PAOK U20s held by SKODA Xanthi
The young players of the “Double-Headed Eagle” recorded a 1-1 draw in a lively encounter of fast pace, chances missed and shots on woodwork. They displayed several positive elements but they need to work on some parts of their performance.
Vladan Ivić fielded a 4-4-2 diamond midfield with obvious attacking mentality. On the contrary, Nikos Kechagias opted to hold SKODA Xanthi’s lines together and break into counterattacks. The newest additions to the starting XI were midfielder Miskovic, the youngest player of the squad born in 1999, and goalkeeper Κoutoglidis. Τselepidis featured at left-back.
PAOK’s youngsters started strongly from minute one, carving out chances to score. Kushta’s close range shot went wide, but his header in the 14th minute following Patralis’ pinpoint cross at the heart of the defence gave his team the lead. The pace dropped until the 35th minute, only to pick up again afterwards for a series of chances missed at both ends. Syrakos couldn’t finish an one-on-one opportunity, while SKODA Xanthi were denied by the woodwork and Koutoglidis.
After the interval PAOK failed to hold on to their lead. SKODA Xanti leveled in the 53rd minute with a powerful long-range shot. Ivić’s troops came out of their nap and claimed command of proceedings again, especially in the air. Tsiampazis’ header struck the crossbar in the 67th minute. Tselepidis, Kakko and Kushta also attempted to win the match with respective headers, but missed their chances. Tsiampazis could very well become the hero, but his shot was cleared off the line by the rival defence.
PAOK U20 line-up: Koutoglidis, Topalidis, Tselepidis, Chatzidimpas, Tsiampazis, Patralis, Miskovic (53′ Panagiotidis), Dimitriadis, Ktistopoulos, Kushta, Syrakos (60′ Kakko)
