Saturday morning off to Balgat for Little Oz Kanka's football match, then straight to the Red Lion Club to watch a very unlucky Wales go down to France in the rugby, then it was off to Kecioren for Little Oz Kanka's cricket match and then I had to umpire a couple of Under 13s cricket matches. Quite a sporting day, followed by - Sunday morning off to Kecioren for Little Oz Kanka's cricket match, then to the Red Lion Club to watch Australia get beaten by a far superior Kiwi side (oh how it pains me to say that, but it was true) and then off to watch Genclerbirligi... phew, quite a weekend.
Genclerbirligi 3 - 0 Antalyaspor
Spine, French Kanka Hande and Little Oz Kanka joined me at the Beer Bus at about 1pm for what was not my first beer of the day. With just a bit of a cloudy brain off we went to the stadium, minus French Kanka who preferred to go home to do some cleaning.
One of the best things about having bugger all supporters is that we can time our arrival at the stadium to a T. We showed up just in time to hear the national anthemn and still we got excellent seats. All up I'd say about three to four thousand at the match. Not many, but we did make ourselves heard, especially since we took the lead in the fourth minute.
It was all a bit scrappy but these things need a decent build up and that was what we got when Hursut sent the ball into the box. I think it was Oktay who got to it but he didn't get the ball cleanly and instead it was an Antalya player who did... and put the ball into his own net. As I said scrappy but we were as over the moon.
Gencler continued to attack and it was quite exhilarating for us fans as they actually showed some promise. This was not the Gencler of a couple of weeks ago. Great attacks and some brilliant defending had Antalya on the back foot for the entire 90 minutes. Our coach Fuat Capa got his own chant from the fans towards the end of the match because he had obviously banged into our players the importance of keeping the ball and defending hard. My only criticism, which Spine also pointed out during the match is that our man up front today, Herve Tum, just doesn't seem to fit in, especially with through balls from people like Azofeifa, Erdal or Hursut being lost completely because Tum clearly doesn't have the speed to get to them. Anyway, I'm getting ahead of myself a touch.
It wasn't long before Gencler went 2-0 up after Azofeifa sent a ball over the top to Aykut just inside the box. he hit it with a fair amount of power and Antalya's keeper Omer didn't have a clue. In fact he probably could have saved it, but obviously he couldn'T be bothered.
As the Gencler fans started chanted Uç, Uç, Uç, someone sent a ball through to Oktay who managed to get away from a defender and found himself one-on-one with Omer. No worries as Oktay slid it in. 3- 0 after just 33 minutes. This was great stuff.
There were no more goals but plenty of chances and the football from Gencler was great. One problem we did have was the failure of the forwards to actually take chances as they came to them. Some brilliant chances deserved to have been taken but too often than not the Gencler players didn't back themselves and instead went for a pass.
Still, I can't complain much. All up it was a great match. The Gencler defence was excellent with Aykut and Curri in complete control. Hursut was his usual enigmatic self and Oktay in midfield/up front put his all in.
Antalya may not be the best team in the league but if we beat these type of teams we won't be worrying at the end of the season.
The Round Ball in Ankara! Dedicated to football lovers in Ankara (Except for those who follow Osmanlispor)
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Saturday, October 15, 2011
ANKARAGUCU - ALMOST, BUT .... NOT QUITE !
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
Ankaragucu returned to Ankara empty handed after putting on an excellent performance last night. Had Lady Luck contrived to be present in Trabzon, it just might have been a different story. However, facts are facts, and Ankaragucu still find themselves propping up the League today.
Trabzonspor 3 Ankaragucu 2
Team -
Ozden
Ugur, Ediz, Aydin and Ozgur
Kagan, Hurriyet, Rajnoch and Weeks
Tonia and Turgut
Substitutes - Guven, Atilla and Cerny
The Four Kankas met in The Chopin Bar for pre-match 'refreshments'. Battle Damaged Kanka Damon, Cider Kanka John and Simon (Aston Villa supporter -brave man !). Also, a large Ankaragucu contingent was present and all fired up singing and shouting (just like being in the Stadium !).
So, Ankaragucu came out at the KO and was full-on into attacking mode and it was 30 minutes on the clock before Ozden had a save to make.
But, the first goal arrived on the 20 minute mark and what a goal it was too. Turgut collected the ball on the left, beat 2 defenders and curled the ball round another defender into the right corner of the the goal for a great individual goal. (Damon commented that Turgut had probably been studying David Villa videos !!)
Trabzon was not to be denied though, and despite a shot which rebounded off the crossbar, they finally equalised 5 minutes from half time when Pawel received a cut-back from the left and walked the ball in with Ozden helplessly exposed.
Half time, and my thoughts ............ Ankaragucu unlucky not to be in the lead.... and impressed with Turgut's workrate after some early season poor perfomances.
Into the 2nd half and Trabzon was gradually coming into the match and beginning to take control. Then, 10 minutes in and almost a break-through for Trabzon when Ozden made a great save from a goal-bound shot and the rebound headed off the line by ...... couldn't see which defender was the hero !
Then on the 60th minute, and against the run of play, Ankaragucu fashioned a breakaway of their own when Weeksie took a long ball played out to him with the Trabzon defence caught napping. He rounded Tolga and slotted in. Cue ..... The Chopin breaks into song and we are all sensing a great victory.
Grrrrrrr ............ 5 minutes later and the 2nd equaliser arrived when Celustka was given too much time, with no tackles coming in, to deflate us.
To their credit, Ankaragucu didn't go into their shell and protect the one point. Ankaragucu still pressed forward, but in the end another dead-ball situation was their downfall.
With 10 minutes to go and the match finely balanced, they conceded a free kick just outside the penalty box. Burak probably saw a space in the 'fragile' wall and curled his free kick into the right corner to win the match.
A real sickner at the end and we could see the disappointment on the faces of the Ankaragucu players at the final whistle.
However, this Ankaragucu team bereft of its star players, can take heart from this performance. The Ordu match next Sunday can be viewed with optimism on this showing.
Down, yes, but not out ............. yet !
You can be sure that the Stadium will be full next Sunday ...... and ...... the kankas will be there to see our first win of the season.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
Ankaragucu returned to Ankara empty handed after putting on an excellent performance last night. Had Lady Luck contrived to be present in Trabzon, it just might have been a different story. However, facts are facts, and Ankaragucu still find themselves propping up the League today.
Trabzonspor 3 Ankaragucu 2
Team -
Ozden
Ugur, Ediz, Aydin and Ozgur
Kagan, Hurriyet, Rajnoch and Weeks
Tonia and Turgut
Substitutes - Guven, Atilla and Cerny
The Four Kankas met in The Chopin Bar for pre-match 'refreshments'. Battle Damaged Kanka Damon, Cider Kanka John and Simon (Aston Villa supporter -brave man !). Also, a large Ankaragucu contingent was present and all fired up singing and shouting (just like being in the Stadium !).
So, Ankaragucu came out at the KO and was full-on into attacking mode and it was 30 minutes on the clock before Ozden had a save to make.
But, the first goal arrived on the 20 minute mark and what a goal it was too. Turgut collected the ball on the left, beat 2 defenders and curled the ball round another defender into the right corner of the the goal for a great individual goal. (Damon commented that Turgut had probably been studying David Villa videos !!)
Trabzon was not to be denied though, and despite a shot which rebounded off the crossbar, they finally equalised 5 minutes from half time when Pawel received a cut-back from the left and walked the ball in with Ozden helplessly exposed.
Half time, and my thoughts ............ Ankaragucu unlucky not to be in the lead.... and impressed with Turgut's workrate after some early season poor perfomances.
Into the 2nd half and Trabzon was gradually coming into the match and beginning to take control. Then, 10 minutes in and almost a break-through for Trabzon when Ozden made a great save from a goal-bound shot and the rebound headed off the line by ...... couldn't see which defender was the hero !
Then on the 60th minute, and against the run of play, Ankaragucu fashioned a breakaway of their own when Weeksie took a long ball played out to him with the Trabzon defence caught napping. He rounded Tolga and slotted in. Cue ..... The Chopin breaks into song and we are all sensing a great victory.
Grrrrrrr ............ 5 minutes later and the 2nd equaliser arrived when Celustka was given too much time, with no tackles coming in, to deflate us.
To their credit, Ankaragucu didn't go into their shell and protect the one point. Ankaragucu still pressed forward, but in the end another dead-ball situation was their downfall.
With 10 minutes to go and the match finely balanced, they conceded a free kick just outside the penalty box. Burak probably saw a space in the 'fragile' wall and curled his free kick into the right corner to win the match.
A real sickner at the end and we could see the disappointment on the faces of the Ankaragucu players at the final whistle.
However, this Ankaragucu team bereft of its star players, can take heart from this performance. The Ordu match next Sunday can be viewed with optimism on this showing.
Down, yes, but not out ............. yet !
You can be sure that the Stadium will be full next Sunday ...... and ...... the kankas will be there to see our first win of the season.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
Monday, October 10, 2011
Ankaragucu vs Trabzonspor Match Preview !
Last seasons matches between the two clubs saw Trabzonspor win 2-0 in Ankara thanks to Two goals from Teofilio Gutierrez. The return match in Trabzon saw the home side take the lead through Jaja Coelho, but Ankaragucu fought back through a well taken goal from Drago Gabric.
A lot has changed since then, with Trabzonspor loosing a lot of there key players like Umut Bulut, Jaja Coelho, Ibrahim Yattara and Selcuk Inan to name a few, they have been able to replace them though with players like Didier Zokora, Volkan Sen, Paulo Henrique and of course Marek Sapara to name a few.
Trabzonspor are starting to hit a bit of form now, and look much better than they did in the first few weeks. A fantastic win at Inter Milan in the San Siro was followed up with a draw at home to Lille in the champions league, and last weeks 2-0 win at Eskisehirspor showed they mean business.
Key players for Trabzonspor are Burak Yilmaz who is the leagues top scorer with 7 Goals in 4 games, and new Polish signing Andre Mierzejewski who looks a real find with his pace and skill causing problems for defenders.
Ankaragucu although full of spirit in the last game against Galatasaray need to cut out the silly goals from set pieces, and goals we loose from counter attacks. Our Key player again will be Ozden who has been on great form this season, and we will need big performances from the likes of Jan Rajnoch and Tonia Tisdell.
Its going to be tough and unfortunately i cant see this poor run stopping here, a comfortable win for Trabzonspor is all i can see from Sundays game.
The one thing I would like to add is that although we are in big trouble this season, and the football on show is hard to watch, the club needs us, the fans need to stick behind the team and encourage them, who knows what can happen. If we can show the same commitment that we did against Galatasaray but tighten up at the back and finish our chances then nothing is impossible. As the great man Marvin Andrews once said KEEP BELIEVING !
Sunday, October 09, 2011
FIXTURES RELEASED
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
The fixtures for next weekend have been released.
Friday 14 October KO 8pm - Trabzon v Ankaragucu
Sunday 16 October KO 3pm - Gencler v Antalya
As we long suffering Ankara supporters know, there are no 'easy' matches in the Super League, so we take nothing for granted anymore.
Everyone is agreed that Ankaragucu doesn't have a snowball's chance in Hell of 'escaping' from Trabzon with anything. However, if they show the same commitment and effort that they did against Galatasaray then anything is possible. Agreed ???!!!
We shall watch that match in The Chopin and meeting there for pre-match drinkies between 6 and 7pm.
Oz Kanka will be sending out a mailie soon with details about meeting for the Gencler match.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
The fixtures for next weekend have been released.
Friday 14 October KO 8pm - Trabzon v Ankaragucu
Sunday 16 October KO 3pm - Gencler v Antalya
As we long suffering Ankara supporters know, there are no 'easy' matches in the Super League, so we take nothing for granted anymore.
Everyone is agreed that Ankaragucu doesn't have a snowball's chance in Hell of 'escaping' from Trabzon with anything. However, if they show the same commitment and effort that they did against Galatasaray then anything is possible. Agreed ???!!!
We shall watch that match in The Chopin and meeting there for pre-match drinkies between 6 and 7pm.
Oz Kanka will be sending out a mailie soon with details about meeting for the Gencler match.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
Monday, October 03, 2011
ANKARAGUCU - HIGH ON ENDEAVOUR, BUT ......
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
NO CUTTING EDGE !!
As expected, Galatasaray won last night with one clinical well taken goal, one fantastic own-goal and a penalty.
Ankaragucu 0 Galatasaray 3
Battle Damaged Kanka Damon, Flying Dutchman Kanka Carlo and I met up in The Chopin and spent more time discussing The Rugby World Cup than discussing Ankaragucu's chances of creating an upset ! We were later joined by Cider Kanka John (he does a great West Country accent and he's a World Famous authority on Cider !). We also had a flying visit from Smart Arse Kanka Dave and his beautiful wife Suzanne (I refuse to call her Mrs Smart Arse Kankie !).
Off then to a full capacity Stadium with Gecikondu again in fine form with their usual repertoire of songs and dances. btw, I'm pleased to report that peace has been declared between Gecikondu and Anti-X with BOTH tribunes joining in the 'Bursa Song' on 16 minutes !
Team -
Ozden
Ugur, Aydin, Ediz and Ozgur
Kagan and Hurriyet
Rajnoch and Turgut
Ergin and Tonia
Substitutes - Guven and Umut
It was pretty much end to end stuff for the first 10 minutes with both teams sizing each other up. Then one of Ankaragucu's many weaknesses resurfaced, ie, defending dead balls.
The ball was whipped in from the left touchline from a free kick to the danger area where Rajnoch and an attacker went for it. We couldn't see clearly who got the bullet of a header in at the time to send the ball into the corner of the net, but it was Rajnoch.
I had been hoping that Ankaragucu could hold out until half time to put pressure on Galatasaray for the 2nd half, but the goal lifted Galatasaray and they began to dictate things.
10 minutes later the writing was on the wall when another of Ankaragucu's weaknesses was exposed. It was an Ankaragucu corner and there was nobody covering any clearance on the 18 yard line and in the channel behind it. Golden opporunity for Galatasaray to exploit it which they did in clinical fashion with a breakaway which left Ozden with no chance as Kazim slotted in for a well taken goal.
Ankaragucu was well and truly on the back foot now with Galatasaray in full cry and Galatasaray always seemed to have a man spare with their excellent running off the ball and finding space for the pass which was giving the Ankaragucu defence the runaround.
The half time whistle came as a relief with no further damage inflicted.
When Ankaragucu came out for the 2nd half they were given a standing ovation by Gecikondu in recognition of their endeavours and a call to will them on for the 2nd half.
I have to admit that the players did respond and all credit to them for not folding, but Galatasaray still had control of the match and but for some heroics from Ozden could have increased their lead.
Some of the Ankaragucu players were tiring and another weakness reared its head. Some of the players don't look fit enough for 90 minutes, ie, Turgut and Ergin who both struggled to make any impression throughout. It is quite obvious that they are out of their depth at this level, but what other options does Ziya Bey have ? Hasn't he been handed the poisoned chalice ?? I'm stuffed for an answer !
Ankaragucu can feel aggrieved that a penalty wasn't given on 75 minutes when there was a clear handball in the area. Perhaps I should have been refereeing instead of Mr Aydinus ??!!
However, a penalty came at the other end with 5 minutes to go and I suppose we can't argue with that decision. Baros despatched it and the Ankaragucu supporters headed for the exits.
Man of the Match was a difficult one with Ozden in the frame alongside Ugur who ran himself into the ground in defence and joining in attack when necessary. Hurriyet played a captain's role but was defending most of the match. Also, I musn't forget Tonia who was everywhere and never gave up the fight. In fact, he almost scored at the end but was a whisker away from connecting with a cross. So, Tonia gets my vote, for tying to play his own game, and at the same time, compensating for the inadequacies of Turgut and Ergin.
I don't want to criticise Ziya Bey who is on a hiding to nothing, but he really must sort out another option in the attack alongside Tonia otherwise the 'goals for' column in the League Table is going to remain static !
5 matches in now and still on ONE point. Is it time to hit the pancic button yet ? Away to Trabzon in 2 weeks time ............. arrrrrrghhhhh !!!
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
NO CUTTING EDGE !!
As expected, Galatasaray won last night with one clinical well taken goal, one fantastic own-goal and a penalty.
Ankaragucu 0 Galatasaray 3
Battle Damaged Kanka Damon, Flying Dutchman Kanka Carlo and I met up in The Chopin and spent more time discussing The Rugby World Cup than discussing Ankaragucu's chances of creating an upset ! We were later joined by Cider Kanka John (he does a great West Country accent and he's a World Famous authority on Cider !). We also had a flying visit from Smart Arse Kanka Dave and his beautiful wife Suzanne (I refuse to call her Mrs Smart Arse Kankie !).
Off then to a full capacity Stadium with Gecikondu again in fine form with their usual repertoire of songs and dances. btw, I'm pleased to report that peace has been declared between Gecikondu and Anti-X with BOTH tribunes joining in the 'Bursa Song' on 16 minutes !
Team -
Ozden
Ugur, Aydin, Ediz and Ozgur
Kagan and Hurriyet
Rajnoch and Turgut
Ergin and Tonia
Substitutes - Guven and Umut
It was pretty much end to end stuff for the first 10 minutes with both teams sizing each other up. Then one of Ankaragucu's many weaknesses resurfaced, ie, defending dead balls.
The ball was whipped in from the left touchline from a free kick to the danger area where Rajnoch and an attacker went for it. We couldn't see clearly who got the bullet of a header in at the time to send the ball into the corner of the net, but it was Rajnoch.
I had been hoping that Ankaragucu could hold out until half time to put pressure on Galatasaray for the 2nd half, but the goal lifted Galatasaray and they began to dictate things.
10 minutes later the writing was on the wall when another of Ankaragucu's weaknesses was exposed. It was an Ankaragucu corner and there was nobody covering any clearance on the 18 yard line and in the channel behind it. Golden opporunity for Galatasaray to exploit it which they did in clinical fashion with a breakaway which left Ozden with no chance as Kazim slotted in for a well taken goal.
Ankaragucu was well and truly on the back foot now with Galatasaray in full cry and Galatasaray always seemed to have a man spare with their excellent running off the ball and finding space for the pass which was giving the Ankaragucu defence the runaround.
The half time whistle came as a relief with no further damage inflicted.
When Ankaragucu came out for the 2nd half they were given a standing ovation by Gecikondu in recognition of their endeavours and a call to will them on for the 2nd half.
I have to admit that the players did respond and all credit to them for not folding, but Galatasaray still had control of the match and but for some heroics from Ozden could have increased their lead.
Some of the Ankaragucu players were tiring and another weakness reared its head. Some of the players don't look fit enough for 90 minutes, ie, Turgut and Ergin who both struggled to make any impression throughout. It is quite obvious that they are out of their depth at this level, but what other options does Ziya Bey have ? Hasn't he been handed the poisoned chalice ?? I'm stuffed for an answer !
Ankaragucu can feel aggrieved that a penalty wasn't given on 75 minutes when there was a clear handball in the area. Perhaps I should have been refereeing instead of Mr Aydinus ??!!
However, a penalty came at the other end with 5 minutes to go and I suppose we can't argue with that decision. Baros despatched it and the Ankaragucu supporters headed for the exits.
Man of the Match was a difficult one with Ozden in the frame alongside Ugur who ran himself into the ground in defence and joining in attack when necessary. Hurriyet played a captain's role but was defending most of the match. Also, I musn't forget Tonia who was everywhere and never gave up the fight. In fact, he almost scored at the end but was a whisker away from connecting with a cross. So, Tonia gets my vote, for tying to play his own game, and at the same time, compensating for the inadequacies of Turgut and Ergin.
I don't want to criticise Ziya Bey who is on a hiding to nothing, but he really must sort out another option in the attack alongside Tonia otherwise the 'goals for' column in the League Table is going to remain static !
5 matches in now and still on ONE point. Is it time to hit the pancic button yet ? Away to Trabzon in 2 weeks time ............. arrrrrrghhhhh !!!
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
Sunday, October 02, 2011
ANKARAGUCU DON'T DISAPPOINT
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
Only Bellshill Kanka Nadeem had high expectations (no doubt high on optimism pills !!) but Damon and I were not for being fooled !
It was my intention to paste and copy Oz Kanka's report, changing the names of course, and giving him credit, but .............. after reading his report it seems I'll have to try and think up some excuses for our defeat tomorrow !
Ankaragucu 0 Galatasaray 3
Actually, no excuses will be forthcoming. Report tomorra sometime.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
Only Bellshill Kanka Nadeem had high expectations (no doubt high on optimism pills !!) but Damon and I were not for being fooled !
It was my intention to paste and copy Oz Kanka's report, changing the names of course, and giving him credit, but .............. after reading his report it seems I'll have to try and think up some excuses for our defeat tomorrow !
Ankaragucu 0 Galatasaray 3
Actually, no excuses will be forthcoming. Report tomorra sometime.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
A weekend best to get away from Ankara
All my plans to watch at the Bursa-Gencler match came to nothing when Mrs. Oz Kanka dragged me off to the Lucerne Festival Strings. A lovely night and in the end and once I had seen the score I was glad I didn't watch the match.
Bursaspor 4 - 0 Genclerbirligi
Having not seen the match and then subsequently heading off to Kerkenes to check out the archaeological digs there (one person took a look at my new beard and asked if I worked there) I haven't read anything about the match and therefore can say nothing.
All except for the fact that it wasn't much of a surprise. I'll be back in the groove for the next round of matches.
Bursaspor 4 - 0 Genclerbirligi
Having not seen the match and then subsequently heading off to Kerkenes to check out the archaeological digs there (one person took a look at my new beard and asked if I worked there) I haven't read anything about the match and therefore can say nothing.
All except for the fact that it wasn't much of a surprise. I'll be back in the groove for the next round of matches.
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