Hapoel Petah Tikva and Maccabi Netanya Draw; Coaches Express Disappointment

Hapoel Petah Tikva and Maccabi Netanya played to a dramatic 1-1 draw on Saturday, with both teams' coaches expressing frustration over the result. Hapoel Petah Tikva's coach, Roni Levi, lamented the missed opportunity, stating his team had trained well and created chances but failed to capitalize. "We came here in a very good situation, the team looked very good in training and I expected to see that in the game," Levi said. "We pressed and created chances and we needed to decide games like this. We conceded from one attack and then chased, we didn't manage to score but we played as if. Sometimes you need to win by force."

Levi also addressed the team's struggles, acknowledging that it would be difficult until their first win but expressing confidence in the squad. He noted that new players Olivier and Isaac need time to integrate. "There isn't much time and we want results quickly and rightly so. But I am sure it will come. In the end, it's very disappointing, there were bigger expectations and we are behind. There is a strong and good team here and it will get its wins," he added.

Maccabi Netanya's coach, Omer Peretz, felt the draw was akin to a loss, particularly due to a late equalizer and an incident where his team played with 12 players on the field. "I don't know what happened, we need to see it, I don't know what it's about. We made three substitutions, and Boni Amian didn't leave on time. The referee left Tomer Altman on the field and as soon as Boni left, Tomer entered. We were there and it's really a shame, it feels like a loss. Lack of concentration and a shame because the two points would have helped us."

Peretz also commented on goalkeeper Omer Katz's error that led to the equalizer, calling it a "split-second decision" but acknowledging the mistake. He further discussed the issue of playing with too many players, attributing it to players taking too long to exit the field and a strict referee. "There are clear rules on this matter, players took their time and we were in several cases with one less player on the field because of the rules. The players are aware of these rules but Gal Leibovitz was too strict with the counts he kept, but it's our responsibility and we need to sharpen the rules for our players."

Roey David scored for Hapoel Petah Tikva in the 49th minute, while Maor Levi equalized from the penalty spot in added time after a mistake by goalkeeper Omer Katz. Maor Levi apologized to the fans for his reaction after scoring, attributing it to a difficult period with injuries and emotions. "I want to start with an apology, I apologize to my fans for what I did after the goal. It was not respectful and acceptable, I am going through a difficult period with the injury and what I went through, emotions took over me," he stated.