Four-star Under-19s defeat OFI [with pictures]
PAOK’s 19 side prevailed 4-1 over OFI at a sun-drenched Souroti and are now on 46 points from 22 games. Panathinaikos remain top with 50 points from 23 matches. There are two games left for PAOK, and one for Panathinaikos, in what is turning out to be the most exciting championship in this age category in recent years.
PAOK started the match in lively fashion, taking the initiative from the kick-off, and they went ahead in the 31st minute with a goal by Darelas after an assist by Babouras. Four minutes later it was 2-0 when Zilo fired home on the rebound after the opposing goalkeeper spilled another shot into his path. OFI reduced the deficit on 41 minutes. However, in the second half PAOK were simply too strong for the visitors. In the 54th minute, Darelas won a penalty and Smyrlis converted the spot-kick to make it 3-1. Those two players combined in the 60th minute when Smyrlis passed and Darelas sent the ball into the net. The score even flattered the visitors, as PAOK also hit the woodwork, and missed a further hatful of scoring opportunities.
PAOK now face Aris away from home, next weekend, while there is also one more game left in Athens against Apollon Smyrnis.
PAOK lineup:
Monastirlis, Tassiouras, Kitsakis (73′ Kastidis), Melenikiotis (46′ Tsiakoumis), Tsikos, Zilos, Spyrakos (73′ Vassiliadis), Kalogiros (62′ Garnetas), Bambouras (57 ‘Martos), Darelas, Smyrlis.
