Israeli Premier League: Maccabi Haifa 1 Ashdod FC 1

Ashdod FC continue to defy expectation in the Israeli Premier League, picking up a 1-1 draw at heavyweights Maccabi Haifa on Wednesday.

Ashdod finished a lowly 12th last campaign and have not finished higher than third in Israel’s top flight, but lie second on the table and are unbeaten in nine league matches.

They took the lead against Haifa on 38 minutes, when forward Idan Shriki made good connection with his volley from a cross from the left.

The hosts had gone close 10 minutes earlier when Ghanaian midfielder Seydou Yahaya had whistled a drive just wide of the upright, but his side was nearly 2-0 down when David Revivo’s long-range scorcher was beaten away by veteran Haifa goalkeeper Nir Davidovitch.

But Haifa were to draw level on 64 minutes when Croatian defender Jurica Buljat sent his free-kick directly into the wall, chipping the rebound into the area for substitute forward Vladimer Dvalishvili to nod home.

Dela Yampolsky threaded his shot wide on 74 minutes as Haifa pushed for a winner, but Ashdod held on to strengthen their spot in second.

Haifa, meanwhile, are sixth on the table, languishing 15 points behind leaders Ironi Kiryat Shmona.