The round ball in Ankara

 

ANKARAGUCU – CHAMP….

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

This headline is Harun’s suggestion, which he predicted 5 weeks ago and it looks like it is a real possibility after a hard fought win last night.

 

However,it has to be said that Ankaragucu made heavy work of it to make the breakthrough, especially after some slack football in the 1^st half, and they were fortunate to go in at half time all square.

 

Bandirma chased and harried Ankaragucu to give them little time on the ball and the Ankaragucu defence had to stand up and be counted, especially in the 1^st half.

 

The kankas met up in the Bira Park Bar to watch the match …….Damon, Harun, Tansu, Osman and yours truly.

 

ANKARAGUCU         1                 Bandirma             0

 

Team – Akin, Erdem, Yusuf, Sinan, Murat, Abdullah, Ishak, Zahid, Geraldo,Ariyibi and Owusu.

 

Substitutes – Sahiverdi, Alperen, Ali Kaan, Cem and Aatif

 

Ankaragucu had Akin to thank for denying Bandirma an early goal in the 7^th minute.    He was at full stretch to turn a goal bound shot around  the post for a corner.

 

Ankaragucu had to wait until the 20th minute for their first shot on goal when Murat tried his luck from about 35 yards, but his shot was saved.

 

Bandirma almost opened the scoring after some great build up play 4 minutes later, but the final shot was just past the post.

 

Approaching half time and Sinan and Geraldo both had chances, but Sinan’s shot was easily saved and then his header went just over the bar.     Geraldo had a shot inside the box but sent it well over the bar   !

 

Ankaragucu started the 2nd half in more determined fashion and it only took 15 minutes for  the break through to arrive.    The goal was crafted by Geraldo for his first assist for the Club and it was a classic goal.     He attacked on the right, avoided a tackle, looked up and sent in a perfect cut-back to the unmarked Zahid in the box who stroked the ball in with the goalkeeper well beaten.

 

It has to be said that this was Geraldo’s best match for Ankaragucu.     There is no denying his commitment and effort for  the team and it is to be hoped that this will have a positive effect on his confidence for the future.

 

Ariyibi almost made it two 15 minutes later, but after he powered his way into the box, his final shot was just over the bar.

 

Ankaragucu shut up shop for the final 10 minutes and ran the clock down easily.

 

So, the bottom line is ………….. Ankaragucu is 6 points clear at the top of the league, at least until Umraniye play Eyup later today.    They are also 12 points clear of Erzurum in 3rd place  !!

 

Ankaragucu will be in action again next Sunday when they travel to mid-table Manisa.     As always, watch this space for the outcome.

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim