Ionikos, Trikala share top spot, Niki Volou win derby
Ionikos and Trikala share top spot in the Football League after both sides recorded victories over the weekend while Niki Volou defeated rivals Olympiacos Volou.
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Aspropyrgos pulled off the surprise result of the weekend as they recorded their first victory of the season in fashion with a 3-0 thumping of (former) leaders Ierapetra. The hosts got on the scoreboard in the 15th minute with Jone and locked up the three points before the half-hour mark with Sreckovic’s marker in the 28th minute. Zguri added a third for Aspropyrgos one minute from time to cap off a fantastic showing from the hosts. With the victory, Aspropyrgos move out of the relegation zone in a three-way tied for seventh on 10 points. Ierapetra fall to third on 14 points along with Kavala.
Ionikos pulled off a dramatic comeback against Diagoras Rhodou in Nikaia as they fought back from 1-2 down in the 88th minute to score two goals in three minutes and record a 3-2 victory. The islanders took the lead in the 16th minute through Glynos but his goal was canceled out six minutes after the break with Smyrlis’ marker. The visitors, however, quickly restored their lead three minutes later through Barbarousis and it looked as if that goal would prove to be the match-winner. However, a late surge from the hosts began in the 88th minute with Vlachomitros (88) and Kritikos (90) netting home to give Ionikos a memorable 3-2 victory. The result moves Ionikos into first place along with Trikala on 16 points while Diagoras are in a three-way tie for seventh with 10 points.
Trikala defeated Egealeo 2-1 at home and now share top spot with Ionikos on 14 points. The hosts opened the scoring as soon as the second minute with Lottas converting a penalty and doubled their lead in the 57th minute through Stamatis. The visitors could only scuff up a late goal with Martins finding the back of the net, however, Trikal held on to for the victory to maintain their undefeated record. Egaleo remain in the relegation zone with eight points from eight matches.
The derby of the weekend took place in Volos as Niki Volou hosted Olympiacos Volou in an important matchup for both sides. It was the hosts who dominated play throughout the 90 minutes and their efforts were awarded in the 52nd minute when Tsiolis’ strike found the back of the net. Olympiacos Volou pressed men forward and were made to pay when the game’s only scorer turned provider with Tsiolis playing Crut in on goal and the Niki Volou player brilliantly chipped the Olympiacos goalkeeper to seal his side’s 2-0 victory. The result gives Niki Volou city bragging rights but more importantly moves them up to eight points as they fight for survival. Olympiacos Volou dropped to fifth along with Veria on 12 points. Highlights can be found here.
Despite falling behind in the 22nd minute and playing with 10-men from the 42nd minute, Kavala scored two goals in the final 10 minutes to come away 2-1 winners over struggling Kalamata. The match-winner was a contender for “Goal of the season” as Markopoulos acrobatically chipped the opposing keeper to give his side all three points. Kavala are now tied for third place with 14 points while Kalamata dropped to seventh (three-way tie).
In other action, Veria fought back to a 1-1 draw at home to 10-men Thesprotos while Triglia came from behind to defeat Ialysos on the road 1-2 in a relegation six-pointer.
Football League Matchday 8 Results
16-Nov: Niki Volou - Olympiacos Volou 2-0
17-Nov: Trikala - Egaleo 2-1
17-Nov: Ionikos - Diagoras 3-2
17-Nov: Veria - Thesprotos 1-1
17-Nov: Aspropyrgos - Ierapetra 3-0
17-Nov: Ialysos - Triglia 1-2
17-Nov: Kavala - Kalamata 2-1
