After two draws against Hearts and St Mirren Hibs got back on winning ways against Falkirk with a goal in each half.
This victory brings Hibs unbeaten run to nine games.
The second goal came with only a few minutes left after a rather nervy second half which Falkirk had made a spirited fight.
Hibs did not really get going in this match and can thank Derek Riordan for being the main difference between the teams. He scored his first with the help of a deflection off the defenders shin but his second gave the goalkeeper no chace after Wotherspoon had delivered a tremendous cross which left the keeper stranded.
This win puts Hibs level on points with Rangers in second place two points behind Celtic. Us Hibs fans are in danger of getting vertigo being this high up the league, hopefully it will continue for a while yet.
Hibbie Kanka
The Round Ball in Ankara! Dedicated to football lovers in Ankara (Except for those who follow Osmanlispor)
Monday, November 30, 2009
Sunday, November 29, 2009
ANKARAGUCU - BETTER LATE THAN NEVER !
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
As Oz Kanka reported in the previous post ........
ANKARAGUCU 1 Denizlispor 0
Having laid siege to the Denizli goal for most of the 2nd half it took until the last few minutes of the match to make the break through.
Our giant defender, Mercimek, (built like a brick shit house) came up for a free kick and rose above everyone in the crowded penalty box to power it in, much to the relief of an almost full house.
More details tomorrow afternoon (had a late night at The Knight and Flight after the match !!).
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
MONDAY 30 NOVEMBER
Greetings Again Kankas and Kankies.
The 'fantastic four' (Kaleci Kanka Tansu, Yankee Kanka, Huso Kanka and Eski) met up in the Chopin on a cloudy Ankara autumn day with rain threatening. Later the clouds didn't disappoint us and the rain poured out of them !
Because of the local Kurban Bayram holiday the streets were unusually quiet and I was the only customer in the Chopin until the others arrived.
However, when we arrived at the Stadium it was just like deja vu, ie, teaming with Ankaragucu punters ! The Stadium was almost full and the 5 tribunes were in full voice in expectation of a vicoreeee. btw, as I've said many times, being an optimist is a pre-requisite for supporting Ankaragucu !!
New Captain, Hurriyet, led the team out -
Senecky
El-Yasa, Ediz, Baki Mercimek and Broggi
Hurriyet, Adem Koc, Mehmet Cakir and Aydin
Vassell and Meye
2nd half substitutes used were Konate (who showed some great touches when he came on), Emre and Barbaros.
The first half was a bore, and with Ankaragucu attacking the Gecikondu End we expected more.
Mehmet Cakir had a good oppotunity but he shot over. Aydin, attacking from the left midfield position also had a couple of chances but he tried to do too much on his own when an early ball into the centre was the best option. However, having said that, he had a good match and could well have cemented his place in the team.
The 2nd half was a different story with Ankaragucu on all out attack and Denizli restricted to sporadic breakaways. However, the Ankaragucu defence was solid, and with Senecky also looking and playing confidently, there was never any danger of Denizli causing an upset.
I lost count of the number of corners which Ankaragucu forced, and as the clock showed 10 minutes to go we were beginning to despair. But, I remember telling Kaleci Kanka that a goal was inevitable (there's that optimism again !!).
Then with 5 minutes to go from a free kick on the left, expertly taken by Broggi, the ball was floated into the crowded penalty area and Baki the Giant rose above everyone to fire in a bullet of a header. Goaaaaaaal and relief and celebrations all round !!
A great 2nd half team performance. However, on the downside it has to be said that Vassell and Meye both had quiet matches and rarely threatened. Most of the goal attempts came from Broggi, El-Yasa and midfield, and of course, the goal scorer Baki. OK, evey player has an off-day but we will need more penetration up front from our 2 strikers next weekend in Trabzon.
Final whistle and cue for all the players to do an Ankara Misket Dance in the centre circle. Fantastic !
So, the MUST WIN match was won and thank God for that !
Back to The Knight and Flight for Kaleci and Eski to have lottsa celebrations drinkies !
Looking forward to next week then and Ankaragucu travel to Trabzon. As far as I'm aware at the moment, this match will take place on Sunday KO 4pm. So, we will probably watch it in The Chopin. See you all there.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
As Oz Kanka reported in the previous post ........
ANKARAGUCU 1 Denizlispor 0
Having laid siege to the Denizli goal for most of the 2nd half it took until the last few minutes of the match to make the break through.
Our giant defender, Mercimek, (built like a brick shit house) came up for a free kick and rose above everyone in the crowded penalty box to power it in, much to the relief of an almost full house.
More details tomorrow afternoon (had a late night at The Knight and Flight after the match !!).
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
MONDAY 30 NOVEMBER
Greetings Again Kankas and Kankies.
The 'fantastic four' (Kaleci Kanka Tansu, Yankee Kanka, Huso Kanka and Eski) met up in the Chopin on a cloudy Ankara autumn day with rain threatening. Later the clouds didn't disappoint us and the rain poured out of them !
Because of the local Kurban Bayram holiday the streets were unusually quiet and I was the only customer in the Chopin until the others arrived.
However, when we arrived at the Stadium it was just like deja vu, ie, teaming with Ankaragucu punters ! The Stadium was almost full and the 5 tribunes were in full voice in expectation of a vicoreeee. btw, as I've said many times, being an optimist is a pre-requisite for supporting Ankaragucu !!
New Captain, Hurriyet, led the team out -
Senecky
El-Yasa, Ediz, Baki Mercimek and Broggi
Hurriyet, Adem Koc, Mehmet Cakir and Aydin
Vassell and Meye
2nd half substitutes used were Konate (who showed some great touches when he came on), Emre and Barbaros.
The first half was a bore, and with Ankaragucu attacking the Gecikondu End we expected more.
Mehmet Cakir had a good oppotunity but he shot over. Aydin, attacking from the left midfield position also had a couple of chances but he tried to do too much on his own when an early ball into the centre was the best option. However, having said that, he had a good match and could well have cemented his place in the team.
The 2nd half was a different story with Ankaragucu on all out attack and Denizli restricted to sporadic breakaways. However, the Ankaragucu defence was solid, and with Senecky also looking and playing confidently, there was never any danger of Denizli causing an upset.
I lost count of the number of corners which Ankaragucu forced, and as the clock showed 10 minutes to go we were beginning to despair. But, I remember telling Kaleci Kanka that a goal was inevitable (there's that optimism again !!).
Then with 5 minutes to go from a free kick on the left, expertly taken by Broggi, the ball was floated into the crowded penalty area and Baki the Giant rose above everyone to fire in a bullet of a header. Goaaaaaaal and relief and celebrations all round !!
A great 2nd half team performance. However, on the downside it has to be said that Vassell and Meye both had quiet matches and rarely threatened. Most of the goal attempts came from Broggi, El-Yasa and midfield, and of course, the goal scorer Baki. OK, evey player has an off-day but we will need more penetration up front from our 2 strikers next weekend in Trabzon.
Final whistle and cue for all the players to do an Ankara Misket Dance in the centre circle. Fantastic !
So, the MUST WIN match was won and thank God for that !
Back to The Knight and Flight for Kaleci and Eski to have lottsa celebrations drinkies !
Looking forward to next week then and Ankaragucu travel to Trabzon. As far as I'm aware at the moment, this match will take place on Sunday KO 4pm. So, we will probably watch it in The Chopin. See you all there.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
Antalyaspor v Genclerbirligi
Afternoon all and bad news already.
1:43 pm: A bit late I'm afraid as my son has been playing PES 2010 on the computer and I've had to kick him off so I can report on the report from the radio. Anyway, the match kicked-off at 1:30 pm and just four minutes in saw Mile Jedinak score for Antalyaspor. Does make you wonder why we loaned the fellow to Antalya at the beginning of the season. According to the radio it has been all Antalya. A long afternoon ahead of me? Antalyaspor 1 - 0 Genclerbirligi
1:54 pm: As usual, TRT radio don't have a dedicated feed of the match and so I'm currently listening to coverage of some lower division match. I did manage to get a team list though: Serdar-Ilhan-Ivan-Aykut-Orhan-Cem Can-Hurşut-Kerem-Burhan-Kahe-Sando.
1:56 pm: Lack of coverage gives me the chance to explain the latest regarding Hurşit. It seems that when he was playing back in Belgium (or somewhere) the coach decided his name was not appropriate, for obvious reasons, and he now wants to be known as Hurşut. At least that is what I sort of understood from a quick read of a Gencler forum report.
2:00 pm: Still not a single chance for Gencler, half an hour in... what has happened?
2:05 pm: Gencler have a go! Kahe shoots, off the post and then Burhan sends it just out. 36 minutes in and it was our first proper chance.
2:15 pm: Just on half-time and Jedinak scores again.
Antalyaspor 2 - 0 Genclerbirligi
2:33 pm: Second-half starts and Mustafa Pektemek and Harbuzi are brought on for Gencler. Sandro and Kerem off. I think it may all be a lost cause though.
2:35 pm: Hello to whoever is commenting below. Unfortunately the match isn't on the telly. I'm listening to the radio.
2:44 pm: Seems as if Antalya have just missed a very good chance. Not much to report as the radio is concentrating on every game but this one. Meanwhile half-time in Ankara. Ankaragucu 0 - 0 Denizlispor. Sounds like a big and very loud Ankaragucu crowd.
2:56 pm: The commentator has just said that Genclerbirligi's biggest problem seems to be an inability to concentrate. It's not that difficult is it? Aussie Bruce has been brought on.
2:59 pm Still not much to report. And to our friend commenting below the line - I'll put up a youtube video of the goals once someone or other posts them. Normally it takes a day before that happens. Just remember to come back some time tomorrow.
3:13 pm: Another missed chance for Gencler. Aussie Bruce this time hits the post. Commentator says the match has lost all purpose. Little Oz Kanka is badgering me to get off the computer as he wants to get back to playing Pro-Evolution Soccer. Gencler are certainly doing better in the PES league with Little Oz Kanka just registering a 6-0 win over Fenerbahce.
3:20 pm: Peep, peep, peep and an end to my misery. Bye all and good luck to Ankaragucu who are still drawing 0-0 with Denizli.
Final Score
Antalyaspor 2 - 0 Genclerbirligi
And full time at the 19 Mayis.
Ankaragucu 1 - 0 Denizlispor
Report from Sir Eski later on.
Monday
Here is the youtube highlights clip
1:43 pm: A bit late I'm afraid as my son has been playing PES 2010 on the computer and I've had to kick him off so I can report on the report from the radio. Anyway, the match kicked-off at 1:30 pm and just four minutes in saw Mile Jedinak score for Antalyaspor. Does make you wonder why we loaned the fellow to Antalya at the beginning of the season. According to the radio it has been all Antalya. A long afternoon ahead of me? Antalyaspor 1 - 0 Genclerbirligi
1:54 pm: As usual, TRT radio don't have a dedicated feed of the match and so I'm currently listening to coverage of some lower division match. I did manage to get a team list though: Serdar-Ilhan-Ivan-Aykut-Orhan-Cem Can-Hurşut-Kerem-Burhan-Kahe-Sando.
1:56 pm: Lack of coverage gives me the chance to explain the latest regarding Hurşit. It seems that when he was playing back in Belgium (or somewhere) the coach decided his name was not appropriate, for obvious reasons, and he now wants to be known as Hurşut. At least that is what I sort of understood from a quick read of a Gencler forum report.
2:00 pm: Still not a single chance for Gencler, half an hour in... what has happened?
2:05 pm: Gencler have a go! Kahe shoots, off the post and then Burhan sends it just out. 36 minutes in and it was our first proper chance.
2:15 pm: Just on half-time and Jedinak scores again.
Antalyaspor 2 - 0 Genclerbirligi
2:33 pm: Second-half starts and Mustafa Pektemek and Harbuzi are brought on for Gencler. Sandro and Kerem off. I think it may all be a lost cause though.
2:35 pm: Hello to whoever is commenting below. Unfortunately the match isn't on the telly. I'm listening to the radio.
2:44 pm: Seems as if Antalya have just missed a very good chance. Not much to report as the radio is concentrating on every game but this one. Meanwhile half-time in Ankara. Ankaragucu 0 - 0 Denizlispor. Sounds like a big and very loud Ankaragucu crowd.
2:56 pm: The commentator has just said that Genclerbirligi's biggest problem seems to be an inability to concentrate. It's not that difficult is it? Aussie Bruce has been brought on.
2:59 pm Still not much to report. And to our friend commenting below the line - I'll put up a youtube video of the goals once someone or other posts them. Normally it takes a day before that happens. Just remember to come back some time tomorrow.
3:13 pm: Another missed chance for Gencler. Aussie Bruce this time hits the post. Commentator says the match has lost all purpose. Little Oz Kanka is badgering me to get off the computer as he wants to get back to playing Pro-Evolution Soccer. Gencler are certainly doing better in the PES league with Little Oz Kanka just registering a 6-0 win over Fenerbahce.
3:20 pm: Peep, peep, peep and an end to my misery. Bye all and good luck to Ankaragucu who are still drawing 0-0 with Denizli.
Final Score
Antalyaspor 2 - 0 Genclerbirligi
And full time at the 19 Mayis.
Ankaragucu 1 - 0 Denizlispor
Report from Sir Eski later on.
Monday
Here is the youtube highlights clip
Saturday, November 28, 2009
ANKARAGUCU - TROND SOLLIED AND HIS STRANGE MANOEUVRING ANTICS !
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
What the bloody hell is Trond Sollied on about ?!
From The Hurriyet newspaper this morning it is still unclear if he will coach Ankaragucu or not.
He's quoted as saing that he doesn't want his career reputation tarnished if Ankaragucu lose their next four matches, ie, up until the winter break.
Naturally 'Baby' Gokcek is unhappy with this and is blaming Sollied for breaking a promise to join the Club.
Not a good start for Mr Sollied me thinks, and it will not go down well with the supporters. I say to him ..... put up or shut up !
More on this as developments unfold, but I would guess that Ankaragucu will be looking for a new coach again fairly soon.
Another bloody mess !
Other news ..... good and bad ........
Ceyhun has left the Club and Hurriyet will assume the captaincy tomorrow.
Vassell is staying. Sighs of relief all round ??!!
A good win tomorrow against Denizli will show Mr Sollied a thing or two me thinks !!
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
What the bloody hell is Trond Sollied on about ?!
From The Hurriyet newspaper this morning it is still unclear if he will coach Ankaragucu or not.
He's quoted as saing that he doesn't want his career reputation tarnished if Ankaragucu lose their next four matches, ie, up until the winter break.
Naturally 'Baby' Gokcek is unhappy with this and is blaming Sollied for breaking a promise to join the Club.
Not a good start for Mr Sollied me thinks, and it will not go down well with the supporters. I say to him ..... put up or shut up !
More on this as developments unfold, but I would guess that Ankaragucu will be looking for a new coach again fairly soon.
Another bloody mess !
Other news ..... good and bad ........
Ceyhun has left the Club and Hurriyet will assume the captaincy tomorrow.
Vassell is staying. Sighs of relief all round ??!!
A good win tomorrow against Denizli will show Mr Sollied a thing or two me thinks !!
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Will a football match in Turkey become an event you can take the whole family to?
After reading the comments following Eski's post on our match with Eskişehir, I thought it would be appropriate to post the link to an article I read this morning in the Hürriyet Daily News. The title in the paper this morning was Federation will act tough on thugs while the title on the online version is Football federation moves to curb violence. Give it a read and see what you think.http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/n.php?n=1124152213863-2009-11-24
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Gencler goes into sixth
As I was in Eskisehir this weekend I can't say much about Genclerbirligi's 3-1 win over Istanbul BBS. But I can post a youtube goals clip. Hopefully someone who was actually at the match will be able to fill in the blanks sometime soon.
Monday, November 23, 2009
ESKI GOES TO ESKI WITH THE KANKAS
Greetings Kankas and Kankies.
Eskisehirspor 0 ANKARAGUCU 0
It was off to Eski's home city yesterday when the kankas went to Eski City on the High Speed Train. Thanks for arranging the train tickets go to Battle Damaged Kanka and for the Match tickets to Onur in Eski City (Roger's brother-in-law).
In attendance was Battle Damaged Kanka Damon, Kaleci Kanka Tansu, Connect Kanka Steve, Philly Kanka Jamie, TaffyBach Kanka Richy and yours truly.
We left at 9am and arrived in Eski City at 10.30 after a smooth and comfortable train journey. We met up with Oz Kanka Chris and Eskisehir Kanka Roger for some pre-match refreshments after a walk around this very impressive city and a walk along the river side.
The Stadium is a bit spartan with only one side covered, and needless to say, the away end was like a pig-sty. It had wooden walkways and about 1,000 plastic seats resting on metal struts. Well, there WAS about 1,000 when we arrived, but only about 700 when we left the Stadium after the match !! Those 300 'missing' plastic seats had been trashed and destroyed during the course of the match by the Ankaragucu Gecikondu and Anti-X Boys. Photos of that, courtesay of Connect Kanka, coming soon !
In the pre-match build-up in the Stadium, I was thinking it was going to be another Battle of Kayseri when the Gecikondu Boys started to chant obsenities to the Eskisehir Tribunes and vice versa. Then came the plastic seats being ripped-up and thrown down to the peritrack. Scary moments, especially when a large brick came flying over the 'protective fence' and landed not far from us, which fortunately didn't hit anyone.
The match was underway by this time and I must confess to having only one eye on the match and the other watching for the shadows of any missiles heading towards us !
The team -
Senecky
El-Yasa, Abdullah, Broggi, Brabec
Hurriyet, Mehmet Cakir, Aydin, Adem
Vassell and Meye
You will be forgiven if the think that is the Ankaraspor team !!!
Well, to be honest, it didn't really matter too much about the nonsence going on all around us because the footie was abysmal to say the least. The was little or no cohesion in Ankaragucu's footie and the same could be said for Eskisehir. At least Eskisehir was creating the more dangerous moves in the first half and Senecky saved us on several occasions - a big improvement on his performance from the Kasimpasa match 2 weeks ago !
Ankaragucu made no impact on the Eskisehir goal in the first half and giant goalkeeper Ivesa had practically nothing to do except eat-up all the speculative high balls being pumped into his vicinity.
Half time came as a relief and still more oral hatred was being vented back and forward between the tribunes. One of the main reason for this was no doubt connected to the almost fatal stabbing of two Ankaragucu supporters in the city prior to kick-off which Oz Kanka mentioned in his brief report. More of that when details emerge.
The 2nd half was a different story with Ankaragucu taking the initiative and playing the ball around a bit more. However, Vassell was not having an easy time of it out on the right wing - admittedly, not his preferred position. But, Meye was starting to look more dangerous and he almost opened the scoring with a screamer which Ivesa tipped over.
Again, Meye was put through but he sent a lame shot at Ivesa when the cool-head would have taken the obvious route to the corner of the goal. Other chances came and went for Ankaragucu but Man of the Match, Ivesa, kept a clean sheet.
There were two red cards. Doga of Eskisehir had the first one half way through the 2nd half - I must admit to missing that one with all the problems and bedlam going on around us. Brabec received the other 10 minutes from the end for a 'fair' challenge, in my opinion.
The referee, Cuneyt Cakir, couldn't hide the fact (from me anyway) that he had forgotten about the 1st half yellow he gave Brabec. There was a delay in pulling out the red card after the 2nd yellow. In my opinion he had obviously forgotten about the earlier yellow and had no other option but to follow through with his TWO mistakes by giving him a red. Rough justice, but of course, he will never admit it !!
Back to the City Centre one hour later to join up with Oz and Roger. We were 'detained' by the Police for our own safety !!!
However, apart from only winning one point, it was a really enjoyable visit to a great city. The riverside walkways with its many cafes, restaurants and pubs would put many other Yooro cities to shame. Shall we go again next year ? Mmmmmm, I suppose it will depend on how deeply the animosity develops after yesterday's stabbings.
If I was an Eskisehir supporter, I would NOT come to Ankara in the 2nd half of the season !!!
Next up is the home match against 2nd bottome Club Denizlispor next Sunday KO 2pm.
Most of the kankas will be out of town next weekend during the Kurban Bayram holiday so I may well be there on my own. I'll be in The Chopin at midday if anyone can make it.
Photos coming up - taken by Connect Kanka Steve and posted by Oz Kanka Chris.
All the best from Eski Kanka Jim
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