Promotion playoff for Platanias, Third division for the historic Iraklis
GREEK FOOTBALL LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 30
| Date | Home Team | Score | Away Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| FF | Aiginiakos | 3 - 0 | Sparti |
| 5-May-19 | Apollon Pontou | 1 - 3 | AOX Kissamikos |
| 5-May-19 | Doxa Drama | 0 - 2 | Ergotelis |
| 5-May-19 | Irodotos | 0 - 1 | Apollon Larissa |
| 5-May-19 | AE Karaiskakis | 1 - 3 | Trikala |
| 5-May-19 | Kerkyra | 0 - 2 | Panachaiki |
| 5-May-19 | Platanias | 2 - 1 | Iraklis |
| FF | Aittitos Spata | 0 - 3 | Volos NFC |
Platanias clinched second spot in this year’s Football League with a 2:1 victory over Iraklis, who were disappointingly relegated to next year’s third division. Apollon Larissa remained in third despite their win away to Irodotos while AE Karaiskakis fell away to Trikala and claimed tenth place thanks to Iraklis’ slip up in Crete.
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There was lots to play for in the Football League finale as second and tenth place were up for grabs. Platanias and Apollon Larissa fought for a second place finish and a spot in the promotion/relegation playoff against th Super League’s 13th place team, while AE Karaiskakis and Iraklis hoped for a tenth place finish, which ensures participation in next year's Super League 2 (the new second tier). Platanias and AE Karaiskakis were in the driver’s seat heading into the final round of games after both Apollon Larissa and Iraklis were handed three-point deductions by the Hellenic Football Federation’s Primary Licensing Body.
Platanias clinch second place, Iraklis demoted to third division
Knowing that a win over Iraklis would secure second spot, Platanias struck first after 27 minutes when former Iraklis striker, Loukinas, nodded home the opener from Oues’ cross. With Iraklis only looking for the three points to stay alive in the hunt for tenth place, the visitors began to increase their pressure and threatened the hosts on a few occasions. Dounis managed to find the back of the net, but the goal was called back as the ball had previously crossed the touchline.
Despite Iraklis’ pressure, Platanias secured the three points when Nili took full advantage of Iraklis’ defensive lapse, and cooley slotted the ball into the back of the net in the 71st minute. Eight minutes later, Ziabaris pulled one back for Iraklis, however the Thessalonikis could not spark a comeback and fell 2:1 in Crete.
The result secures second place for Platanias with 55 points and they will look to return to the Super League after one-year absence in the promotion/relegation playoff against the Super League’s 13th placed team. Iraklis will compete in next year’s Football League, the new third tier, as they claim 11th place just one point behind 10th ranked AE Karaiskakis.
Win not enough for Apollon Larissa, AE Karaiskakis fall to Trikala
Apollon Larissa did not control their own fate heading into the Football League finale, but they did their job and defeated relegated Irodotos 0:1 on the road. Lucao’s 67th minute goal separated the sides at the final whistle. The Thessaly club claimed third place, one point behind Platanias, and will compete in next year’s Super League 2.
AE Karaiskakis were handed a shocking 1:3 defeat to Trikala, but the loss did not come with heavy consequences as they finished in 10th place thanks to Platanias’ win over iraklis. The side from Arta opened the scoring in the 52nd minute through Aleksic, but three unanswered goals from Syriopoulos (61), Markovsky (64), and Kapos (84) gave Trikala the three points. Trikala will join Iraklis in next year's Football League while AE Karaiskakis will feel lucky to compete in next year's Super League 2.
Other action
In other action, AOX Kissamikos defeated Apollon Pontou 1:3 while Panachaiki dispatched Kerkyra 0:2 on the road. Ergotelis were also 0:2 winners away to Doxa Drama.
Champions Volos NFC were awarded the three points against Aittitos Spata, who have been removed from the league, while Aiginiakos were given a 3:0 win over Sparti, who forfeited yet another match this season.
