Ankaragucu and Ismail Kartal answered their critics today with a brilliant 3-1 win at Balikesirspor which takes them 2nd and only 2 points behind leaders Umraniyespor. Before the game kicked off, Rizespor lost 3-0 at home against Altinordu while Umraniyespor lost 2-1 at Istanbulspor. That gave Ankaragucu all the motivation they needed and they delivered with a spirited performance.
Team - Korcan, Erdem, Alihan, Gencer, Ferhat, Mbamba, Sedat, Putsila, Kenan, Ilhan, Umut Nayir
Subs - Altay, Yusuf, Mahmut, Mehmet, Tonia, Kehinde, Enes, Abdulkadir, Ahmet Can
İsmail Kartal started with the formation and system that he has worked with and trusted all season. Had he not delivered today then their would have been a lot of questions asked, but he stood strong and what a start to the game for Ankaragucu as they attacked straight from kick off.
It took only 4 minutes for Ankaragucu to take the lead. A brilliant corner into the box from Erdem was met by the head of Umut Nayir as he placed his powerful header past Atilla to make it 1-0. The travelling Ankaragucu fans were delighted and celebrate the teams first goal since the winter break.
Mahatma had a great chance shortly after for Balikesirspor but his weak effort was easily saved by Korcan in the Ankaragucu goal.
Ankaragucu went 2-0 up after 16 minutes when Kenan put a good cross into box for Gencer who saw his shot save by Atilla, but Putsila was on hand to put the rebound into the back of the net and the Ankaragucu fans were delighted with the start.
Korcan Celikay has proved to be the key man for Ankaragucu this season and produced a world class save and save of the season to keep the score at 2-0. Abdulkadir found Burak in the box and from about 7 yards out he blasted the ball at goal but somehow Korcan got a hand to it and pushed the ball onto the bar.
Balikesirspor were thrown a lifeline after Alihan fouled his man in the box with a stupid tackle. Up stepped captain Nizamettin to pull a goal back and make it 1-2.
Umut Nayir should have made it 3-1 but for a good save from Atilla, Umut could have went down in the box but he decided to stay on his feet and should have scored.
Half Time - Balikesirspor 1-2 Ankaragucu
Five minutes into the 2nd half and Alihan Kubalas made up for his earlier error with his 5th goal of the season. Another assist for Erdem who crossed into the box for Alihan whose header beat Atilla and made it 3-1.
Special mention must go to Tonia Tisdell who came on in the first half for the injured Ilhan Parlak. He had an excellent game and looks to be closer to match fitness.
Anton Putsila went close late on from a 30 yard effort that was saved by Atilla. Ankaragucu held on to the 3-1 lead despite some late pressure from Balikesirspor. Next up is a massive home match with Rizespor next weekend. Their should be a big crowd at the 19 Mayis Stadium as the two sides go head to head.
Thanks for the report Nadeem, and you probably heard the sighs of relief at your end all the way from Ankara. That was a massive result and one which should take the pressure off the players and Coach.
ReplyDeleteNext up on Friday is the '6 pointer' against Rize. It's an effin 6pm KO, so my attendance is very much in doubt. Harun did mention today that Ankaragucu Management are trying to move the KO time to 8pm, but I don't think the TV company will be happy to comply, since the effin Beshiktrash match also is an 8pm KO. However, we live in hope, so let's see what Harun says after a decision has been made.