Bursaspor eye move for Emre Tasdemir !

For the last couple of months of the season, i kept saying the biggest worry for Ankaragucu if they fail to gain promotion to the PTT Lig, is loosing talented youngsters like Emre Tasdemir, Hasan Ayaroglu, Umut Nayir and Gokhan Akkan.

Emre Tasdemir has shot to the top of Bursaspors wanted list. The youngster had an excellent season impressing pundits and fans with his speed and all action style of play. Emre who played both left back and on both wings further forward has a massive future in the game.

Ankaragucu must not settle for anything less than £2 million pounds for the youngster. In this day and age of inflated prices, he is worth at least that amount. More to follow...

Celal Kibrizli parts ways with Ankaragucu !

President Mehmet Yiginer today confirmed Ankaragucu manager Celal Kibrizli has left the club after their disappointing playoff defeat against Alanyaspor. Celal took over from Fuat Aykuz toward the end of the season but was unable to guide the club to promotion after some disappointing results in the league and playoffs.

Its difficult to judge Celal in such a short space of time, but he will go with our best wishes. The Ankaragucu managers job is a thankless task. Even successful managers such as Roger Lemerre and Mustafa Kaplan have been fired after their good work.

The fans favourite to take over on Facebook and twitter is Mustafa Kaplan. His style of football won over the fans in his time in charge last season with such a young squad. He has just won promotion with Haceteppe at the first time of asking from Lig 3.

Merger between Ankaragucu and Ankaraspor grows closer !

President Mehmet Yiginer today spoke of the 2013/14 season and the future plans of Ankaragucu. Its difficult for any Ankaragucu to put their whole trust in any president after the way things have went in the last 5 years. Without going into to detail of the events in the past between The Gokceks, Cemal Aydin, Sami Altinyuva, Bent Ahlat and any other corrupt individual who has had control of the club, its safe to say the fans will never trust anyone in power again.

Mehmet Yiginer however has won the respect of the majority of the fans, although some are still sceptical due to his friendship with The Gokceks. No one can deny that he has done an excellent club to keep the club alive. He has paid of debts to former players and coaches, brought in some much needed investment from local businessmen, and was behind the Ankaragucu Dirilis campaign this season which saw a record breaking amount of season tickets sold and attendances at the 19 Mayis Stadium.

The question that must be asked though, has this been all for the good of Ankaragucu? Did Yiginer see potential in a sleeping giant that is still deep in a coma? Or has it been all part of a cunning master plan of the Gokceks to gain control of the club?

You would like to think it was the earlier, that Yiginer was genuine in his attempt to do his best for the club, but to many things just don't add up. First of all there is the close friendship between Yiginer and Gokcek. When Yiginer first took over, he said he would only do so if he got the approval from the Mayor Melih Gokcek. Yet even after Melih said he couldn't give his approval he still took over. Then there is the whole situation between Ankaragucu and Ankaraspor at the end of the season.

Ankaraspor looked well on their way to the Super Lig until the second half of the season where they dropped down the table and only managed a playoff spot, eventually they lost their playoff match and will spend another season in the PTT Lig. Meanwhile Ankaragucu within touching distance of Altinordu all of a sudden lost 8 key players due to injury and lost at home to Ofspor. After that match Yiginer reportedly punched captain Mehmet Cakir and told him along with other key players they no longer had a future at the club and their contracts would be terminated. A couple of days later those players were all back in the squad.

So where am i going with all of this? Well if Ankaraspor had won promotion to the Super Lig and Ankaragucu had won promotion to the PTT Lig, the Gokcek plan would have still been an option, they way he could sell it to the fans is that a merger would see Ankaragucu back in the Super Lig as of next season. But Ankaraspor fell away, and if Ankaragucu won promotion to the same PTT Lig it would be near impossible for this to happen as both would have been in the same league. Therefor do everything in your power to stop Ankaragucu winning promotion.


Maybe this is all a bit far fetched and there is nothing in it. But today President Yiginer has announced that the clubs debts are in a bad way and he will be meeting with Melih Gokcek to seek help. A merger between the two clubs now looks likely. The Gokceks always get what they want in the end. If this ends up a case of Ankaraspor changing their name to Ankaragucu then the club will be dead in my eyes.

Season ends in disappointment for Ankaragucu !

The 2013/14 season came to an end for Ankaragucu today as they lost 3-2 in Alanyaspor in the playoff semi finals. Having lost 1-0 in the first leg at home, Ankaragucu had it all to do in Alanya if they wanted to proceed to the final. Unfortunately as so often the case Ankaragucu couldn't win another important match and will now face another season in Turkeys 3rd tier.

Team - Bayram Olgun, Metin Aydin, Serhat Aykuz, Volkan Geyik, Onur Atasayer, Selim Teber, Serhat Gulpinar, Muhammed Gonulacar, Kaan Kanak, Mehmet Erdem, Umut Nayir

Subs - Cihan Bal, Batuhan Gulcan, Aydin Toscali, Harun Aydin, Orhan Evci, Mehmet Tasci, Omer Yalcin

When the season started Ankaragucu were amongst the favourites for promotion. The transfer ban had been lifted and the club signed players such as Selim Teber, Serhat Gulpinar, Mehmet Cakir and Levent Kale. Everything started so well with Levent and Umut striking up a formidable attack. Youngsters Gokhan Akkan, Onur Atasayer and Emre Tasdemir were impressing in amongst the clubs more experience players.

In the January transfer window the management team strengthened the squad with signings such as Erhan Guven, Serhat Aykuz, Muhammed Gonulacar, Volkan Yilmaz, Omer Yalcin,  and Mehmet Erdem. Unfortunately none of those players have made any impact with the exception of Mehmet Erden who has shown flashes of what he can do.

Instead of winning promotion back to the PTT lig as champions, Ankaragucu instead had to settle for a playoff place after finishing 3rd behind Altinordu and Alanyaspor. Despite beating Alanyaspor a few weeks back, the team lost home and away in the play off matches. Metin Aydin and Kaan Kanak gave Ankaragucu a 2-1 half time lead in Alanya which would have been enough to take them into the final. Alanyaspor fought back in the second half and yet again the Ankaragucu defence let the team down.

The future doesn't look bright for the club with more lost revenue due to having to spend another season in the Turkish 3rd tier. A clear out will be needed in the summer of all the old players who are past their sell by date.

The first signing the club should make is the return of Mustafa Kaplan as coach. You can only wonder where we would have been had he been in charge this season.

WAS IT AN ANKARA STORM OR ….. AN ALANYA STORM ?

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Take your pick – we had both in the 2^nd Half.

A dangerous Electric Storm arrived in the 2^nd Half with lightning bolts all around us and thunder claps almost as loud as Gecikondu in full voice. It soaked the players and us as we left the Stadium. So much for the weather report. Well, it was more interesting than Ankaragucu's footie !!!

Now to the Alanya Storm !

ANKARAGUCU 0 Alanyaspor 1

But first, let's begin at the beginning !

Maniac Kanka Harun, Battle Damaged Kanka Damon and I met up at the Stadium and were joined by Gorgeous Kankie Basak after a long absence from Maraton (she's a real Gecikondu girl !).

Arriving at The Stadium with the Away End in the background.    Smiling at this stage, but not so happy at the end of the match !!

The Stadium was full again and there was an air of expectation after the performance last week against Bandirma. Only about 100 in the away end.

The noise generated by the 5 tribunes was amazing, but if we thought that it would intimidate the Alanya players we were mistaken. Alanya showed their mettle and it has to be said that Bayram was the busier goalkeeper throughout the match.

Ankaragucu's only real chance in the 1^st half fell to Kaan in the 5^th minute when he sent in a screamer of a free kick from about 30 yards out but it was just over the bar.

Then one minute later came the confetti show from Maraton followed by the Bursa song in the 16^th minute.

Ankaragucu almost scored an own-goal in the 20^th minute when a fantastic header from Ankaragucu's No4 beat Bayram but went just over the bar. Sighs of relief all round and looks of disbelief between Damon and I !!

Approaching half time and Ankaragucu started to show some urgency, but as we know, having the lion's share of possession doesn't necessarily win matches !

So, going in at half time all square was a fair reflection of the match I thought, and we were still in optimistic mood with Ankaragucu attacking the Gecikondu end in the 2^nd half.

Ankaragucu started the 2^nd half of the match in attack mode, but they were not getting a grip of the game.

There were too many high balls being punted up to Umut (now where have I heard that statement before ???!!!) and the Ankaragucu midfield was being bypassed time and time again. Alanya was fighting like tigers and winning all the 50/50 balls. Ankaragucu was hurrying their passes which consequently meant that they were going astray, and they kept losing possession as Alanya started to take control of the match.

There were only four Ankaragucu chances in the 2^nd half and they were all from free kicks about 25 yards out and in roughly the same position. All were taken by Selim, the 1^st sailed past the right post, the 2^nd was well saved, the 3^rd was deflected for a corner and the 4^th rebounded off the wall to safety.

15 minutes to go and Alanya should have scored after a great move, but with only Bayram to beat, the attacker sliced his shot out of play.

5 minutes later and the inevitable happened. From a well taken corner, Aydin Cetin rose unmarked to head in a classic goal which he can be well proud of.

The expected Ankaragucu final 10 minutes onslaught never materialised as Alanya controlled the match and eased to an impressive win.

Perhaps the injury to Captain Mehmet in the 2^nd half had an effect on the Ankaragucu players as he was whisked away in an ambulance, however, that can't be used as an excuse for a poor Ankaragucu performance.

At the final whistle the Ankaragucu players came across to Gecikondu and Maraton to applaud the supporters. A fine gesture which hopefully means that the players have not given up hope of turning this semi-final around in Alanya on Tuesday. It is sure to be a battle and a match which the tactics must be …..... attack attack attack !!

Off we went through the rain (weather report again !!) to the Express Pub near Guven Park in Kizilay to drown our sorrows. We will be there again tonight to watch the Champions League Final.

All the best from a bitterly disappointed Eski Kanka Jim

ANKARAGUCU TURN ON THE STYLE ….. AT LAST (PART 2)

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Ankaragucu did themselves and their fans proud yesterday with a powerful attacking display against a useful Bandirma team.

With a 1-0 deficit from the 1^st Leg, Ankaragucu pulled two well taken goals back to reach the Semi-Final Play-Off against Alanya.

ANKARAGUCU 2 Bandirmaspor 0

The Kankas, Maniac Kanka Harun, Battle Damaged Kanka Damon, Cider Kanka John and I met up in the Stadium which was bursting at the seams at KO time. The whole of Gecikondu was full, as was Maraton and both Kapalis. Unbelievable for a Tuesday afternoon match. There were about 100 in the away end but we didn't hear a squeak out of them pre and during the match !!

Look at the tension of the Kankas faces pre-kick off !!!!

The first 10 minutes of the match was tense with both teams playing cat and mouse, but Ankaragucu soon took control of the match and laid siege to the Bandirma goal.

Umut should have opened the scoring on the 11^th minute mark when put clean through, but his shot was straight at the goalkeeper who made an easy save.

Two more goal chances came from free kicks before the breakthrough, but one was over the bar and the other well saved by the goalkeeper.

Then came the important goal in the 33^rd minute and what a fantastic goal it was too. Serhat collected the ball just outside the box and sent in a screamer of a shot which the goalkeeper only managed to have a sniff at as it almost burst the net.

Up the volume all round the Stadium and you could feel the relief as the players went off at half time. Kicking into the Gecikondu End in the 2^nd half kept our spirits up for what was to come.

Ankaragucu took up from where they left off and Kaan was so unlucky on the 50^th minute when he broke down the left and sent in a great shot which was fumbled by the goalkeeper, and luckily for him, the ball screwed just past the post for a corner.

13 minutes later and it was Umut who expertly controlled a long ball pass, and with only the goalkeeper to beat, shot weakly for the keeper to collect easily.

5 minutes later and it was Umut again who sent in a great header but just over the bar.

However, Umut was not to be denied. 5 minutes later from a corner he was well positioned to volley the ball in with the goalkeeper helpless at the sheer speed of the ball.

It was still all Ankaragucu, and shortly after, it was almost 3 when a free kick was crossed in but the goal bound header rebounded off the bar but the follow-up effort was skied over the bar.

5 minutes to go and nerve ends were being strained to the limit as Bandirma refused to give up and pressed forward, but the Ankaragucu defence was holding firm (for a change I can hear Nadeem saying !!!).

There was time for one last effort from Captain Mehmet but the goalkeeper made an excellent save when the ball was destined to go in at the corner of the goal.

The customary lap of honour was made by the players and we were off to The Chopin to celebrate where we were joined by Kaleci Kanka Tansu.

This Friday (23^rd) sees the 1^st Leg of the Semi-Final played at the 19 Mayis Stadium against Alanya (KO 4.30pm probably) and if Ankaragucu can maintain the momentum of yesterday's match we can take a few goals to Alanya next Tuesday for the 2^nd Leg and then the pressure will be on THEM !!

I have high hopes that Ankaragucu will now make the Final on 31 May against either Goztepe or Hatay.

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

ANKARAGUCU TURN ON THE STYLE ...... AT LAST (PART ONE) !!

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Ankaragucu made it ..............

ANKARAGUCU   2       Bandirma    0

Ankaragucu is now into the semi-final of the Play-Offs to take on Alanya.

1st match in Ankara on Friday 23 May and ....
2nd match in Alanya on Tues 27 May.

I'm still suffering from after match celebrations and playing in a Darts Match, so the report (Part 2) will have to wait until tomorrrra.

Well done Ankaragucu !!!!

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

No one can stop us from finishing ninth!

I'd like to boast about how I predicted months and months ago that Genclerbirligi would finish ninth. I could boast, of course, but it was always pretty obvious.

Besiktas 1 - 1 Genclerbirligi

The TFF in their wisdom decided to put the final match of the season on at the same time as the English FA Cup Final. I don't give a damn about the FA Cup but a few people at the Red Lion Club did and so the Super Lig "Game of the Day" was relegated to the small screen with no sound.

A blessing really as the game in London seemed much more exciting.

But knowing that I had better write a blog post having been extremely lazy recently I sort of kept an eye on our match.

First up... bugger all people at the match. People always say that Gencler have no fans but there were less people at the match on a wonderfully warm Saturday than there are at Gencler home matches in the middle of winter. E-billet is not working!

Footy and... Besiktas needed to win, and hope Galatasaray lost, in order to get the Champion's League automatic spot (Fener aren't allowed in because they are cheats). So, what we got was some fairly determined footy from Besiktas and they were clearly the dominating side for the first 30 minutes or so. Having said that, Gencler were trying ... unlike in recent weeks (???).

And it was Besiktas who went ahead after a silly mistake from keeper Ferhat who didn't clearly clear a ball. In the end in was an excellent header which sent Besiktas ahead.

A few minutes later Oktay was brought down in the box. One of the most obvious penalties ever... but no. Play on said the idiot in the middle.

With things seemingly going Besiktas' way it was Mervan in the 56th who latched onto a pass from (someone) and scored a simple goal. Wooohoooo

Then the very dodgy penalty.

The ball was whacked straight into the shoulder of Ante. As Spine pointed out at the time, not even a non-armed man could have avoided it. So despite all our players complaining Almeida stood up to take the penalty.

And.... Ferhat saved it!!!

And that was about it for the rest of the match...

Another season gone...

Ankaragucu vs Bandirmaspor match preview !

Do Ankaragucu have it in them to turn this 1-0 score around and progress into the next round of the playoffs? The answer to that question is yes, however they need to play to their full potential for 90 minutes and take the game to Bandirma. The last two matches between the two sides Bandirma have been the better side on both occasions.

This time the match will be at the 19 Mayis Stadium in Ankara with a big Ankaragucu support behind the team. Its difficult to say what kind of attendance their will be due to the ridiculous 1630 kick off time. The Kanka group will be there in their numbers though with Jim and Damon managing to get colleagues to cover them.

Like is said on the match report from Fridays match in Bandirma, the worry for Ankaragucu is the lack of pace. From defence, to midfield right up to the attack its all very one paced and a team full of slow players. The team needs to rely on its technique and experience to get through this tough position they are in. Players like Mehmet Cakir, Mehmet Erdem, Kaan Kanak and Umut Nayir will be so important if Ankaragucu have any chance of progressing.

There has been some mixed news tonight for 3 of the Ankaragucu squad. Youngsters Hasan Ayaroglu, Gokhan Akkan and Onur Atasayer have all been called up to the Turkish U19 squad. However this means they could miss out on some of the playoff matches. Hasan is the only player in the squad along with Onur who has any speed now that Emre Tasdemir is out injured.

Good Luck Ankaragucu, don't let us down !!

Bandirmaspor 1-0 Ankaragucu match report !

Just take a look at the background in the picture, not a single Bandirmaspor fan in sight. It tells you everything you need to know about Bandirma. A small club, who have a small budget and no fans. and yet Ankaragucu have failed to beat them in their last two meetings.

Team - Bayram Olgun, Metin Aydin, Serhat Aykuz, Selim Teber, Mehmet Tasci, Serhat Gulpinar, Muhammed Gonulacar, Kaan Kanak, Mehmet Erdem, Mehmet Cakir, Umut Nayir

Subs - Gokhan Akkan, Volkan Geyik, Orhan Evci, Harun Aydin, Bilal Gundogdu, Omer Yalcin, Onur Atasayer

The one thing that stands out when you look at that Ankaragucu team is the lack of pace. The team is made up of some of the slowest players in Turkey. The older players are on their last legs, and the young players don't have any turn of pace in their game. Losing Emre Tasdemir and Levent Kale has been a huge blow for Ankaragucu who have become far to predictable and one paced.

After last weekends dreadful performance in Bandirma for the last league game of the season, we expected Ankaragucu to lift their game for the playoff match. But instead an even poorer performance followed.

The teams went in 0-0 at half time, and it took until the 60th minute for the deadlock to be broken. Unfortunately for the large traveling support, it wasn't for Ankaragucu. Instead it was Hakki Ismet who gave Bandirma the lead.

Things could have been a lot worse when Timur Kosovali had the opportunity to make it 2-0 Bandirma with 2 minutes remaining. But Bayram Oglun saved the penalty to keep Ankaragucu in the tie.

Both teams meet again on Tuesday at the 19 Mayis stadium in Ankara. The fans will be there despite the disgusting TFF appointed 1630 kick off time, will the players turn up? Or will it be another disappointing result for Ankaragucu?

AND SO, THE LOTTERY BEGINS !

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

It's nail biting time now in Ankara from KO today at 4.30pm until the 31st May Final which hopefully Ankaragucu will contest.

Ankaragucu kick-off their Play-Off match today in Bandirma in what is the 1st Leg of the Quarter Final.  

Having watched the highlights of last Sunday's league match in Bandirma which Nadeem put up on fb, it will have to be a 100% team effort from Ankaragucu to bring something back to Ankara for the 2nd Leg next Tuesday.

Arguably our two best players, Levent and Emre, are still out injured so the onus is on the Coach to instil confidence into the players who have taken their place in the team.

Most of this mornings newspapers make Ankaragucu favourites to reach the final, but that counts for little in the Lottery of the Play-Offs.  

We have blasted the TFF here and fb for their unbelievable decision to make the Play-Off matches KO at 4.30pm which conveniently bars all the working supporters like the Kanka Group from attending.   Aaaaaargh ......... when will the TFF wake up and realise that the bread and butter of footie are the supporters !!!!!   Also, there will be no TV coverage.   So, we will rely on Nadeem to give us a report if he is able.

Otherwise, at least I'll put the score up later tonight.

Go to it Ankaragucu !!!

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

Ankaragucu 1-1 Bandirmaspor match report !

This seasons Lig 2 campaign came to an end today as Ankaragucu drew 1-1 with Bandirmaspor. Both sides will have it all to do again as they now face each other in the playoffs. Ankaragucu finish a disappointing 3rd after Alanyaspor destroyed Korfez to clinch the 2nd spot. Altinordu were crowned champions with Eyupspor, Istanbul Gungorenspor and Bozoyukspor all relegated.

Team - Bayram Olgun, Orhan Evci, Volkan Geyik, Selim Teber, Onur Atasayer, Serhat Gulpinar, Mehmet Cakir, Muhammed Gonulacar, Mehmet Erdem, Kaan Kanak, Omer Yalcin

Subs - Gokhan Akkan, Metin Aydin, Serhat Aykuz, Bilal Gundogdu, Harun Aydin, Mehmet Tasci, Umut Nayir

The season started with Ankaragucu favourites to clinch promotion back to the PTT Lig. The team invested in the squad with some big signings in Selim Teber, Serhat Gulpinar, Mehmet Cakir, Erhan Guven to name a few. However it was low spending Altinordu who were to become champions and deserved champions at that to.

On paper Ankaragucu have the strongest squad in the league. But to many times this season inconsistency has been a problem along with the inability to defend. The team now go into the playoffs and are 5 matches away from returning the the PTT Lig.

Again on paper Ankaragucu should be able to beat both Bandirma and the winners of Alanyaspor vs Diyarbakir BB without to much problems. However throughout the season Ankaragucu have dropped points to all 3 teams.

Todays match ended in a 1-1 draw thanks to a late strike from Kaan Kanak. Ankaragucu were without Emre Tasdemir, Volkan Yilmaz, Levent Kale, Aytac Oden and rested Umut Nayir who was dropped to the bench.

The playoff match between the two sides is next week in Bandirma with next Friday night being mentioned on Facebook. I will confirm this during the week. As the saying in Scotland goes, get the finger out Ankaragucu, its time to show us what your made of !

Playoff Ties

Bandirmaspor vs Ankaragucu
Diyarbakir BB vs Alanyaspor

Kartalspor vs Goztepe
Yeni Malatayaspor vs Hatayspor

Ankaragucu vs Bandirmaspor match preview!

Ankaragucu travel to Istanbul tomorrow to bring down the curtain for what has been an inconsistent season for the club. With the highest budget in the league the Ankaragucu management will know they should have had enough in their locker to win this division. All is not lost however as both clubs have sealed their playoff places.

After tomorrows match, Ankaragucu have 5 matches to play in their bid to return to the PTT Lig at the first time of asking. Ankaragucu and Bandirma will be joined by Alanyaspor and Diyarbakir BB from the red group. While in the white group it goes down to the last day of the season between Giresunspor, Goztepe and Hatayspor who will become champion. Yeni Malatayaspor have secured their playoff spot while Kartalspor, Pendikspor and Inegolspor will all fight it out for their place. An Ankaragucu vs Goztepe final could be one of the most fiery encounters in Turkish football history.

Ankaragucu will be without Levent Kale, Volkan Yilmaz, Emre Tasdemir and Aytac Oden through injury tomorrow. It will give the likes of Hasan Ayaroglu and Mehmet Erden another chance to impress as the players will have to be on their toes to keep their place in the team for the playoffs. The one position Ankaragucu need to address is the defence. The goals the team has conceded over the season have been the reason why Ankaragucu never achieved automatic promotion. Even last week against Altay the two goals conceded were of an amateur standard.

That said both Bayram Olgun and Gokhan Akkan need to step up their game with neither able to hold down the number 1 spot this season. Gokhan is young and still learning, but Bayram is an experienced goalkeeper and needs to do better.

Mehmet Cakir and Umut Nayir have been amongst the goals again of late and Ankaragucu will be relying on them again tomorrow. Umut has attracted the attention of Super Lig sides as well as Samsunspor. Another season at this level and the youngsters of Ankaragucu might find the offers of clubs in a higher division to hard to turn down.

As i write this report Hibs are 1-0 down at home against Kilmarnock thanks to a Kris Boyd goal. Hibs could be joining Rangers, Hearts and Raith Rovers in the Championship next season. What a prospect that could be.

ANKARAGUCU FLATTER TO DECIEVE …..... AGAIN !!!

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

It was a cloudy but rain-free day when we met up at the Stadium Cafe. Naaarich Kankie Lucy, Maniac Kanka Harun, Battle Damaged Kanka Damon and Paddy Kanka Paul. Lots of Turkish Tea, Turkish chatting and watching the Amateur matches on the Astro Turf pitches.

Team - Gokhan Akkan, Serhat Aykuz, Aydin Toscali, Selim Teber, Mehmet Tasci, Muhammed Gonulacar, Serhat Gulpinar, Volkan Yilmaz, Hasan Ayaroglu, Mehmet Cakir, Umut Nayir

Subs - Bayram Olgun, Metin Aydin, Volkan Geyik, Onur Atasayer, Omer Yalcin, Kaan Kanak, Mehmet Erdem Ugurlu

Into the Stadium we went to be confronted with our star striker, Levent, hobbling down the touchline on crutches and into Gecikondu he went for the whole match. Absolutely bloody amazing thing for him to do and we all take our hats off to him for his loyalty to the fans !

The Gecikondu and Maraton tribunes were full as usual, and the good news was that Aydin was back as our Club Captain after recovering from injury. There were 30 loyal Altay fans in the away end !

The teams came out and the Ankaragucu team were carrying a banner which read …...... 'please don't park your car in the handicapped peoples spaces'. Was it an illusion, or did we see lots of Ankaragucu fans rushing for the exits ??!!!

ANKARAGUCU 4 Altay 2

It was fairly end to end stuff for the first 10 minutes with both teams trying to settle. However, it was Altay who settled first and scored a fortuitous 1^st goal on the 13^th minute mark when a shot at goal was deflected by an Ankaragucu defender to wrong foot Gokhan and open the scoring.

The customary Bursaspor song was sung in Maraton on the 16^th minute, but Gecikondu were otherwise engaged in a song of their own and missed out !

It was around the 20^th minute that I was quoted as saying …......... 'Ankaragucu is playing pathetic footie and haven't even troubled their goalkeeper' !

However, no sooner had I said that than the equaliser arrived. It was a free kick just outside the box, and my Man of the Match, Selim, sent a great free kick around the Wall and into the corner.

Here we go, we were thinking, but …....... no …........ 2 minutes later and a Keystone Cops comedy show occurred in the Ankaragucu box when Gokhan and a defender both went for the ball and then hesitated. Thanks very much says the incoming Altay forward to waltz the ball into the empty net with Gokan and the defender looking at each other …......... in what ? Dismay ? Point of fact ….......... it is the goalkeeper's responsibility to take control of anything in the area. Gokhan, you must take the blame for this stupidity !!!!

Altay had their tails up now and with 3 minutes remaining they almost snatched the 3^rd, but a punched clearance from Gokhan saved the day.

So to half time and there can be no doubting that the best team were in front.

As the 2^nd half was about to start, good news at last. Kaan was coming on yesssssssss ! Without absent Levent, Kaan and Emre, the Ankaragucu team was definitely lacking in 'team' spirit.

Selim rose to the occasion for the 2^nd time when he shot home the equaliser on the 54^th minute after some great build up work from Ankaragucu who were beginning to show some fighting spirit. I was right behind the line of fire and his swerving shot took a deflection off the post to canon in.

15 minutes later and then came the Goal of the Match. It was lovely tip-tap footie which Pepe would have been proud of between Kaan and Mehmet, for Umut to fire in for a fantastic goal.

It was almost 4 three minutes later when Selim's shot-cum-cross hit the post and then was collected by the goalkeeper.

This was not the Ankaragucu of the 1^st half and I've said this many times here …......... the players must be playing for 90 minutes and not …..... 45 !!!

15 minutes to go and another great goal. This time it was Mehmet Cakir who curled a free kick around the Wall for the 4^th goal and the celebrations began.

The bad news is that Alanya also won today so it is …... as you were with only one point separting Ankaragucu from Alanya.

Next week's last match takes on mammoth considerations in the quest for 2^nd Place. It is a MUST WIN match against a strong Bandirma team who currently lie in 4^th place in the league and will also be in the Play-Offs.

Bring it on.

So, back to the Chopin to celebrate a good win (in the end) and to watch Naaaarich City take a point from Chelsinki.    A win next week at Carrow Road will see the Ingallish Canaries survive in the Premier League.   Let's hope that happens and we can celebrate with Naaaarich Kankie Lucy when we watch Atletico Madrid win the Champions League !!!!

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim