Apollon back on top after 3-0 win over AEK

Apollon overcame their shock draw against Karmiotissa over the weekend as they thrashed AEK Larnaca 3-0 on Tuesday night, leapfrogging Omonia and AEL at the top of the Cyprus First Division.

Apollon were the better team in the opening 45 minutes, especially after Bieseswar opened the score with a powerful drive from outside the penalty area in the 12th minute.

The same player could have doubled the score just before the break but he shot wastefully wide from close range, while in between, Diguiny hit the post.

AEK had to wait until the 32nd minute for their first attempt on goal but Apollon’s goalkeeper Demetriou was equal to Spirofski’s shot.

Apollon came out in the second half firing on all cylinders.

Diguini hit the post yet again while the same player was inches away from connecting to Pedro’s inviting cross.

Midway into the second half Apollon got what they deserved after Yuste helped on the ball for Matei to head past AEK goalkeeper Moll.

Two minutes later promising Cypriot striker Pittas scored the third from close range after clever play by Diguiny.

It was an emphatic win for Apollon who turned what was expected to be a closely contested game into a largely one-sided affair.

The win was slightly soured though by Mallekides receiving a straight red seconds before the final whistle.

Apollon now have 51 points, one ahead of Omonia, and three in front of AEK, who have a game in hand.

There’s no let-up in the schedule, with Olympiakos hosting Apoel (17:00) and Anorthosis taking on AEL (19:00) on Thursday.