Beitar draws Ashdod to stretch winless streak to 9

J'lem can draw some encouragement from coming back from 2 goals down to avoid what would have been a 3rd straight loss.

By ALLON SINAI
Beitar Jerusalem and Ashdod SC 370 (photo credit: Adi Avishai)
Beitar Jerusalem and Ashdod SC 370
(photo credit: Adi Avishai)
Beitar Jerusalem is still searching for its first Premier League win since January after drawing 2-2 at Ashdod SC on Monday night, its ninth straight match without a win.
Beitar was hoping to give itself some breathing space from the relegation zone with a victory on Monday, but remained just five points above the bottom two teams in the table following the draw, as it was entering the weekend’s action.
Nevertheless, Jerusalem can draw some encouragement from coming back from two goals down on Monday to avoid what would have been a third straight loss.
Eli Dasa’s own goal in the 11th minute and Bentzi Moshel’s strike (34) gave the hosts a two-goal lead, but an Amit Ben-Shushan brace (41, 64) ensured Beitar returned to the capital with a precious point.
“I’m pleased with the result considering our situation and the fact we conceded the first two goals,” said Jerusalem coach Eli Cohen. “We began the match very poorly. We showed our character by fighting back and I hope this proves to be a turning point. I hope we can win our two upcoming home games and secure our top-flight status.”
Also Monday, Bnei Sakhnin and Hapoel Haifa drew 0-0, picking up a point that scarcely helps either side in the battle against relegation.
Sakhnin climbed out of the relegation zone with the draw, moving to 30 points, with Haifa on 32 points after extending its unbeaten streak to seven matches.
The league’s top six teams will all be in action on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Maccabi Tel Aviv aiming to continue its surge to the championship.
Tel Aviv could see its lead cut to seven points by the time it visits reigning-champion Ironi Kiryat Shmona on Wednesday, with secondplaced Maccabi Haifa hosting Hapoel Ramat Hasharon on Tuesday.
Also Tuesday, Hapoel Tel Aviv welcomes Bnei Yehuda.