Hapoel Kiryat Shmona maintained their six point lead at the top of Ligat Ha'Al after a goalless drawwith second placed Ashdod.

After 19 games out of 35, the northerners are seeking a first ever title. Kiryat Shmona was founded in 2000 and after gaining promotion in 2007, finished third the following season.

Ashdod are another surprise package, having struggled against relegation under former Aston Villa boss John Gregory last season.

Hapoel Tel Aviv are in third, seven points off the leaders,while reigning champions Maccabi Haifa are languishing in eighth place, 16 points off the pace. Greens boss Elisha Levy has only a few more games to save his job.