Olim action heats up in Week 2

The second week of the JC Olim League in Israel was a much tighter affair than the goal-fest of the opening week.

By JERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
The second week of the JC Olim League in Israel was a much tighter affair than the goal-fest of the opening week.
Current champions England FC opened their title defense against newly merged Modi’in- and-Bet Shemesh while an enthralling north of center derby took place between Netanya and Ra’anana.
England FC struggled to break down a resilient Modi'in defense in the first half. Yarden Barness on his debut and John Rosenbaum both were put through but could not beat the excellent Yanki Tajtelbaum in the Modi’in goal.
In the second half England FC started to control the game from midfield with Yaron Galinsky running proceedings.
The breakthrough eventually came for England FC in the 70th minute with debutant Tal Stern finishing off an excellent move.
Modi’in continued battling to the end and manager Aron Lazarus (formerly Oakwood C) was proud of his team’s performance.
“A special mention must go to Toby Greene (formerly Pure Orange) and Dan Hyman (formerly Real MAL) who ran their socks off in the middle of the park. It’s frustrating to have come so close to a draw but the performance bodes very well for the season ahead.”
The match between Ra’anana and Netanya served up a seven-goal thriller. This family affair had two sets of father-son combinations playing together with Neil (formerly Sunnybank Celtic) and Hanani Corney for Netanya and Alan and Yair Aronson for Ra’anana.
Netanya got off to the better start in this one with hattrick hero Alex Sool putting them ahead in the first half.
Ra’anana got back into the game and finally got the goal they needed just before half time through Ariel Langer.
Ra’anana dominated early in the second half and began playing some flowing soccer.
Two quick goals from Rafi Kanichowsky saw Ra’anana take a 3-1 lead.
To Netanya’s credit, its players did not put their heads down and fought back to 3-3 with two more goals from Sool.
Ra’anana man-of-the-match goalkeeper Robin Burkeman had a fine game making numerous athletic saves. His effort was rewarded with a winning goal three minutes from the end after a great run by Ariel Langer to earn a deserved 4-3 victory for Ra’anana.
Victorious co-manager Avi Wiesenberg was delighted with his team.
“We have a good blend of youth and experience and I am pleased with the way the team is gelling, they gave it their all and showed determination in continuing to fight after letting the lead slip.”
Next week sees Ashdod host Aviv City and Ra’anana host current table-toppers Jaffa FC.