The second round of the lower playoffs came to an end tonight (Sunday) and it was time to put things in order – who survived the relegation, who moved significantly away from the red line and who is deep in the mud and in real danger of relegation to the National League.
Beitar Jerusalem can be especially pleased after the precious 0: 1 it recorded against MS Ashdod. With the critical victory, the team from the capital moved a little away from the red line, with the gap between them and Maccabi Petah Tikva standing in the penultimate place standing at three points. At the same time, Yossi Aboksis’ players will meet in the next three rounds the three teams from the last places in the table – Nof Hagalil, Hapoel Jerusalem and Maccabi Petah Tikva, so the burden of proof on them and the upcoming games will actually determine whether they finish the season in peace or on their way to hell.
As expected, Hapoel Hadera has officially promised another season in the Premier League despite the shameful 4: 1 to Kiryat Shmona, which can in the next game against Hapoel Jerusalem ensure a stay, which Slobodan Drapic’s trainees will probably do. Although Hapoel Haifa has not yet guaranteed its survival, it is nine points away from the red line and will probably do so, when Ashdod got a little involved with the loss to Betar but is still seven points away from Maccabi Petah Tikva below the red line.
And now, to those who are in real danger. Although Hapoel Jerusalem ended in a disappointing 0: 0 with a view of the Galilee, they enjoyed the fact that Maccabi Petah Tikva also finished in a 0: 0 against Hapoel Haifa, thus Ziv Arieh’s team with a point above the Malabes, where at the end of the season it will guarantee them a stay. At the same time, the Jerusalemites will face a difficult hurdle in the next round in the form of the exciting KS, while Nir Klinger’s players will play against Ashdod.
And what about the Galilee landscape? Shai Barda’s team is in last place with 21 points and three points away from Hapoel Jerusalem which is on Mivtachim Beach. In the next round, a real battle awaits them against Betar Jerusalem in a game that may decide the fate of the team from the Galilee. So what’s left for each one?
MS Ashdod, 30 points: Maccabi Petah Tikva (home), Hadera (away), KS (home) and Hapoel Haifa (away).
Betar Jerusalem, 26 points: Nof Hagalil (outside), Hapoel Jerusalem (outside), Maccabi Petah Tikva (home), Hadera (outside) and KS (home).
Hapoel Jerusalem, 24 points: KS (away), Betar Jerusalem (home), Hapoel Haifa (away) and Maccabi Petah Tikva (home).
Maccabi Petah Tikva, 23 points: MS Ashdod (outside), Nof Hagalil (home), Betar Jerusalem (outside), Hapoel Jerusalem (outside) and Hapoel Hadera (home).
Galilee View, 21 points: Betar Jerusalem (home), Maccabi Petah Tikva (away), Hadera (home), KS (away) and Hapoel Haifa (home).