Ermis Aradippou’s hopes for a top four finish were dealt a huge blow last night after they suffered a 4-1 defeat to Nea Salamina.
The overwhelming defeat left Nicos Panagiotou’s side three points ahead of fifth place Omonia but the Aradippou club would have felt they had missed the chance to all but lock their status in the top four particularly after Omonia could only draw 1-1 at relegation battlers Aris Limassol on Sunday.
The victory, meanwhile, ensured Neophytos Larkou’s Nea Salamina moved four points above Doxa Katokopia and within touching distance of avoiding the relegation group.
Helio Roque got the balling rolling for the hosts at the Ammochostos Stadium when he collected a pass from Diego Leon and struck decisively past Greek keeper Yiannis Arabatzis. The outstanding Eze Okeuhie – who arrived on loan from Apollon Limassol in January – tormented the Ermis defence throughout the ninety minutes and thought he had won a penalty midway through the first half.
Ermis equalised somewhat against the run of play after the restart through substitute Marco Tagbajumi but Okeuhie then won a penalty for Salamina after he was hacked down by Dragan Zarkovic who was sent off for his trouble.
Diego Leon made no mistake from the penalty spot and the hosts piled on the pressure late scoring two more late goals through Okeuhie and Helio Roque again.
Ermis’ final three games before the end-of-season playoffs are Aris at home, Omonia at home and then Anorthosis away while Omonia plays hosts to Ethnikos Achnas on Saturday before travelling to Ermis in what is expected to be a thriller.
Their final game of the normal season is against hated rivals APOEL in the Nicosia derby.
Cyprus Weekly
