Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
After an 8 weeks lay-off due to the Winter shut-down and bad weather, the Scottish Premier League (Ladies League) resumed last weekend.
After suffering defeat in their last match 8 weeks ago in the League Cup Final to Edinburgh Ladies, the Hibs players were in determined mood to retain their league title.
They were playing Raith Rovers Ladies at the weekend at home and got off to a perfect start in the 1st half when McBride opened the scoring. Only some super saves from the Rovers goalkeeper kept the score down.
Into the 2nd half and Hibs Ladies continued to dominate with the Rover keeper denying the Hibs strikers. However, it was only a matter of time before the Hibs pressure told and they added 3 more goals through Grant (2) and Little.
Hibs Ladies are now top of the League, but only on goal difference from Glasgow City. So, still all to play for in this competition.
More updates to follow as the season progresses.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
The Round Ball in Ankara! Dedicated to football lovers in Ankara (Except for those who follow Osmanlispor)
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
ANKARAGUCU - THE EXODUS TO TRABZON CONTINUES
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
Maniac Kanka mentioned in the comments section of a recent Post that Ceyhun Eris was leaving ANKARAGUCU for Trabzon and Murat Ocak coming in the opposite direction for a fee in ANKARAGUCU’s favour of about 500 Million Euros.
A sad day indeed when a player of his calibre (and the club captain) leaves half way through the season, and this is sure to provoke re-newed supporter protests against Club President Cemal Aydin.
I find this hard to take and am not altogether satisfied at the way Trabzon seem to come to ANKARAGUCU and plunder our best players at will. Not long ago we had the loss of top goalscorer Augustine to contend with, followed by our excellent midfielder Adem, and then last summer, Eski Kanka’s fav player, Umut Bulut.
To say I’m angry is an under-statement, and while I have been uneasy about criticising Cemal Aydin in the past, you can be sure that I will be joining the protests which are sure to follow shortly.
We should not forget either that Trabzon recently swooped for Gencler’s Risp and Ayhan, so they are not `flavour of the month` in Ankara to put it mildly !!!
Guess who will be supporting Antep when they play Trabzon in the Cup tonight ??!!
All the best from disgruntled Eski Kanka Jim
Maniac Kanka mentioned in the comments section of a recent Post that Ceyhun Eris was leaving ANKARAGUCU for Trabzon and Murat Ocak coming in the opposite direction for a fee in ANKARAGUCU’s favour of about 500 Million Euros.
A sad day indeed when a player of his calibre (and the club captain) leaves half way through the season, and this is sure to provoke re-newed supporter protests against Club President Cemal Aydin.
I find this hard to take and am not altogether satisfied at the way Trabzon seem to come to ANKARAGUCU and plunder our best players at will. Not long ago we had the loss of top goalscorer Augustine to contend with, followed by our excellent midfielder Adem, and then last summer, Eski Kanka’s fav player, Umut Bulut.
To say I’m angry is an under-statement, and while I have been uneasy about criticising Cemal Aydin in the past, you can be sure that I will be joining the protests which are sure to follow shortly.
We should not forget either that Trabzon recently swooped for Gencler’s Risp and Ayhan, so they are not `flavour of the month` in Ankara to put it mildly !!!
Guess who will be supporting Antep when they play Trabzon in the Cup tonight ??!!
All the best from disgruntled Eski Kanka Jim
Uphill climb left for Genclerbirligi
As you may know my computer crashed a week or so ago and I couldn't sort it out despite getting a new hard drive installed. For this reason I invited computer genius Flying Dutchman Carlo over to my place to help me out and it just so happened that a footy game was on the TV as well. While Carlo did his magic, Genclerbirligi couldn't, going down to Fenerbahce in an empty stadium away from home in the first leg of the Turkish Cup quarter finals.
Fenerbahce 2 - Genclerbirligi 1
Genclerbirligi started off well enough controlling the ball but as usual never really finding a chance for a shot on goal. Fener had the first real chance of the match and then Gencler had one or two. It was all midfield stuff and Gencler should really learn to keep the ball on the ground for those short passes.
There was one strange incident where Okan Ozturk was going up for a header somewhere in midfield. He got a slight whack in the head by a bum (that was not an insult but referred to the fact he got hit by a Fenerbahce player's bottom). He went down, it was impossible to stay up, and the referee blew his whistle within milliseconds for the medical people to come on, even though Okan was not even pretending to be hurt. What annoyed me was that Okan then decided to walk off with the medics and thus wasn't up front for the subsequent free kick. If you aren't injured Okan... stay on the bloody pitch.
Then came disaster in the last minute of the first half. Fener had a freekick. The ball is kicked, referee blows whistle, ball goes into back of net, Fener players rush the referee, ref gives Traore a yellow card, ref gives Fener a penalty, goal to Fener.
Anyone else notice how the above events are out of sequence. Flying Dutchman Kanka Carlo certainly did. If the referee thought the offence deserved a penalty he should have given it straight away, not after two minutes of shouting from the Fener players. No wonder in the Turkish game players complain to the ref so much... it works!
Leaving that aside there was no way that it should have been a penalty. Sure Traore was wrestling around with a Fener attacker who was also wrestling around with Traore. Six of one and half a dozen of the other.
Second half and Fenerbahce started bringing on some of the players they had been resting, namely Tuncay, David (or however he spells his name) and Kezman but it was Gencler who scored after a lovely pass across the goal at an angle found Mehmet Cakir who slotted it home.
1-1 at this stage and it seemed as if both teams were happy with the result as we got to see some pretty boring footy.
The Gencler defence had clearly gone to sleep when Fenerbahce wrapped it up in the last minute or so.
In what seemed like slow motion the ball was crossed into the box where neither Mehmet Nas nor the other defender (the bloke with a corn row-style haircut) were marking their man. The result, a simple header in which our keeper Jesus had no chance of getting to.
Time and again we saw why we shouldn't have sold Risp.
A mountain to climb for the return match in a few weeks time but we get to see it all again on Friday when it is Fenerbahce versus Genclerbirligi in the (Your Company's Name Here) Super Lig.
Fenerbahce 2 - Genclerbirligi 1
Genclerbirligi started off well enough controlling the ball but as usual never really finding a chance for a shot on goal. Fener had the first real chance of the match and then Gencler had one or two. It was all midfield stuff and Gencler should really learn to keep the ball on the ground for those short passes.
There was one strange incident where Okan Ozturk was going up for a header somewhere in midfield. He got a slight whack in the head by a bum (that was not an insult but referred to the fact he got hit by a Fenerbahce player's bottom). He went down, it was impossible to stay up, and the referee blew his whistle within milliseconds for the medical people to come on, even though Okan was not even pretending to be hurt. What annoyed me was that Okan then decided to walk off with the medics and thus wasn't up front for the subsequent free kick. If you aren't injured Okan... stay on the bloody pitch.
Then came disaster in the last minute of the first half. Fener had a freekick. The ball is kicked, referee blows whistle, ball goes into back of net, Fener players rush the referee, ref gives Traore a yellow card, ref gives Fener a penalty, goal to Fener.
Anyone else notice how the above events are out of sequence. Flying Dutchman Kanka Carlo certainly did. If the referee thought the offence deserved a penalty he should have given it straight away, not after two minutes of shouting from the Fener players. No wonder in the Turkish game players complain to the ref so much... it works!
Leaving that aside there was no way that it should have been a penalty. Sure Traore was wrestling around with a Fener attacker who was also wrestling around with Traore. Six of one and half a dozen of the other.
Second half and Fenerbahce started bringing on some of the players they had been resting, namely Tuncay, David (or however he spells his name) and Kezman but it was Gencler who scored after a lovely pass across the goal at an angle found Mehmet Cakir who slotted it home.
1-1 at this stage and it seemed as if both teams were happy with the result as we got to see some pretty boring footy.
The Gencler defence had clearly gone to sleep when Fenerbahce wrapped it up in the last minute or so.
In what seemed like slow motion the ball was crossed into the box where neither Mehmet Nas nor the other defender (the bloke with a corn row-style haircut) were marking their man. The result, a simple header in which our keeper Jesus had no chance of getting to.
Time and again we saw why we shouldn't have sold Risp.
A mountain to climb for the return match in a few weeks time but we get to see it all again on Friday when it is Fenerbahce versus Genclerbirligi in the (Your Company's Name Here) Super Lig.
Back to Winning Ways for Hibs
NOt a classic, not even a very good game of football but a good three points for Hibs.
After being well beaten by Hibs twice already this season, Motherwell came to Easter Road determined not to lose goals. A packed defence and midfield certainly stopped any flowing football and along with a heavy pitch that cut up early it was an uphill battle for Hibs.
There was not much to report about the first half but Hibs changed their shape at half time and pushed a second striker up front. This helped Hibs hold the ball up and the chances soon started to come. Once the first goal was scored by Scott Brown it seemed as if more would follow but som poor finishing meant we had to wait till injury time for the clincher.
Hibs did deserve the three points but will have to play better to win the two cup games coming up on Wednesday and Saturday even if they are aginst lower league teams.
The bad news for Hibs is that Rangers look like they have signed Kevin Thomson. The news said £2M but I would be surprised if that was all Hibs would get.
Hibbee Kanka
After being well beaten by Hibs twice already this season, Motherwell came to Easter Road determined not to lose goals. A packed defence and midfield certainly stopped any flowing football and along with a heavy pitch that cut up early it was an uphill battle for Hibs.
There was not much to report about the first half but Hibs changed their shape at half time and pushed a second striker up front. This helped Hibs hold the ball up and the chances soon started to come. Once the first goal was scored by Scott Brown it seemed as if more would follow but som poor finishing meant we had to wait till injury time for the clincher.
Hibs did deserve the three points but will have to play better to win the two cup games coming up on Wednesday and Saturday even if they are aginst lower league teams.
The bad news for Hibs is that Rangers look like they have signed Kevin Thomson. The news said £2M but I would be surprised if that was all Hibs would get.
Hibbee Kanka
Monday, January 29, 2007
Antalyaspor v ANKARAGUCU - AN EXCUSE FOR A KANKA GET-TOGETHER
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
Some time ago, Oz Kanka and I discussed the possibility of having a Kanka get-together in the New Year. Unfortunately, due to one reason or another, the chance passed us by. However, the idea has not been put-to-bed.
More recently, Oz Kanka, Maniac Kanka and I discussed the possibility of having the long overdue get-together in the Spring in Antalya (I have already sent out an email on the subject).
The idea was originally the brain-child of Kirkcaldy Kanka Martyn before his departure to Ingallind last summer, and he indicated that he and Sinead wanted to drop-in and see their beloved ANKARAGUCU again. So, the idea was formulated to coincide with ANKARAGUCU's visit to Antalya in the Spring.
That idea is now gaining momentum and the wheels are now in motion to make the idea a reality !
We know the venue - Antalya. We now know the weekend - 12/13 May.
What we don't know is the exact day of the match, ie, Saturday or Sunday. We will not know this till nearer the time, but Maniac Kanka will give us a heads-up as soon as it is announced by the TFF.
Oz Kanka, Maniac Kanka and I will be co-ordinating the trip and we will be deciding on travel arrangements, hotel/pansion, etc in due course.
In the meantime, I would appreciate it if you could tell one of us if you are intending to join us on this special occasion (I have already received a `definite up-for-it` from Robbie, Judy and Suzan).
It goes without saying that we hope Martyn and Sinead can make it and I'm looking forward to them giving me a thumbs-up.
So, please contact Oz Kanka, Maniac Kanka or I by email, cep telephone, or on the Blog if you are planning to join us.
Look forward to hearing from you.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
Some time ago, Oz Kanka and I discussed the possibility of having a Kanka get-together in the New Year. Unfortunately, due to one reason or another, the chance passed us by. However, the idea has not been put-to-bed.
More recently, Oz Kanka, Maniac Kanka and I discussed the possibility of having the long overdue get-together in the Spring in Antalya (I have already sent out an email on the subject).
The idea was originally the brain-child of Kirkcaldy Kanka Martyn before his departure to Ingallind last summer, and he indicated that he and Sinead wanted to drop-in and see their beloved ANKARAGUCU again. So, the idea was formulated to coincide with ANKARAGUCU's visit to Antalya in the Spring.
That idea is now gaining momentum and the wheels are now in motion to make the idea a reality !
We know the venue - Antalya. We now know the weekend - 12/13 May.
What we don't know is the exact day of the match, ie, Saturday or Sunday. We will not know this till nearer the time, but Maniac Kanka will give us a heads-up as soon as it is announced by the TFF.
Oz Kanka, Maniac Kanka and I will be co-ordinating the trip and we will be deciding on travel arrangements, hotel/pansion, etc in due course.
In the meantime, I would appreciate it if you could tell one of us if you are intending to join us on this special occasion (I have already received a `definite up-for-it` from Robbie, Judy and Suzan).
It goes without saying that we hope Martyn and Sinead can make it and I'm looking forward to them giving me a thumbs-up.
So, please contact Oz Kanka, Maniac Kanka or I by email, cep telephone, or on the Blog if you are planning to join us.
Look forward to hearing from you.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
ANKARAGUCU, BURSASPOR AND...... ATATURK
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
As reported in Hurriyet, it was a long Sunday for the supporters of ANKARAGUCU and Bursaspor. They met at Tandogan yesterday morning at 9am and walked together to Anitkabir (Mausoleum) to show their respect for Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (founder of the Turkish Republic). It was also an opportunity to make a statement for peace, friendship and brotherhood. Fine sentiments indeed. It certainly makes a change from all the horror stories about footie hooliganism around the world ! This event was organised by our friends in ANKARAGUCU Pegasus Supporters Group.
Of course, the friendship between ANKARAGUCU and Bursaspor is legendary and events like this only serves to strengthen the ties between the two clubs and perhaps the idea might catch-on in other clubs in this country and other countries too.
Unfortunately, I couldn't attend this event nor the match, but perhaps Maniac Kanka Harun may wish to comment ? Therefore, acknowledgement is given to Hurriyet for this report.
First up, and surprise surprise, it was another draw !!!
ANKARAGUCU 1 Bursaspor 1
However, before the match kicked-off there was a one minute's silence to show respect for the Vice President of ANKARAGUCU (Serdar Tosun) who passed away last week.
The match was pretty much end to end in the first half but it was Bursa who threatened first. Sinan made an excellent run down the right wing and cut into the penalty area. Serkan commited himself but was beaten and it was left to an ANKARAGUCU defender to clear the ball off the goal line. Shortly after that Cumhur had a good opportunity to open the scoring for Bursa when Serkan made an excellent save from his ferocious free kick shot on goal.
In ANKARAGUCU's first `serious` attempt on goal, Bebbe scored on 35 minutes when he received a pass outside the penalty area and moved into the penalty area with the Bursa defence retreating. He let fly and ANKARAGUCU went in at half time one up.
The 2nd half was a carbon copy of the first half with both teams playing attacking footie but without any real finishing threat. Then, with only 7 minutes left on the clock, Bursa won a corner. De Souza played the corner into the box where it was met by Ismail and he gave Serkan no chance.
So, a draw it ended which will no doubt have pleased the clubs and supporters.
This result leaves ANKARAGUCU in 10th position in the league on 23 points. Gencler are in 6th position on 27 points. Top team Fener.....spit.....bahce are on 38 points and looking like they will be difficult to dislodge from the top spot.
Upcoming matches this week -
Tuesday 30 January - Turkish Cup Quarter Final 1st Leg - Fener v Gencler - KO 8pm
Friday 2 February - League - Fener v Gencler - KO not known yet
Sunday 4 February - League - Ankaraspor v ANKARAGUCU - KO not known yet
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
As reported in Hurriyet, it was a long Sunday for the supporters of ANKARAGUCU and Bursaspor. They met at Tandogan yesterday morning at 9am and walked together to Anitkabir (Mausoleum) to show their respect for Mustafa Kemal Ataturk (founder of the Turkish Republic). It was also an opportunity to make a statement for peace, friendship and brotherhood. Fine sentiments indeed. It certainly makes a change from all the horror stories about footie hooliganism around the world ! This event was organised by our friends in ANKARAGUCU Pegasus Supporters Group.
Of course, the friendship between ANKARAGUCU and Bursaspor is legendary and events like this only serves to strengthen the ties between the two clubs and perhaps the idea might catch-on in other clubs in this country and other countries too.
Unfortunately, I couldn't attend this event nor the match, but perhaps Maniac Kanka Harun may wish to comment ? Therefore, acknowledgement is given to Hurriyet for this report.
First up, and surprise surprise, it was another draw !!!
ANKARAGUCU 1 Bursaspor 1
However, before the match kicked-off there was a one minute's silence to show respect for the Vice President of ANKARAGUCU (Serdar Tosun) who passed away last week.
The match was pretty much end to end in the first half but it was Bursa who threatened first. Sinan made an excellent run down the right wing and cut into the penalty area. Serkan commited himself but was beaten and it was left to an ANKARAGUCU defender to clear the ball off the goal line. Shortly after that Cumhur had a good opportunity to open the scoring for Bursa when Serkan made an excellent save from his ferocious free kick shot on goal.
In ANKARAGUCU's first `serious` attempt on goal, Bebbe scored on 35 minutes when he received a pass outside the penalty area and moved into the penalty area with the Bursa defence retreating. He let fly and ANKARAGUCU went in at half time one up.
The 2nd half was a carbon copy of the first half with both teams playing attacking footie but without any real finishing threat. Then, with only 7 minutes left on the clock, Bursa won a corner. De Souza played the corner into the box where it was met by Ismail and he gave Serkan no chance.
So, a draw it ended which will no doubt have pleased the clubs and supporters.
This result leaves ANKARAGUCU in 10th position in the league on 23 points. Gencler are in 6th position on 27 points. Top team Fener.....spit.....bahce are on 38 points and looking like they will be difficult to dislodge from the top spot.
Upcoming matches this week -
Tuesday 30 January - Turkish Cup Quarter Final 1st Leg - Fener v Gencler - KO 8pm
Friday 2 February - League - Fener v Gencler - KO not known yet
Sunday 4 February - League - Ankaraspor v ANKARAGUCU - KO not known yet
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
Sunday, January 28, 2007
GENCLERBIRLIGI - MONEY COMES AND POINTS GO !!!
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
The Title above is a quote from Atilla Turker of the Hurriyet newspaper ! However, after yesterday's result an appropriate comment me thinks !!!
Genclerbirligi 0 Sivasspor 1
As most of you are aware, Gencler sold Risp and Ayman to Trabzon last week and this has drawn negative comment not only from the fans but now from the media.
As far as I'm aware, none of the kankas were at the match yesterday and so I am making this report from info in the Hurriyet. Our regular Gencler journalist was in Bolu flying down the mountain on his skis, hopefully not like Eddie the Eagle !!!
Back to the match and the 1st half was pretty much end to end stuff with lots of scoring opportunities falling to both teams but none taken until the half time whistle was about to sound. Then, due to some poor defending, Balili knocked the ball in for the winning goal.
Cakir had a great chance shortly before the opening goal after some good work by Engin, but he blasted the ball over when it would have been easier to score.
Into the 2nd half and again it was end to end stuff. However, Gencler had Gokhan to thank for making 2 great saves to keep the scoreline down.
In a post-match interview Mesut Bakkal was critical of his defence. Perhaps he should not have sold his best defender to Trabzon me thinks ??!! Once again Atilla Turker said that in his opinion Gencler would have been challenging for honours if Cavcav had kept the team together. Well said Mr Turker !!
Snow arrived in Ankara this morning but I'm sure the ANKARAGUCU v Bursa match will be played. Watch this space for details tomorrow.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
The Title above is a quote from Atilla Turker of the Hurriyet newspaper ! However, after yesterday's result an appropriate comment me thinks !!!
Genclerbirligi 0 Sivasspor 1
As most of you are aware, Gencler sold Risp and Ayman to Trabzon last week and this has drawn negative comment not only from the fans but now from the media.
As far as I'm aware, none of the kankas were at the match yesterday and so I am making this report from info in the Hurriyet. Our regular Gencler journalist was in Bolu flying down the mountain on his skis, hopefully not like Eddie the Eagle !!!
Back to the match and the 1st half was pretty much end to end stuff with lots of scoring opportunities falling to both teams but none taken until the half time whistle was about to sound. Then, due to some poor defending, Balili knocked the ball in for the winning goal.
Cakir had a great chance shortly before the opening goal after some good work by Engin, but he blasted the ball over when it would have been easier to score.
Into the 2nd half and again it was end to end stuff. However, Gencler had Gokhan to thank for making 2 great saves to keep the scoreline down.
In a post-match interview Mesut Bakkal was critical of his defence. Perhaps he should not have sold his best defender to Trabzon me thinks ??!! Once again Atilla Turker said that in his opinion Gencler would have been challenging for honours if Cavcav had kept the team together. Well said Mr Turker !!
Snow arrived in Ankara this morning but I'm sure the ANKARAGUCU v Bursa match will be played. Watch this space for details tomorrow.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
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