By Richard Beale……………………
Saturday November 12th : K-Pet League 1 White Group : KO 2-30pm :Venue : Esentepe Erdal Barut Stadium.
‘Cock a hoop’ leaders go into Saturday’s match against Tatlisu full of confidence after an impressive start to the season. Tatlısu (not the one near Esentepe) are from the Bellapais area of Girne and are mid table having drawn both of their opening matches 2-2. Tatlısu who came up from League 2 as Champions last season, have invested in a number of players, bringing in at least 6 new signings during the summer. Amongst those are two experienced strikers Hüseyin Sarro from Düzkaya and Şenol Hizlioğlu from Girne Halk Evi. Both players have been a thorn in Esentepe’s side for many a season especially Şenol. In his days at Türk Ocak he always seemed to take a liking to our defence tormenting them on numerous occasions. His best days may well be behind him, and he has been used so far this season by Tatlısu as an impact player but is still a dangerous player.
Tatlısu spent a number of seasons in League 1 (now called Supa League). Their best season was in 2008-09 when they finished runners up, they then suffered two successive relegation seasons in 2010/11 and 2011/12 ending up in the wilderness of League 2 for a number of years. Last season the rot ended when they were promoted as Champions.
Matches between these two teams have been few and far between, we always seem to miss each other over the seasons. This is because either Esentepe have been relegated and Tatlisu promoted from a lower league or vice versa
Esentepe will more than likely be unchanged, why fix it when it ain’t broken.
TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE: (season 2012-13, December 15th 2012).
Result : ESENTEPE KKSK 2 TATLISU HOSK 1.
Not a classic as an injury hit Esentepe team fell behind to an early OSMAN goal after 15 minutes. They managed a spirited recovery and won with a brace of goals from Eser (25) and (58). Tatlısu would later be relegated to League 2.
ESENTEPE TEAM :
Tuğrul (gk) : Nersin, Hasan, Berkan (c), Burak ( Halil 60) : Aras ( Sergen 73), Kaan, Emek : Başak. Ali Olkan, Eser (Esşef 88).
PREDICTIONS: Esentepe defence are still keen not to concede a goal from open play, I think Esentepe will be too strong for Tatlısu 2-0 win to Esentepe.
Other Predictions : Two Jags : 2-1 Esentepe : Pothole : 2-1 Esentepe : Burl Ives 2-0 Esentepe.
PLEASE COME ALONG AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TEAM.
Admission : 20TL. Ladies and children no charge. Good refreshments and toilet facilities available.
