Mounier inspires Panetolikos; Asteras draw blank
SUPER LEAGUE PLAYOUTS - MATCHDAY 2
A superb performance from Anthony Mounier fired Panetolikos to a comfortable 3-0 home win over AE Larissa in the Super League playouts, while Panionios claimed a determined point against Asteras in Tripoli.
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Mounier was on top form for Panetolikos in what could prove to be a vital game. Lively throughout the 90 minutes, the Frenchman played a key role in an important triumph against AEL in Agrinio, scoring two goals and dishing out an assist to power Panetolikos to a 3-0 victory. As a result of their win, Panetolikos are now two points above Xanthi in 12th, while AEL occupy 10th position with 30 points on the board. AEL have lost their opening two playout matches.
Panetolikos immediately bossed the tempo of proceedings. Playing with the initiative, the hosts boasted the majority of possession during the first half, creating a few promising opportunities with Farley Rosa going close. At the other end, Vinicius had a great chance on the counter for AEL, but his low attempt was smartly smothered by Jesus Fernandez. The Spanish goalkeeper then somehow denied Alexis Michail at point blank range before the half-time break.
AEL were the constructors of their own downfall in the 53rd minute.
Carelessly losing the ball, Michail consequently allowed Mounier to charge clean through, who showed calmness to beat Ogmundur Kristinsson with ease. Eight minutes later, the former Panathinaikos attacking midfielder subsequently notched an assist, as his wonderful pass was thumped home by Abiola Dauda in the penalty box.
Mounier put the cherry on the Panetolikos cake with 13 minutes remaining.
Lurking unmarked on the right flank, the 32-year-old caught Kristinsson cold with a sumptuous shot which oozed quality.
Next week, Panetolikos will face Xanthi on the road, while AEL will hope to get back to winning ways when playing against Volos NFC at home.
In Tripoli, a stout defensive showing earned a gritty 0-0 draw for Panionios against Asteras, but the Panthers should have snatched all three points in the final minute of play.
Presented with a glorious opportunity in the area, Frixos Grivas contrived to fluff his lines, a miss which cost Panionios two precious points as their battle for survival continues. After two playout rounds, Panionios remain at the foot of the standings, three points behind Xanthi in 13th. Asteras lead the playout table with 34 points.
Asteras dictated the play for the vast majority of the match. However, for all of their probing and searching, they couldn’t find a way past the visiting defence and Matic Kotnik. In an entertaining first half, both teams contrived to smack the woodwork through Odysseas Lymperakis and Luis Fernandez respectively, but Asteras were dominant in the second stanza as they applied incessant pressure on Panionios.
Panionios, however, refused to buckle.
In their next game, Asteras will play against Atromitos in Tripoli, while Panionios will make the trip to Lamia.
