Preview : ESENTEPE KKSK v GÖNYELİ SK
Sunday November 27 : k.o 2-30pm : K-Pet League 1 White Group : Venue Esentepe Erdal Barut Stadium.
By Richard Beale……
League 1 leaders Esentepe (Oh that sounds so good) sit proudly on top of the table, play hosts to Lefkoşa team Gönyeli. The visitors who had the luxury of a bye last week, which enabled players to rest or recover from injury currently lie in 7th place on 5 Points. I think they are in a false position as they have recruited wisely in the summer and are managed by a wily old hand in Ali Volkan. He is Mr Gönyeli and has made more comebacks to Gönyeli than Frank Sinatra has as a singer!
Esentepe KKSK -v- Gönyeli SK
Gönyeli are a proud team who since their formation in 1948, have spent the majority of their footballing life in the top division in North Cyprus. Their last season in the “Supa League” was in 2014-15, and that caused them lots of problems not only being relegated, but the following season in League 1 they almost suffered a double relegation. They only survived when Ali Volkan made another comeback and finally got their act together in the last few matches of the season. During the summer Ali Volkan made at least 8 new signings and Goalkeeper Cemal Bağbal returned after spending a season at Karşiyaka. With Cemal and Esentepe’s goalkeeper Ali there are two outstanding keepers on show, it will take something special to beat them. Gönyeli‘s leading goalscorer is Ulaş Candanal on 2 goals, he is an exciting attacking midfield player, who in the corresponding match against Esentepe last season helped himself to a hat trick.
Ulaş Candanal (Gönyeli Dangerman) : New Signings Nasuh Güngör and Ibrahim Kaba
Esentepe suffered a big blow, in losing utility player Uğurcan Başayak who will be out for at least 3 weeks with a hamstring injury. Powerhouse Uğurcan will be severely missed as he is a sort of player who will run through a brick wall for you, unfortunately last match he ran into one wall too many. Good news for Esentepe is they have a ready made replacement in Mahmut Izoğlu who is now fit after injury and should slot in Uğurcan place at left back. Also available for selection after serving a one match suspension is teenager Emre Soytürk. Good news also for Esentepe another teenager Muhammed Karal who was carried off last match is fit and will resume his place at right back.
TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE :
There have only been 2 matches between the 2 Clubs in recent seasons as Gönyeli have been in the top League ;
Season 2012 -13 : February 22 2013 : ESENTEPE KKSK 1 GÖNYELİ SK 1.
Notes : Gönyeli would go up at the end of the season as Champions, where Esentepe would lose out to L. Gençler Birligi in the Play Off Final. Gönyeli took the lead in the 61 minute against the run of play through Hüseyin Kusbeci following an horrendous error from goalkeeper Ali. Esentepe deservedly equalised in the 94th minute with a volley from Başak.
ESENTEPE TEAM : Ali (gk) :Mahmut (Eser), Berkan, Serkan, Emek : Aras (Umar), İlyas (Burak), Vurkan, Kaan : Deniz, Başak.
Season 2015-16 : April 2nd 2016 : ESENTEPE KKSK 1 GÖNYELİ SK 3,
Notes : A woeful performance from Esentepe who were undone by a hat trick from Ulaş. Esentepe only consolation was from the penalty spot scored by Emek in the 50th min.
ESENTEPE TEAM : Tuğrul (gk) : Mahmut, Berkan, Nersin, Emek : Mehmet (Eşref 80), İlyas, Muhammed, Umar (Burak 60) : Emre Soytürk (Eser 45),Başak.
CURRENT FORM : Esentepe WWWDW : Gönyeli : WDDL.
PREDICTIONS : Muhammed Karal (player), 3-1 Esentepe win : 2 Jags : 2-1 Esentepe win : Burl Ives 2-0 Esentepe win : Corporal Jones : 1-0 Esentepe win:
Sabrerich : 2-1 Esentepe win maybe after a titanic struggle, we must keep Ulaş under lock and key.
PLEASE COME ALONG AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL VILLAGE TEAM.
Admission 20tl with ladies and children admitted free. Good refreshments and toilet facilities available. Ample car parking.
