PAOK’s Under-19 side enjoyed a good start to the new season with a win over Asteras Tripolis, and the hope is that this will be a season that will not be interupted by Covid-19 ramifications.

PAOK produced a poweful performance full of focus and efficiency against Asteras Tripolis, passing up several opportunities to extend the winning margin even further. Asteras are by no means a walkover, however, the Double-headed Eagle found a way to get in behind their defence on numerous ocassions.

And on a quick-fire counter-attack in the 31st minute, Spyrakos threaded a ball through for Varela who tricked the home goalkeeper to score and make it 1-0 to PAOK.

The hosts tried to find an equalizer, but could only threaten with long balls forward. However, Stelios Malezas’ players remained in control of the game and in fact at the end of the match they also had the most opportunities to score more goals.

A starting point, then, has been achieved. The next game is in Agrinio with Panetolikos, on a date that is yet to be set, after the international break.

PAOK lineup: Monastirlis, Kitsakis (85′ Sinanai), Tassiouras, Melenikiotis, Zilos, Tsikos, Koulouris (57′ Smyrlis), Roumiantsev (57 ‘ Goumas), Varela, Darelas (85′ Kottas), Spyrakps (78’ Babouras)