PAOK B pick up a point in dramatic finale [with pictures]
Through sheer intensity and perseverance right until the 96th minute, PAOK B salvaged a point against Apollon Pontos on Matchday 18 of the Betson Super League 2, claiming a 1-1 draw at the Makedonikos stadium. The home side went behind in the 31st minute, but clawed their way back and they are already looking ahead to the next game against Anagennisi Karditsa.
It was a sluggish start for both teams, with PAOK B in control but lacking rhythm. In the ninth minute, they threatened via Gordeziani, following Salamouras’ through ball, and this was perhaps the only notable phase of play that the Double-headed Eagle had to show for their efforts. On the contrary, one one attack on goal Apollon managed to take the lead, in the 31st minute thanks to Esalos. Then, PAOK B pressed and came close on two occasions, with Ninua and Bradonijć close to equalizing, but the scores remained 1-0 in favor of the visitors at half-time.
PAOK B wre in the difficult position of chasing the score throughout the second half. Dominant, but lacking a cutting edge against a team playing defensively, PAOK B managed to get in front of goal several times, but to no avail. They threatened in the 52nd minute through Meletidis, in the 54th with Ninua, in the 77th minute through Chatzistravos. The breakthrough finally came in the last minute of stoppage time, when after Grosdis’s corner and a period of time in the Apollon area, Giaxis found a way to score and equalize at 1-1. Seconds later the referee blew his whistle to end the match.
PAOK B: Monastirlis, Selimaj (46′ Kitsakis), Tsopouroglou, Panagiotou, Moriceli (76′ Giaxis), Meletidis (76′ Grosdis), Ninua, Darelas (64′ Spyridis), Bradonijc, Salamouras (46′ Chatzistravos), Gordeziani.
Apollon Pontou: Pitkas, Amarantidis, Dialosi, Dalianopoulos, Tsagkalidis, Mumin, Kalogeris, Donaldoni, Fokaidis (12′ l.t. Kostikas (70′ Belevonis), Lampiris, Esalo (70′ Kontsi).
