Melbourne Club PAOK Inc. - The official PAOK Thessaloniki Supporters Club of Australia

15-01-2006 Super League Round: 16

PAOK Thessaloniki

1 - 0

Skoda Xanthi

PAOK recorded it's first win of 2006 after defeating Xanthi at Toumba Stadium by 1-0.
PAOK was fortunate not to concede a goal in the 18th minute when a header back pass to the keeper by Konstantinidis was to strong but fortunately for PAOK the ball when over the crossbar. PAOK created it's first chance in the 36th minute when Hristodolopoulos and Egomitis combined with tha latter producing a long range shot which just cleared the crossbar. Just before half time Hristodolopoulos produced a cross to the back post where Salpiggidis got infront of the Xanthi defence where he tried to lob the keeper but his shot just cleared the crossbar.
In the second half PAOK recorded the only goal of the match in the 64th minute when Arabatzis found Salpiggidis who scored with a hard diagnal shot and after the goal reteliated towards the fans in Gate 4 after the fans were giving the players and the PAOK board a hard time. The PAOK fans reacted angrily by setting fire to the seats. As for the match PAOK held on for the crucial win and have climbed up to 4th place.

PAOK'S COACH GIORGOS KOSTIKOS PRESS CONFERENCE: Today we came up against a very organised side. In the first 25 minutes we had control of the match after that we lost the battle in midfield. We lost Zagorakis due to injury and that was a setback for us. After that both sides tried using long balls to create chances and we didn't see a great spectacle.
This was a match played under difficult circumstances. I will say this that civil war is the worse possible war. The PAOK family should all be united if we want to be successful.

STELIOS MALEZAS: We knew from the start that it was going to be a difficult match and it was going to be decided whoever was going to capitalise on it's goalscoring opportunities. And that's what happend today. I'd like to thank my coach for giving me the opportunity in giving me a game today. As for the incident with Salpiggidis it's very strange to be a scorer of the match and been given a hard time by your fans.