PAOK started strongly, dominating proceedings from minute one. The home side had to retreat in their own half and looked for counterattacking opportunities. They were the ones to come close to an opener. But PAOK stepped on the throttle after the first quarter and wasted four great opportunities to take the lead before the interval. Gaitanidis in particular missed to one-on-ones.

The complexion of the encounter remained the same in the second half. PAOK had more possession and control and were looking for the winner in a methodical way, keeping a cool head. After many wasted opportunities, they were compensated for their efforts at stoppage time. Michailidis netted the game’s deciding goal with a header following a corner kick by Chatzistravos.

This victory consolidates PAOK’s lead in the standings of Super League Souroti. It also serves as a psychological boost ahead of their trip to Cyprus, for their first leg against AEL Limassol for the UEFA Youth League (Wednesday 3 October, 19:00).

PAOK U19: Papadopoulos, Lyratzis, Tsaousis, Michailidis, Diamantis, Tsiggaras, Balogiannis (65’ Salamouras), Chatzistravos, Gaitanidis (88’ Pournaras), Tzovaras, Doumtsis (78’ Panidis)