The first official win and the promotion
The next period (1956-57) was different for Apollon, where apart from his first official victory, he managed to move up to the First Division. On February 10, 1957 at GSO, Apollon was happy to celebrate the first victory in its history, after prevailing 6-1 over Panellinios. The goals of our team were scored by Andreas Konnaris in 22΄, 26΄ and 39΄, Costas Stavrou (Siamalas) in 33΄ and 60΄ and Andreas Georgiou (Kantilanaftis) with a penalty in 53΄. The Panhellenic had temporarily reduced to 2-1 with Siso at 32 ΄.
Apollon had played in this game with: Kostaki Chr. Konstantinou (Fantaio), Raki Stavrinidi, Giorgos Protopapas, Nikos Silitzioti, Costa Antoniou (Tavella), Perikli Ioannidi, Andrea Georgiou (Kantilanafti), Andrea Veletina, Costa Stavrou (Siamarea and Siamalai Kialani).
Three victories and one defeat by Antaios followed, with the result that the “blue and whites” play first in the Limassol-Paphos region against APOP at GSO, on June 2, 1957. Both teams had eight points and the winner of the match would claimed promotion to the first division in double fights against Alki, who finished first in the region of Nicosia, Famagusta, Larnaca and Kyrenia, while winning the title of champion of the second division.
Strengthened with Panikos Krystallis, Apollon defeated APOP 10-0 and celebrated the conquest of the title in the Limassol-Paphos region, having the best attack, but also the best defense (28 goals for and 7 against). The goals were scored by Costas Stavrou (Siamalas) in 6΄ and 37΄, Andreas Georgiou (Kantilanaftis) in 16΄, 32΄, 67΄, 80΄ and 85΄, Andreas Konnaris in the first minutes of the second half and in 52΄ and Panikos Krystallis in 62΄.
Apollon played with: Kostakis Chr. Konstantinou (Fantaio), Raki Stavrinidi, Giorgos Protopapas, Loukas Lamaris, Costas Antonious (Tavellas), Periklis Ioannidis, Andreas Georgiou (Kantilanaftis), Costas Stavrou (Siamala), Panikos Kristalis, Andreas Konnaris and Giannakis Vasiliades.
The promotion through playoffs
The first match with “Immortal” was held at GSO on June 30, 1957, with hundreds of friends of our team and football in general to give their presence. Referee was Hambis Filippou and Apollon was the big winner with 4-1, making a very big step for his rise in the category of “big”, for the first time in its history. Although Alki was just ahead in the 5th, the “blue and whites” increased their speed and scored four goals, all in the replay. Scorers are Panikos Krystallis at 47 ΄ and 61 ΄, Costas Stavrou (Siamalas) at 66 ΄ and Andreas Konnaris at 68΄.
The lineup of Apollon: Kostakis Chr. Konstantinou (Fantaios), Rakis Stavrinidis, George Protopapas, Loukas Lamaris, Costas Antoniou (Tavellas), Periklis Ioannidis, Andreas Georgiou (Kantilanaftis), Costas Stavrou (Siamalas), Panikos Kristalis Andreas Konnaris and Giannakis Vasiliades.
The rematch took place a week later and specifically at GSZ, on July 7, 1957, with the two teams drawing 2-2. Therefore, the final whistle of the referee Simos Loizidis found Apollon celebrating the conquest of the BD category championship and at the same time his promotion to the A category. The goals of our team were scored by Panikos Krystallis in the first minutes of the second half and Andreas Konnaris in 85 ‘.
Lineup: Kostakis Chr. Konstantinou (Fantaios), Rakis Stavrinidis, George Protopapas, Loukas Lamaris, Costas Antoniou (Tavellas), Periklis Ioannidis, Andreas Georgiou (Kantilanaftis), Costas Stavrou (Siamalas), Panikos Kristalis Andreas Konnaris and Giannakis Vasiliades.
Permanently in the first division
After this success, which was characterized as a feat by the media of the time, since last season our team did not manage to collect a single point, Apollon is constantly playing in the “big salons” and is just one of the four teams -along with Anorthosis, APOEL and Omonia- that have played in the first division and has never been downgraded in its history.