New blood, same level of energy…
PAOK U20s recorded a 2-1 victory over Niki Volos. With various new faces, the team of Vladan Ivić displayed the same level of commitment and will to win in their first home match of the season.
After the upgrading of Κoulouris, Pozoglou and Savvidis to the seniors (although the latter featured in Saturday’s match), the main quest has been to find the player who will fill their shoes and scoring records. That role fell to Κakko for starters, as he netted a brace, one goal in the beginning of each half.
Apart from Kakkos’ goal in the 4th minute and a shot by Piastopoulos, there was nothing noteworthy in the first half. During that time, Ivić opted for a 3-5-2 formation that enabled him to control the match and stay trouble-free.
The substitution of Pantelidis for Topalidis meant the switch to the familiar 4-3-3 and a new wave of attacking moves. Kakko doubled PAOK’s lead in the 47th minute, seemingly sealing the game for the “Double-Headed Eagle”. Tsolakidis, Kushta and Ktistopoulos wasted great chances to get on the scorers’ sheet, the latter on his debut after his transfer from Aris. PAOK’s defence had a relatively quiet day, until they were caught off guard by Pozatzidis who reduced distances from inside the box.
Line-ups:
PΑΟΚ: Soilemezoglou, Pouggouras, Τoumanidis, Patralis, Vasaitis, Piastopoulos, Τsolakidis, Pantelidis (46′ Τopalidis), Syrrakos (70′ Κushta), Savvidis (75′ Κtistopoulos), Κakko.
Niki Volos: Grigoriadis, Georgatzis, Angelis, Bregasi, Strouggis, Pozatzidis, Niaotis, Petsis, Xomplios, Tsiakos, Siomos.
