Monday, February 23, 2015

Ankaragücü - Bandırmaspor: Kick violence out of sport!

Photo credit: Ahmet Kanka

As Eski, Cider, Ahmet and Apple Kanka walked into the stadium we were all handed leaflets by the police telling us to "kick violence out of sport". As it turned out, though, they should have given them out to the players... Someone was knocked over with varying degrees of footballing justification every few minutes, and the stretcher-bearers ended up getting more exercise than the goalies!

That isn't to say that the match itself was ugly. Ankaragücü have been working out new tactics since the winter break, and the result is a much more flowing, attacking game than before. Today, Ankaragücü were unlucky to be held to a draw by the top team in the league. It says a lot for the players and the coaches that today's team, while weaker on paper than it was at the beginning of the season, was playing a damn sight better on grass and mud.

And we should have won. Ankaragücü seemed very slightly the better team throughout most of the first half, and we had brief glimpses of Super League quality in some of the second half attacks. Our attacking style made us vulnerable to counter-attack, but Gökhan made some great saves where needed. In the 56th minute, four Ankaragücü men came flat and spaced out through the Bandırmaspor defence. There was one well-timed pass, then a second, and suddenly Teoman was one on one with the Bandırmaspor keeper, and kept his head to pass the ball into the back of the net. Gorgeous play! In the 5 minutes that followed, Bandırma were rattled, and Ankaragücü were able to mount three more dangerous attacks on the Bandırma goal, but to no avail.

At this point, Bandırma increased their physical game still further, sometimes even leaving Ankaragücü players on the ground a long way from the ball. The referee blew for some of the offences, but the more frequently they occurred, the less happy he was about stopping play. A certain Kanka of the Caledonian variety began to sound increasingly like a character from a Tarantino movie in response to the referee's decisions.

Then, in the 72nd minute, an Ankaragücü player was brought down in the Bandırmaspor box. The referee paused, and then brought out a yellow for diving, to which the aforementioned Kanka loudly made clear his dissent.

In the 75th minute, the mirror image. A Bandırmaspor player brought down in a challenge at the edge of the Ankaragücü box, and this time the ref makes sure not to repeat his mistake. The penalty was shot straight forward as Gökhan dived left, and Bandırma had equalised.

The score was a disappointment, but the game brought us hope. Whereas a few matches ago an unfortunate result would have brought about post-game angst over the closeness of the relegation zone, this one prompted grumbling about how we're squandering our chances of reaching the playoffs. The difference isn't our league position: we now look much more like a playoffs team (albeit 12 points behind with 11 matches to go, one in hand) than a team fighting relegation, and if we can play like this for the rest of the season, we might just have a chance.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Ankaragucu vs Bandirmaspor match preview!




League leaders Bandirmaspor are the visitors on Sunday for their match with Ankaragucu as they look to extend their lead at the top over Goztepe. They hold a 5 point lead over the Izmir side but will face an in form Ankaragucu who will go into the game with confidence after their 2-0 win over Altay last Sunday.

A crowd of approximately 15,000 watched the game with Altay last week and the club will be hoping for another big turn out. Ticket prices range from 5TL - 10TL which are more expensive than the 1TL price last week, still excellent value for money to go and support your team though.

Bandirmaspor are unbeaten in their last 8 games and won 2-0 the last time the two sides met. Ankaragucu have saw a bit of a resurgence under new manager Aykan Atik and will be looking to take the 3 points and keep up their title hopes.

Hasan Ayarolgu scored 2 goals last week and has become the key man for Ankaragucu since the departure of Umut Nayir. Although very different in style Hasan has the potential to go further out of the two in his career. If he can stay fit and keep improving there is no doubting he will play in the Turkish Super Lig.

Teoman Erkan will likely lead the line again and will be hoping he can open his account for the season. The big striker has been working hard and creating chances for his team mates, but he needs to find the net as strikers unfortunately are judged on goals.

The game kicks off at 1330 and the Kanka group will be in attendance, for details on where everyone is meeting contact Jim or Damon.

Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Tepecikspor Match Postponed

A snowstorm in Istanbul means that Ankaragücü - having already arrived there to play Tepecikspor - are now on their way home and the match is postponed to a later date.

Hopefully the storms won't make their way onto Ankara... Brrr!!

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Bakkal's Back and We Got It Goin' On Again

"Everybody (Bakkal's Back)"


Everybody, yeah
Rock your body, yeah
Everybody, yeah
Rock your body right
Bakkal's back, alright

Hey, yeah
Oh my God, we're back again
Brothers, sisters, everybody sing
Gonna bring the flavor, show you how
Gotta question for you better answer now, yeah

Am I original?
Yeah
Am I the only one?
Yeah
Am I sexual?
Yeah
Am I everything you need?
You better rock your body now

Everybody
Yeah
Rock your body
Yeah
Everybody
Rock your body right
Bakkal's back, alright
Alright

Now throw your hands up in the air
Wave them around like you just don't care
If you wanna party let me hear you yell
Cuz we got it goin' on again
Yeah

Am I original?
Yeah
Am I the only one?
Yeah
Am I sexual?
Yeah
Am I everything you need?
You better rock your body now

Everybody
Yeah
Rock your body
Yeah
Everybody
Rock your body right
Bakkal's back, alright
Alright

So everybody, everywhere
Don't be afraid, don't have no fear
I'm gonna tell the world, make you understand
As long as there'll be music, we'll be comin' back again

Everybody, yeah
Rock your body, yeah
Everybody
Rock your body right (rock your body right)
Bakkal's back
Everybody (everybody)
Yeah (rock your body)
Rock your body (everybody)
Yeah (everybody rock your body)
Everybody (everybody, rock your body)
Rock your body right (everybody)
Bakkal's back, alright



With apologies to Denniz PoP and Max Martin and any hopes you may have had for the concept of teleological progress.

Monday, February 16, 2015

Ankaragucu vs Tepecikspor match preview!




Ankaragucu will be looking to continue their good form of late with a win at bottom of the table Tepeckispor on Wednesday afternoon. After a good 2-0 home win against Altay on Sunday in front of a near full stadium, the team will go into the match full of confidence. A lot of credit has to go to coach Aykan Atik who has lifted the spirits of the team and installed a winning mentality that was missing under Mustafa Kaplan.

The last time these two sides met it finished 2-2 at the 19 Mayis stadium in Ankara. Tepecikspor twice took the lead through former Ankaragucu striker Sinan Kurumus, but goals from Umut Nayir and Serhat Gulpinar gave Ankaragucu a share of the points. As we know both Umut Nayir and Serhat  have left the club and have been replaced with Muhammed Gonulacar and Teoman Erkan.

Jim's favourite player Teoman has yet to hit the back of the net, but he has worked hard and created chances for his team mates, he just needs to open his account and get that monkey off his back. Hasan Ayaroglu again showed why he is now the key player in the team with 2 goals at the weekend and he will be looking to continue his good form and help the team take 3 points back to the capital.

Gokhan Akkan will be available again after suspension as will Gurkan Alver, however they will faec a fight to get back into the starting line up with both Turgut Kirveli and Volkan Geyik doing well in their absence.

Its important that Ankaragucu take 3 points from this game if they want to get their playoff hopes back on track. Bandirmaspor are the visitors to the 19 Mayis on Sunday which will be even tougher as they currently sit top of the table. Ill happily take 4 points at this stage.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

ANKARAGUCU – THE CARNIVAL ATMOSPHERE RETURNS !








Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Despite the Lion’s share of possession today, it took Ankaragucu until the last 15 minutes of the match to seal a win which moved them well away from the relegation zone and into mid-table safety.    Well, at least for now !   So, a repeat of this performance today must be sustained for the remainder of the season to lay the foundation for a promotion push next season.

ANKARAGUCU    2             Altay      0

Team - Turgut Kirveli, Metin Aydin, Volkan Geyik, Aytac Oden, Mehmet Tasci, Muhammed Gonulacar, Orhan Evic, Gokhan Erdogan, Hasun Ayaroglu, Teoman Erkan, Levent Kale

Subs - Altay Bayindir, Emir Ozbey, Batuhan Gulcan, Ali Sinan Gayla, Hasan Kaya, Mahsum Kara

The kankas and kankie, Battle Damaged Kanka Damon, Cider Kanka John, Tev Kankie, The Tim Kanka Tony and yours truly, arrived to a carnival atmosphere with Gecikondu and Maraton full, and the other tribunes almost full.   The noise factor was ..... loud !

Can you see Eski Kanka smiling again ????



Only about 50 Altay supporters were in the away end, and as they are regarded as the ‘Gencler of Izmir’, they didn’t make a ‘squeak’ throughout the match.    Well, lets’ face it, they didn’t have much to sing about !

The Ankaragucu players came out with flowers (St Valentines Day !!) and proceeded to throw them to the supporters in the four areas of the Stadium.    This was followed by Gecikondu releasing blue and yellow balloons and Maraton displaying a cascade of confetti !

The first action of the match was almost an early goal from Teoman, but his on target shot was well saved by the Altay keeper.    An even better effort was made 7 minutes later on the 12th  minute mark when Levent volleyed a great goalbound shot just past the post with the keeper helpless.

Into the 16th minute and ......... yessssss ....... all the tribunes remembered how to sing the ‘Bursaspor Song’ which has been missing in recent matches !

It was still all Ankaragucu and in the 18th minute, Teoman was put through on the left. He tried to curl the ball around the keeper but he got a finger to it and it was cleared.

Approaching half time and the best chance of the match fell to Teoman again.   From a throw-in on the left, the ball was back headed to the unmarked Teoman who was only 3 or 4 yards out and he hooked the ball straight at the keeper when the easy option was to right or left.   A terrible miss which will haunt him tonight in his sleep !!!

5 minutes into the 2nd half and an important turning point in the match when a foul was commited by an Altay defender on the edge of the box.    Out comes a yellow, followed by a RED card and Altay was down to 10 men.

At this point of the match we were surprised by the late arrival of Kaleci Kanka Tansu – great to see this ‘olde boy’ back in the mix !!!

For the next few minutes, we had an Altay Surge.    However, Ankaragucu’s goalkeeper, Ihsan, was in fine form and made two crucial saves to deny Altay in what would have been a travesty of justice.

Ankaragucu regained the initiative and broke the deadlock on the 73rd minute mark.   From an Ankaragucu attack on the right, the ball was crossed to the far post where Hasan met it and sent in a screamer off the under-side of the crossbar !!      Relief all round and ............ high fives ......... and let’s break into song ............ Aaaaaankaaarrrraaagoooojooooo !!!

We were still celebrating 3 minutes later when the 2nd goal went in.    A free kick to Ankaragucu on the right just outside the box which Hasan sent into the space which had been left on the right.   With everyone expecting the free kick to be sent over to the back post (including the goalkeeper), Hasan astutely saw the space and the keeper didn’t have time to scramble across to save !     I had a feeling of deja vu about this goal from last season, or was it earlier this season !!    Brilliant !

All credit to the gallant 10 men who kept plugging away, and in all fairness to them, they belie their lowly position in the league.   They put up a great fight and never gave up till the final whistle.

Back to the Chopin Bar to celebrate and drink some yummy coooool Effffesssssss.

Next weekend Ankaragucu will be away to Tepecik.    Another performance like this and we can look forward to that match with more confidence than we had earlier in the season.

Well done today Ankaragucu, and ........ well done to the supporters for turning out in strength.    Today must have been close to a record attendance for a 2nd League match !


All the best from Eski Kanka Jim




Monday, February 09, 2015

Hatayspor 2-1 Ankaragucu match report!




There was heartbreak yet again for the young Ankaragucu players today as they lost 2-1 with the last kick of the ball at Hatayspor. The game turned ugly with some questionable refereeing decisions which the Ankaragucu players and coaches felt cost them the game.

Team - Gokhan Akkan, Metin Aydin, Aytac Oden, Gurkan Alver, Mehmet Tasci, Orhan Evci, Hasan Ayaroglu, Muhammed Gonulacar, Harun Aydin, Levent Kale, Teoman Erkan

Subs - Turgut Kirveli, Volkan Geyik, Ramazan Adiguzel, Hasan Kaya, Ali Sinan Gayla, Mahsum Kara, Gokhan Erdogan

Highlights of the match here   Hatayspor 2-1 Ankaragucu

There was an excellent turnout from the Hatayspor fans despite the Monday afternoon kick off. They are a club who look like they are going places with plans already underway for a new modern stadium to be built. Despite all of that, todays pitch was a mud bath and both teams struggled to cope with the conditions.

Ankaragucu had the first real chance of the game when Orhan Evci rounded the keeper before hitting the post, the ball rebounded to Teoman but his shot was blocked but the Hatayspor defender. Then the first talking point of the game. Captain Gurkan Alver was sent off for a second bookable offence. The highlights don't show what the first one was for, but the second was for a slight tug of the defenders jersey on the half way line.

Despite the 1 man advantage Hatayspor couldnt find the breakthrough and both teams went in at half time level.

With only 3 minutes of the second half gone, Hatayspor scored to make it 1-0 through Ibrahim Taylan after some poor defending and goalkeeping by Ankaragucu. Gokhan Akkan will want to forget this game as things would go from bad to worse for him later on in the game.

Ankaragucu got back on level terms after Levent Kale was brought down by Polat Keser in the Hatayspor goal. Captain Levent stepped up from the penalty spot and made it 1-1. Things got even better for Ankaragucu when Halil Zebek was sent off for Hatayspor for his second bookable offence.

Then the big talking point of the game, deep into injury time Hatayspor won a corner. The ball was played into the box and the referee for some reason awarded Hatayspor a penalty and sent Gokhan Akkan off. The Ankaragucu players and Gokhan in particular were fuming at this stage, the highlights above aren't to clear but it doesn't look like Gokhan done much wrong. Up stepped Murat Uluc from the penalty spot to put it past Levent who had to go in goal as Ankaragucu used all their subs.

There wasn't even time to restart the match, the referee made sure Hatayspor had enough time to score though and award them a penalty. Typical shit Turkish refereeing.

Anyway next up is Saturdays home match with Altay, we are looking for a full stadium in this match. No excuses Kankas get to the stadium and support the team!!!!

Friday, February 06, 2015

Ankaragucu vs Hatayspor match preview!




Ankaragucu will look to make it 3 wins in a row on Monday in a tough encounter with playoff hopefuls Hatayspor. New coach Aykan Atik has lifted the spirits of the players and has picked up some impressive wins in recent weeks as well as an impressive performance against Super Lig side Istanbul Basaksehir.

Mehmet Yiginer has stated this week that his aim is to get the club back in the Super Lig and lift the transfer ban before the season finishes. It remains to be seen weather he can actually deliver a promise or if its another one of his famous riddles. I think Harun will say its more likely to be the later.

With Umut Nayir leaving the club, Teoman Erkan has come into the side to lead the line up front. So far he has been unable to find the net although his work rate cant be faulted. It would be nice to see him open his account for the season and start finding the net. The same can be said for Levent who has added responsibility. Youngsters Hasan Kaya and Ali Sinan have made a claim for their place in the starting line up after both scoring in the midweek cup match at Sivas.

The last time both sides met it was a boring 0-0 draw at the 19 Mayis Stadium in Ankara. The home side sit 4th in the League and former Ankaragucu midfielder Semavi Ozgur now plies his trade at the club.

The Ankaragucu fans are looking to organise filling the 19 Mayis Stadium for the Altay match in 2 weeks with over 20,000 fans. Mehmet Yiginer has reduced ticket prices in line with last season so there is no excuse for anyone to miss out unless they are ill or out of the country.

Can Ankaragucu make a late dash for the playoffs? Its doubtful but our main goal this season is to stay in this league and then we can rebuild the squad next season and push for promotion.

Ankaragucu make it 2 wins in a row!





Ankaragucu finished off their cup campaign with a good 2-1 win at Sivas 4 Eylul on Thursday. Both Hasan Kaya and Ali Sinan Gayla scored their first goals for the club as Ankaragucu fielded a weakened team but impressed especially the 2nd goal which was a great team move and finish from Hasan Kaya.

Team - Turgut Kirveli, Metin Aydin, Volkan Geyik, Gurkan Alver, Mehmet Tasci, Batuhan Gulcan, Harun Aydin, Muhammed Gonulacar, Hasan Kaya, Ali Sinan Gayla, Teoman Erkan

Subs - Kaan Ates, Mahsum Kara, Aytac Oden, Orhan Evci, Hasan Ayaroglu, Levent Kale, Ramazan Adiguzel

The new coach Aykan Atik has started his career at the club in impressive fashion and will be hoping the team can bring back something from this weekends match at Hatayspor.

Monday, February 02, 2015

Gençler Pin-Up



A special treat for the Gençler fans out there: a whole gallery of shots of Cavcav at his pilates lessons!

Ankaragucu 2-0 Sariyer match report!




Ankaragucu restored some pride today and put smiles back on the faces of the fans who had to make do with Facebook and Twitter updates due to the stadium ban. A good 2-0 win over Sariyer who are in the playoff positions will do a lot for the players confidence.

Team - Gokhan Akkan, Metin Aydin, Aytac Oden, Gurkan Alver, Mehmet Tasci, Orhan Evci, Harun Aydin, Muhammed Gonulacar, Teoman Erkan, Hasan Ayaroglu, Levent Kale

Subs - Turgut Kirveli. Volkan Geyik, Batuhan Gulcan, Ali Sinan Gayla, Ramazan Adiguzel, Hasan Kaya

With the sale of star striker Umut Nayir on Friday they question was who would score the goals for Ankaragucu which has been a problem for the team all season? Onur Atasayer is also out long term which meant Mehmet Tasci was recalled to the starting line up.

I have spoken many a time of the potential of Hasan Ayaroglu who has been overshadowed by some of our other young players. That has mainly been due to injury and inconsistency on Hasan's part. He now looks over those injury problems and is enjoying a prolonged spell in the team. His technical ability and speed is key to Ankaragucu staying up this season.

Mehmet Yiginer said on Friday if the fans can show some patience he will get the team back into the Super Lig. I am willing to give him a go and get behind him, not because i trust him, but simply because there is no other option. In the meantime the fans need to get to the stadium and fill it up again and stop the violence.

Former Ankaragucu players Serhat Aykuz and Muhammed Turkmen were both in the Sariyer squad today with Serhat starting the game.

It took Ankaragucu only 2 minutes to take the lead, and it was that man Hasan Ayaroglu who gave them the lead. As all to often this season, 1 goal isn't enough for an Ankaragucu lead. Thankfully the 2nd goal came through Orhan Evci in the second half to give Ankaragucu a comfortable 2-0 lead and it would stay that way.

A good 3 points for Ankaragucu as they now go 6 points clear of the relegation zone. Next up is an away match to Sivas 4 Eylul in the cup on Thursday which no one really cares about as we are out. We should play some of the fringe players for that match and keep our players fresh for Sundays match in Hatay as Ankaragucu take on Hatayspor who will provide a tough test.

Well done Ankaragucu, finally 3 points to give us something to cheer about.