ANKARAGUCU AVOID RELEGATION DOG-FIGHT !

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Yes, Ankaragucu avoided the relegation dog-fight today with a rather fortunate win in their last home match of the season.

ANKARAGUCU   3        Nazillispor   1

A good turn-out of kankas today contrasted with a poor turn-out elsewhere in the Stadium, with even Gecikondu only a quarter full.    There were 20 in the away end and not a squeak was heard from them throughout !

Maniac Kanka Harun, Gorgeous Kankies Hatice and I met-up in the Amateur Stadium for tea and were treated to some excellent footie by Ucbasspor who were 2-0 up at half time with their No10 a possible Ankaragucu striker !

Into the Stadium where we met-up with Apple Kanka Erman, Barnsley Kanka Nigel, Battle Damaged Kanka Damon and Cider Kanka John.

Ankaragucu lost the toss and attacked the Gecikondu end, and it only took 10 minutes for the opening goal to arrive.   A cross came in from the right straight to the unmarked Levent who stroked the ball in at ground level to leave the goalkeeper helpless.

It has to be said that the goal was against the run of play with Nazilli looking dangerous, but their finishing was abysmal, but they should have equalised on the 23^rd minute mark after some sloppy Ankaragucu defending.

One minute later came the referee’s most controversial decision of the match when he decided that Summer had arrived and gave the players a 3 minute ‘water break’.   I’m not sure that I agree with that decision, but I can at least concede that Spring may have arrived at last !!

Approaching half time and yet another Nazilli attack fizzled out when an attacker blasted over.   However, just before the half time whistle, Nazilli did find the target, but Gokhan made his first crucial save to deny them, and as I said before, their shooting was woeful.

Into the 2^nd half and from the re-start, surprise ............. surprise .......... Teoman won a tackle in the opposing half, played a 1-2 with Hasan, but the goalkeeper dived bravely at his feet as he was about to shoot to save well.

5 minutes later a comment from Maniac Kanka ................ quote ...... Hasan Ayaroglu is having a shocker ......... unquote.    Frowns of disapproval from Battle Damaged Kanka !!!

Nazilli had another great chance on the 70^th minute mark when a shot came in on the left side of the penalty area, but the ball hit the post and went out of play.

10 minutes later it should have been 2-0 when a great cross came in from the left to the unmarked Ramazan, but he ballooned the ball over.

5 minutes from the final whistle and the game was still in the balance when Ankaragucu had a penalty claim.   The attacker was pulled back in the box, but he made a meal of it by falling down dramatically and the referee quite righty waved the claims for a penalty away !

However, 5 minutes later with the clock ticking-down, Emir was blatantly pulled down in the box and this time the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot !     Hasan Ayaroglu stepped up and shot to the left and the ball went in off the post.    Whew !!     Relief all round, especially for Hasan who avoided more aggro from Maniac Kanka !!!

Into time added-on and just as we were getting ready to leave, up pops Aytac in the box to hit a shot into the roof of the net to surprise us all.     Unbelievable scoreline, and no sooner had we finished celebrating deep into time added-on, than Nazilli broke away and fired in a consolation goal with the Ankaragucu defence still celebrating, or sleeping, or perhaps their concentration was on the clock !

Back to The Chopin to celebrate a rare victoreeeee and make plans for next weekend and the final match of the season against Kizilcahamam.

The good news is that it will be played in Golbasi Stadium, so the Kankas ‘are up for it’ and our 2^nd away match of the season.    Details to follow here and on fb.

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

ANKARAGUCU FIRE BLANKS AGAIN !

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

With Levent and Teoman banished to the bench, it was left to the 2 Hasans (both midfielders) to do the biz today.

Alas, they failed, and can you hear Eski shouting for Teoman's return ?     Errrrrmmm ....... no, not yet !!!

Kirklarelispor   1        ANKARAGUCU   0

Ankaragucu is leaving it late in the season to be sure of safety from relegation !

Altay on 27 points are doomed, but Ankaragucu in mid-table only have 38 points and with 2nd bottom Tepecik on 32 points, can't take anything for granted with only 2 matches remaining.

Next Saturday (25th) is Ankaragucu's last home match (KO 2.30pm) against Nazilli who are still in the Play-Off mix, so it won't be easy.

The last match is away to Kizilcahamam who are on 34 points and this has all the hallmarks of a classic SIX Pointer !    Surey Ankaragucu can win at least one of those last two matches ........ can't they ??!!

Well, as we all know, anything is possible in footie.    After all, didn't Falkirk beat Hibs yesterday, and ........... Inverness beat Celtic today ??!!

Watch this space as the season draws to a close.

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

ANKARAGUCU PLAY OUT A STALEMATE AND ALMOST BORE US TO TEARS !

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Maniac Kanka and I entered the Stadium 20 minutes before KO to an eerie atmosphere with Gecikondu and Maraton only half full, Kapali almost empty, and what was surprising .......... no singing !

It was the ‘away end’ who gave the ‘wake-up’ call !    There was about 100 of them and when they unfurled a banner which read (Ankaragucu will be born again) it drew lots of applause from all the tribunes.

Then, after the National Anthem it was the ‘away end’ who called both teams over to welcome them, and this prompted Maraton to do the same.

Well done you Gumushane Supporters – you made lots of friends yesterday !

ANKARAGUCU   0             Gumushanespor    0

No sooner had the match got underway than the anti-management chants started, the basis of which was .............. Management, don’t be afraid – do something to save our Club !!!

Gumushane started on the front foot and should have been 2 up within the first 20 minutes with 2 fierce shots just whizzing past the post.

On the 20 minute mark, Hasan had Ankaragucu’s first chance but his shot was blocked by a timely tackle.

Ankaragucu had only one more chance before half time when an inviting cross came in from the left from Hasan and all Teoman had to do was meet it with his head, but he elected to just look at the ball as it flashed past and out of danger !

Gumushane had 2 more chances to score before the half time whistle but Gokhan made 2 saves to thwart them, and Ankaragucu went in fortunate not to be a goal or two behind.

The Gumushane goalkeeper didn’t have anything to do in the first half due to Ankaragucu’s old failings re-surfacing, ie, lots of passing between Gokhan, Volkan, Onur and Andac in their own half, but then the breakdown in the opposing half with too many passes going astray and losing possession too easily to the busy Gumushane players.    The chief culprits being Gokhan Erdogan and Teoman who obviously climbed out of bed on the wrong side yesterday morning !!

Ankaragucu upped the tempo in the 2^nd half but their performance was still below par.    However, they should have opened the scoring 10 minutes into the 2^nd half when they had 3 attempts in the box at headers, but the goalkeeper and the woodwork came to Gumushane’s aid in what was like a ping-pong game !

However, just prior to that comedy show, Gumushane were denied a goal from a freekick which Gokhan saved spectacularly.

Halfway through the 2^nd half Eski Kanka was able to cheer at last when Emir replaced Teoman, and 10 minutes later Maniac Kanka was able to cheer when Gokhan Erdogan was replaced !

5 minutes to the final whistle, Ankaragucu broke away down the right and in a smart exchange of passes, Emir was in a great position to score, but blasted over.    At that moment I was thinking  .................. hmmmmmm ............... maybe Teoman would have scored, but then I said .................  Nah !!!

Into the last minute and Gokhan (my Man of the Match) saved the day by tipping over a goal bound free kick.

So, having re-read my report, it didn’t sound like a boring match, but .................. believe me, yes it was for the most part !

Back to The Chopin Bar we went where we met up with Barnsley Kanka Nigel who will hopefully try to attend Ankargucu’s last home match against Nazilli in a few weeks time.

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

ANKARAGUCU DITHER TO A BORING DRAW !!

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Yawn yawn ........... please wake me up !!!

I just can't find the energy to report on today's match.

ANKARAGUCU   0     Gumushane    0

Thank God that Maniac Kanka Harun was there to entertain me !!!

Match report tomorrow night, but don't expect me to say anything complimentary about Ankaragucu !!!

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim

PS .......... Well, at least Hibs won the Edinburgh Derby to put a smile back on my ugly face !!!

Ankaragucu vs Gumushanespor match preview!

There were more bad news off field this week when Mustafa Akan who is a friend of Melih Gokcek and Mehmet Yiginer claimed he is taking the club to court due to 17 Million Lira he claims he is owed by the club. The club is also been pursued for 500k by a sausage company and it looks like we are in for another troubled summer.

The worrying thing for me is that Mustafa Akan is involved with Melih and Mehmet and that no one knew anything about this money he is owed. To me it looks like Ankaragucu are being exploited again.

Onto some good news, and Muhammed Gonulacar, Metin Aydin, Hasan Ayaroglu and Turgut Kirveli were all called up to the Turkish U19 squad this week. Credit must go to the Ankaragucu youth coaches who have a fantastic record of bringing through talented young players.

Tomorrows match is at home with a 1430 kick off at the 19 Mayis Stadium for the visit of Gumushanespor who lie one place below Ankaragucu in the table. The visitors have a very similar record to Ankaragucu with too many draws which have hampered their playoff hopes. They will be however coming to the Capital looking to take the 3 points back home.

Ankaragucu lost 2-1 last weekend at Goztepe and will have been disappointed to have come away empty handed having missed a couple of easy chances to kill the game off before Goztepe scored. Teoman needs to start finding consistency and improve on his finishing if he wants to keep his place in the team. Young Emir Ozbey is looking for his chance in the team and has an excellent scoring record at youth level.

Not the most exciting of matches that the club has been involved in but its important to take the 3 points and start preparing for next season. However i don't hold out much hope with the growing financial problems off field set to take centre stage again.

Mehmet Erdem comes back to haunt Ankaragucu!

Goztepe 2-1 Ankaragucu

Goztepe vs Ankaragucu highlights

Team - Gokhan Akkan, Orhan Evci, Gurkan Alver, Volkan Geyik, Mehmet Tasci, Muhammed Gonulacar, Harun Aydin, Hasan Kaya, Hasan Ayaroglu, Teoman Erkan, Levent Kale

Subs - Turgut Kirveli, Metin Ilhan, Gokhan Erdogan, Ramazan Adiguzel, Emir Ozbey, Mashum Kara, Ali Sinan

It all started so well for Ankaragucu as they took the lead in Izmir, but two second half goals from the home side saw Ankaragucu leave empty handed. A big crowd turned up for this game as Goztepe fight it out with Bandirmaspor to become champions.

Ankaragucu had the first chance of the match when Teoman set up Hasan Kaya who shot straight at Oguzhan in the Goztepe goal. Goztepe then had a couple of headed chances with Emrah in particular heading inches wide of Gokhans goal.

Then came the opening goal after 23 minutes as Hasan Kaya laid the ball off to Orhan just inside the box who blasted the ball past Oguzhan to make it 1-0. The score would remain that way until half time.

Into the second half and another chance for Ankaragucu as Teoman controlled the ball well in the box but couldn't beat Oguzhan from a tight angle who made a good save. Then came the best chance of the game a few minutes later. Teoman was put through on goal with a nice pass but he shot straight at Oguzhan again, the rebound fell to Hasan Kaya with only the defender on the line to beat, somehow he miss hit his shot and the defender cleared the ball off the line. That would have secured the 3 points for Ankaragucu.

Instead it was Goztepe who would equalise in bizarre fashion from former Ankaragucu winger Mehmet Erdem. His corner beat Gokhan at his front post and the ball went straight into the back of the net. Poor goalkeeping from Gokhan as no keeper should be beat at his front post. Fair play to Mehmet Erdem who kept his celebrations at minimum in respect to his former club.

Then came the 2nd goal and another mistake from Gokhan Akkan, a lovely ball into the box from Mehmet Erdem and top scorer Timur Kosovali got the slightest of touches ahead of Gurkan Alver and the ball somehow found its way past Gokhan.

Young Gokhan is a talented Goalkeeper but his form has been questionable at times with some fantastic performances and then some moments of madness. With Ankaragucu having some excellent young goalkeepers coming through he needs to step up his performances if he wants to keep his place.

Goztepe would hold on to their 2-1 lead and secure the 3 points in front of a delighted home crowd. Ankaragucu yet again put in a good performance but a couple of costly errors and poor finishing left them empty handed.

The playoffs are now out of reach for Ankaragucu, and instead the rest of the season will be a platform for improving, learning from mistakes and getting ready for next season.

Turkish Cup Quarterfinal... Geliyoruz!

Finally a match we can go to!!

Genclerbirligi v Bursaspor
Turkish Cup
Wednesday, April 8
KO: 6:30pm
Meeting at the Red Lion at 4pm. Heading for the stadium at 5:30pm
Tickets for Maraton 12tl

Coming off a big win on Saturday against Kasimpasa (5-2), Genclerbirligi will be playing Bursaspor in the quarterfinal of the Turkish Cup on Wednesday, April 8, at 6pm. The first match was a 1-1 draw in Bursa. So we have it all to play for.

Us fans also have it all to play for. As you know we have been boycotting matches this year because of the Passolig Card system. As a result crowds at Gencler games are down by more than 90 percent. For this Wednesday's Cup match, however, you will not need to own a Passolig card.

A week or so ago representatives from various Gencler fan groups (Alkaralar, Dikmen Tayfa, the Genclerbirligi Taraftar Dernegi, HaydiGencler, Karakizil, ODTU'lu Gencler and Ultras Kardesler) agreed to lift the picket line for this match in an attempt to show the management of the club and the players that us fans are still here, all we want is for the Passolig system to be lifted.

So.... I have just received news that tickets for the match will go on sale at the 19 Mayis Stadium on Monday. Get them early because if you wait for just before the match you could well be stuck there for ages.

The wrath of El Kabir

For a team that has a defence and a goalkeeper that make you want to scream in pure and utter frustration each and every time the opposition get the ball, I guess it is lucky we have a few blokes up front who can score.

Genclerbirligi 5 - 2 Kasimpasa

Stupid bloody weather in Ankara. Snow in April... bitterly cold winds. Bloody hopeless. Still, the sun came out a bit by about the time the match kicked off at the 19 Mayis. Not that I cared about the cold, I was in the nice warm Sudem pub.

Not the full Gencler team. Guido and Ugur were out injured ... and Stancu still hasn't recovered. Defender Ahmet Hakan was also out thanks to yellow cards. Still, I was confident, until...

Three minutes gone and our defence was already shot. Kasimpasa was on the attack, we had three defenders, they had two attackers. So what happens, one of the attackers is left completely alone! Hopeless. The bloke took the shot and even if he had tried I don't think Ramazan could have saved it.

Talk about depressing. To go down so early. The Sudem was dead quiet, besides the howls of anguish.

El Kabir Azabı. Which I think translates as
"The wrath of El Kabir"

Then it was all flaffing around for ages. Then Mervan, clearly offside, gets the ball and shoots and goal. I didn't even celebrate because I was sure the referee was going to call them all back. But no... If I was a Kasimpasa fan I would have been furious.

Next one was clear though. Handball in the box. Penalty and El Kabir scores.

2-1 at half-time.

Then not much later 3-1, then 4-1 and then I think they scored and then we wrapped it up with another penalty. A hat-trick for El Kabir and all up a very very nice result.

It doesn't really matter though. We aren't going to get relegated and I don't think we can get into Europe. Still, a good result ahead of Wednesday night's Turkish Cup quarterfinal against Bursa. I'll be posting very very soon about that one.  
 

Ankaragucu vs Goztepe match preview!

There are many big rivalries in Turkish football such as the Istanbul derbies, Goztepe vs Karsiyaka, Besiktas vs Bursaspor and Genclerbirligi vs Haceteppe (well not really). This weekend we have another fierce match as Ankaragucu travel to Izmir to take on title contenders Goztepe.

Unfortunately it looks like Ankaragucu fans won't be allowed to travel to the game due to fears of crowd trouble. The rivalry goes back to when Ankaragucu played Galatasaray in the Turkish cup final in Izmir. The local Goztepe fans went to the game supporting Galatasaray, where as the Karsiyaka fans were giving their support to Ankaragucu.

The last time the two sides met the game ended in a 1-1 draw at the 19 Mayis Stadium on Ankara with Levent Kale scoring a late penalty to give Ankaragucu a share of the points. Two former Ankaragucu players will be in contention for a starting place in the Goztepe line up. Emre Aygun and Mehmet Erdem both played for the club, with Mehmet moving to Goztepe in January after some fantastic performances for Ankaragucu.

Aytac Oden will miss out due to suspension so the central defence pairing will be Volkan Geyik and Gurkan Alver. Both Onur Atasayer and Cihan Bal are still long term casualties, while Gokhan Akkan is struggling with injury which could mean Turgut Kirveli could start in goal.

Timur Kosovali started the season so well for Goztepe but the goals have dried up for the big striker. He will be hoping to get the shooting boots back on and will still be a dangerous play for the Ankaragucu defence.

Ankaragucu have been in good form of late, and much of that is down to a new forward line of Hasan Ayarolglu, Hasan Kaya and Teoman Erkan. The 3 will need to be at their best on Sunday if Ankaragucu are to take anything from the game.

A bit of news from off field matters i received this week from former player Calvin Sosibo. The South African winger agreed to a deal with Ankaragucu to reduce the amount of money owed to him in unpaid wages. Unfortunately he has still not been paid by the club. The worrying thing is that the deal was struck by Mehmet Yiginer and he has failed to keep his promise.

In a week when the City of Ankara unveiled a statue of a transformer, surely their is enough money to save the cities most important club?