AHITUV vs. YAKUM FC
The R&B run is finally brought to a halt by the league's champs - 2:1. FC also lost Amir R, who was sent off with a red card.
The R&B could never really handle Ahituv, and this match was no different. Last time the two teams met, we wrote:
"FC played one of its best games this season, but could not convert in the last minutes and consequently lost the match." This time, FC scored early, played a great game, and lost again…Things looked great for the R&B in the first half: as early as 10 minutes through the match, Dudu stole a ball from Ahituv's defender, raced into the box, and stunned the champs - a surprising 1-0 lead for FC. The R&B kept the pressure on, and created at least on more 100% goal opportunity. A well developed offensive move from the left, ended by a cross from Roi C, which found Oded C uncovered, less than five meters from an empty goal… but FC's midfielder missed on the ball.
Ahituv opened the 2nd half with pressure on FC's goal. Playing with the wind in their back, the champs tried to lock the midfield, but left themselves vulnerable for fast breaks. The R&B took advantage of this fact, and created at least one more opportunity for Roi C, but the goalie managed to handle the one on one situation. Then, on the 55 minute, the R&B luck turned on them. Eli, the goalie came out from the goal and to take on a striker. He deflected the ball to the right, but an Ahituv player sent the ball back into the five box; fighting for the ball, Amir R took a hasty decision and used his hand to hit the ball. The ref's whistle was fast and decisive, and FC lost their full-back and their lead - 1:1.
Down to ten men, FC tried to hold on to the draw, but it was not to be. 10 minutes later, a high ball into the box caused a mingle of men inside FC's area, and ended in a close range shot which left Eli helpless - 2:1 Ahituv, final score.
"It seems that the jinx of Ahituv still haunts us," said Idan S after the match was over; "we never even drew against them. Something always goes wrong… But this is behind us now, and I'm much more worried about the fact that we lost Amir for the next match." Uzi G. added: "we cannot really expect to win against such a strong team when we miss such chances near their goal. We always play great versus Ahituv, but somehow, we always end up on the losing side. I guess luck goes with the better team." Next week, FC plays yet another strong team - Eliashiv, and without the red-carded Amir R, that's a one tough match!
C ya all there…