LARNACA - The spoils were shared in the Larnaca derby on Monday night as Alki fought back from 2-0 down to hold crosstown rivals AEK to a 2-2 draw at the Ammochostos Stadium.
Leon Vlemmings’ AEK are currently pushing for a top four finish and their challenge looked bang on track when goals from Milan Mrdakovic and January signing Antun Palic put the visitors ahead within the first half hour.
But Alki, who have defied expectations this season to steer clear of the relegation zone, pulled a goal back soon after through Israeli midfielder Roei Beckel before FYROM international striker Nikola Gligorov equalised ten minutes before the end.
The result leaves AEK in sixth place – nine points adrift of fourth place Anorthosis – while Alki moved up into seventh.
“I think the game was strange in many ways”, commented Vlemmings after the game. “The first minutes saw Alki create the chances but we then took the game to them and scored two beautiful goals. Alki then changed their tempo and showed tremendous heart and character to turn things around.”
The Dutch coach added, “It’s disappointing to be winning 2-0 only to be held to a draw but we need to congratulate Alki for their resilience.”
His counterpart Radmilo Ivancevic said, “At halftime we stressed the need to keep on attacking and we showed great character at the right time.”