ANKARAGUCU MAKE IT TO THE TOP OF THE LEAGUE !

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

Ankaragucu move 2 points clear at the top of the league after a great 2^nd half performance to snuff out the challenge of Umraniye.

ANKARAGUCU   2                        Umraniye    1

Unusually for December, it was a perfect day in Ankara with blue skies and sunshine.    The kankas met-up at the Stadium - Horseman Kanka Osman, Nurer Kanka and Kaleci Kanka Tansu.   A great turn-out in all the tribunes, except of course, the away end, where I counted 8 and about 10,000 stewards and police !!!

A photo from last night when we both predicted an Ankaragucu win, after devouring quite a few 'refreshments' !!!

With Umut injured, there was a place for Kehinde in the starting line-up, but in the final analysis I don’t think he did enough to displace Umut when he if fit again.   However, having said that, he put in a good shift and perhaps he needs a few games under his belt to get up to speed.

Umraniye took control of the match from the off and their No30 looked dangerous with some speedy runs down the left wing.   From one of them in the 12^th minute, he crossed the ball but fortunately the striker’s shot was weak and easily saved by Korcan.

Kehinde had a chance 2 minutes later in Ankaragucu’s first real attack, but his shot was weak and easily saved.

Then 5 minutes later Umraniye went ahead when a great cross from the right was met by the No30 whose angled header was enough to beat Korcan.

It was still mostly all Umraniye, but Ankaragucu did have two more chances before the half time whistle.   Firstly, Kenan crossed to Pulsila who’s volley was well saved, and secondly from a free kick on the right, Gencer’s bullet header was inches past the post.

So, to half time and I confess saying to Osman that I couldn’t see where the Ankaragucu goals were coming from in the 2^nd half.    I should have remembered my favourite expression ........ a game of two halves !!!

Ankaragucu came out for the 2^nd half all fired up and attacked Umraniye from the kick-off.   Only 2 minutes in and the equaliser came.   It was caused by a defensive cock-up with Kehinde distraction causing a defender to score an own-goal.   We’ll take it !!!

Ankaragucu continued to attack and 10 minutes later came the winning goal from man of the match Kenan who gave the Umraniye defence a torrid time during the match.   However, it was another cock-up from the Umraniye defence which allowed Pulsila to nick the ball from a weak pass.   Off he scampered and played a cut-back for Kenan to tap-in.    Up the volume and the Mexican Wave began !

Erdem also had a fine match and he saved a certain goal 8 minutes later with a timely interception when an attacker was about to shoot.   

With 20 minutes left it was almost the equaliser when the No30 was put through with only Korcan to beat, but his bullet of a shot went narrowly past the post.   Sighs of relief all round !

Ilhan came on for the final 15 minutes with Doka going off to loud applause for his midfield efforts.

Into the final 5 minutes and Umraniye laid siege to the Ankaragucu goalmouth with wave after wave of attacks, but the Ankaragucu defence withstood the pressure and were happy to hoof the ball anywhere out of the danger zone to run the clock down.

So, to the final whistle and a hard fought 2^nd half display from Ankaragucu and it’s fair to say that the victory was well deserved after their 2^nd half showing.

Next Saturday Ankaragucu is away to Gaziantepspor with a 3.30pm KO.    We will watch it either in The Yeni Sedir or Kara Simit.    Watch this space for details nearer the time.

Well done Ankaragucu !

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim