Erzerumspor 0-0 Ankaragucu match report!

A good Goalkeeper is worth his weight in gold, and today Korcan Celikay again showed why he is such an important player for Ankaragucu. The 30 year old former Besiktas and Sivasspor keeper was man of the match with a fantastic display in the 0-0 draw at Erzerumspor.

Team - Korcan, Erdem, Gencer, Alihan, Mehmet, Arif, Sedat, Mbamba, Ilhan, Kenan, Umut Nayir
Subs - Altay, Furkan, Lukasz, Yusuf, Mahmut, Ferhat, Ahmet, Tonia

It was a cold winters day in Erzerum and their was snow at the side of the park but the pitch was in good condition for a game of football after excellent work from the ground staff. A draw in Erzerum isn’t the worst result in the world, but it was the manner of the Ankaragucu display that was slightly concerning as the team were lucky to escape with a share of the points.

Ankaragucu had the first chance of the game after nice play from Kenan straight from kick off as he beat two players, but his weak effort from outside the box was easily held by Hakan. Seven minutes later Hakan Arslan had a shot from distance that went wide of the post for Erzerum at the other end.

Erhan Celenk was the best player on the pitch and almost gave Erzerum the lead after 15 minutes but for an excellent save from Korcan. From the resulting corner Stephan Acka headed the ball over the bar.

Erhan went close again on the 27th minute with a shot from distance but Korcan made another good save to tip the ball over for a corner.

Ankaragucu were looking out of sorts as their play was sluggish, slow and they were struggling to support Umut Nayir in attack. Kenan was the only one who looked like he was causing Erzerum any problems. On the 34th minute nice play with him and Sedat led to a chance for Ilhan but his shot was well saved by Hakan.

Just before half time Hakan produced an excellent double save from Kenan to keep the score at 0-0 in what was a pretty even first half.

The second half was all Erzerum as they piled the pressure on and looked the stronger, fitter and faster team all over the pitch. One minute into 2nd half Erhan beat two players before his shot was tipped round the post by Korcan.

Five minutes later and it was another outstanding save from Korcan from Erhan who couldn’t believe his luck as the Ankaragucu keeper was saving everything that came at him. Gokhan Karadeniz was next to be denied by Korcan as his header was straight at him.

On the 64th minute a shot from distance by Taylan was again saved by Korcan. Five minutes later Alihan had a chance at the other end but his headed went wide of the post.

It looked like it was going to be Erzerum’s day on the 77th minute as they were awarded a penalty. Mehmet Sak made a poor mistake and then Alihan committed a rash challenge in the box as the referee pointed to the penalty spot. Up stepped Hamza Younes....and yes you guessed it, Korcan made another unbelievable save.

There were a couple of late half chances from Erdem and Kenan which didn’t mount to anything. Full Time 0-0 and Ankaragucu have Korcan Celikay to thank for an incredible performance.

A poor display from Ankaragucu who missed Anton Putsila in midfield. Mbamba understandably looked unfit after missing the last 4 months through injury. It’s hard to criticise İsmail Kartal but his persistence in playing Ilhan Parlak no matter how poorly he is playing could come back and bite him in the face. Ankaragucu need some pace up top with Umut and will be hoping Tonia can be that man once fit.

Ankaragucu drop down to 2nd after Umraniyespor won 7-0 against Gaziantepspor and now lead the table on goal difference. Rizespor are now only 1 point behind after a convincing 3-0 win at Manisaspor.

It’s a home match with Altinordu next week for Ankaragucu in what will be a must win game after winning only 1 of their last 4 games.