Beersheba seemed to be heading to a sixth straight win and first place in the standings for the first time this season.
By ALLON SINAIBeitar Jerusalem defender Marcel Heister celebrates after scoring the opener in last night’s 2-2 draw against Hapoel Beersheba at Teddy Stadium(photo credit: DANNY MARON)
An Erik Sabo goal in the second minute of stoppage time gave 10-man Beitar Jerusalem a 2-2 draw and a share of the spoils against two-time reigning Premier League champion Hapoel Beersheba at Teddy Stadium on Monday night.Beersheba seemed to be heading to a sixth straight win and first place in the standings for the first time this season after coming back from behind to take the lead at Teddy.Hapoel had numerous opportunities to secure the three points, with Beitar playing with 10 men from the 56th minute following Miki Siroshtein’s sending off for denying Ben Sahar a clear shot at goal. Several saves by Jerusalem goalkeeper Boris Kleyman combined with some reckless finishing by Beersheba’s players kept the hosts in the game though, and Sabo netted a damatic equalizer in the 92nd minute, firing into the top of the net from the edge of the box after Beersheba’s defense failed to clear a cross.Beersheba dominated the first half, but couldn’t capitalize and Beitar, which moved back up to third place three points back of the summit, netted the opener in the 52nd minute.A well-worked free-kick ended with Marcel Heister smashing the into ball in the top left corner from 20 meters out.Beersheba didn’t require long to react, with Anthony Nawkaeme leveling the score three minues later with an unstoppable effort from the edge of the box with the help of a deflection.Maor Melikson completed Beersheba’s comeback in the 63rd minute, but Beitar would have the last laugh, picking up a sweet point to remain in touch with the leaders.
