with 24 points to their name.
Midway through the first half, Antonis Bourselis opened the scoring for Ergotelis in Heraklion, however Doxa promptly got back on level terms seven minutes later as Christos Rovas struck gold.
In the 83rd minute, Michail Bousis handed Ergotelis their second lead of the day, but Doxa responded with a last-gasp leveller from Rovas.
In their next game, Ergotelis will play against Chania on the road, while Doxa will host lowly AOK Kerkyra in Drama.
