GENCLERBIRLIGI – BACK TO THE DRAW-ing BOARD !!!

 

 

Greetings Kankas and Kankies.

 

At the halfway point in the season, and Gencler seem determined to retain the unlikely distinction as one of the draw specialists of The Championship League with 7 draws so far in the season.   (Erzurumspor is leading the race with 8   !!).

 

Gencler is stuck in 8^th position in the league, just outside the play-off positions, and the time is overdue to dispense with winning one point instead of three to move back into contention for promotion.

 

Umraniye              1                       GENCLERBIRLIGI             1

 

Team – Orkun, Yasin, Yigit, Babacan, Nzaba, Akabueze, Kayode, Kemaloglu, Amilton, Erturk and M. Yatabare

 

Substitutes – Aias, Ozughan and Rodrigues

 

In the 1^st half last night, both teams were intent on attack, and early on, Yatabare had a goal bound shot well saved.     At the other end, Umraniye hit the underside of the bar with the ball being cleared to safety.

 

It was Gencler who snatched the initiative when a cross was sent in from the left.    Yatabare had a slight touch with a back-header to the unmarked Amilton who made no mistake with his header.

 

Into the 2^nd half and the Umraniye goalkeeper pulled off two great consecutive saves by Yatabare and Kayode.     Both efforts were destined for the back of the net   !

 

It was not all one-way traffic with Umraniye playing some attractive football, but their efforts in the final third was their downfall.

 

They missed a golden opportunity with 15 minutes to go when an attacker was presented with an open goal but he somehow contrived to screw the ball out off the outside of the post.

 

However, their persistence finally paid off 5 minutes later with a well deserved equaliser.     A corner was sent into the box where Mustafa had time to chest the ball down and fire a shot in.

 

So, on reflection, a fair result on the balance of play   !

 

Back to the DRAW-ing board for Gencler as they prepare for the visit of Sakaryaspor (currently in the play-off zone) on Sunday 21 January.

 

As always, watch this space for the outcome.

 

All the best from Eski Kanka Jim