Boosted by “seniors” Deligiannidis and Pozoglou, PAOK U20s entered their match against Veria at Agios Georgios ground aiming for a victory that would keep them at the top of standings. Tselepidis returned to centre back position, Pantekidis started this first game this season at left back, while Syrakos was picked to spearhead the attack ahead of Kushta, as Vladan Ivić opted for speed upfront.

PAOK youngsters had a dream start. After just three minutes of play, following a corner and a block, the ball landed at the feet of Deligiannidis who coolly dispatched it home for the opener. Boosted by that early lead, the “Double-Headed Eagle” took command of the game and camped around Veria’s box. In the 16th minute, after a fine combination, they doubled their lead through Syrakos, who controlled the ball with his chest and “executed” the rival goalkeeper.

It was looking like a walk in the park… But in the 23rd minute Tselepidis conceded a penalty that allowed the Imathia outfit to reduce distances and regain confidence. PAOK maintained control until the interval, were rarely bothered at the back but failed to restore their two-goal lead.

In the second half, the complexion of the encounter remained unchanged. Veria were reduced to 10 players in the 58th minute and the game seemed all but finished in the 71st minute, when Pantekidis teed up Ktistopoulos for a close-range finish (1-3). Three minutes later through, PAOK lost their numerical advantage as Tselepidis was also dismissed from the game. Soon afterwards Veria scored their second goal, Koutoglidis completing mistiming his exit from goal.

In the last stretch of the encounter, PAOK players were demure enough to defend well, to close up spaces and hold on to victory against a determined Veria side who were going for broke. It was the “Double-Headed Eagle’s” second win (both of them away) that lifts them to 7 points and seals their fine start to the season.

PAOK U20: Koutoglidis, Topalidis (80′ Arbi), Chatzidimpas, Tselepidis, Pantekidis, Patralis, Panagiotidis, Ktistopoulos, Deligiannidis (76′ Kushta), Syrakos (65′ Rangelov), Pozoglou.