Hapoel Hadera and Shimshon Tel Aviv played out a 2:2 draw in the Liga Alef South-2 stage on Wednesday evening. The result leaves both sides with mixed fortunes, though the visitors maintain their position in seventh place in the table.
The opening goal came from an unexpected quarter, with A. Kupferberg turning the ball into his own net in the 34th minute. Shimshon responded quickly, with B. Reichert scoring in the 41st minute before adding another just before the break in the 45th minute. Hapoel pulled one back in the 70th minute, but the visitors held firm for the point.
And here's the thing about the statistics — both teams registered five shots on target, but Shimshon controlled possession at 51 per cent while Hapoel managed more attacks overall with 83 to 86. The visitors won the corner battle comfortably with four to eight, and both sides picked up five yellow cards each. By then, it was clear this would be a tight affair.
To be fair, Shimshon's standing hasn't shifted dramatically — they sit seventh after 22 games with 30 points from eight wins and six draws. The draw extends their recent unbeaten run, following a 2:0 victory over Ironi Be'er Sheva earlier this month.
I gave Hapoel the win at 92 per cent confidence before kick-off, which didn't materialise. The visitors came for the cross they never reached, and Hapoel found a way through when it mattered. Sometimes the game doesn't follow the script.