Maccabi Tel Aviv have closed the gap on leaders Ironi Kiryat Shmona to one point after they beat MS Ashdod 5 -2 at the Bloomfield Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Goals from Eran Zahavi (2), Omri Ben Harush, Tai Ben Haim and Nosa Igiebor - his first since his switch from Real Betis in the summer - gave the Yellows their fifth win of the season.

The Nigeria international, who was making his home debut for the Premier League champions, opened his goalscoring account for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 34th minute.

MS Ashdod’s talisman in attack Yero Bello scored his first goal of the season from the penalty spot 12 minutes from time.

In their next fixture, Maccabi Tel Aviv will tackle bitter rivals Hapoel Tel Aviv while Ashdod are at home to Hapoel Ra’anana.