By Richard Beale………….
Preview : ESENTEPE KKSK- v – DENIZLI SK.
Sunday March 12 : ko: 3-00pm : K-Pet League 1 White Group : Esentepe Erdal Barut Stadium.
For both teams and for different reasons, Sunday’s match is crucial and should provide an interesting encounter.
Esentepe form has deserted them and therefore their chances of claiming a promotion “play off “ spot has receded too, but they are still in with a chance as long as they can get their act together. On the other hand Denizli, bottom but one with 3 games remaining, really need to win all 3 matches to avoid automatic relegation. As you can see from the League Table below it is crucial times for a lot of teams.
This season, and as this is Cyprus, things are a little different here regarding promotion and relegation. League 1 has been divided into White and Red Groups with one team from each division automatically promoted to the “Supa League”, Ozanköy in the White Group look to be Champions elect in waiting.
Teams that finish 2nd and 3rd in each Group, must play against each other in a “play off” to decide on the third team going up into the Supa League. Currently in the White Group Lapta look like they will clinch a “play off” spot. Gönyeli, Doğanci, Girne Halk Evi and Esentepe will be probably fighting it out for that 3rd place spot. There are only 2 points dividing the 4 teams.
The team that finishes in 4th place stay where they are and are not involved in any promotion/relegation battles.
Teams that finish in 5/6/7/8 position will play in a “play out”, the bottom Club will be relegated to the BTM League, so Esentepe could fall into that scenario.
3 Clubs are automatically relegated to the BTM League, so Denizli are in great danger to avoid the drop. This season it has been a very tough League to be in, things can change on a week to week basis.
Denizli problem this season is that they are “draw specialists” drawing 9 of their 17 matches. They cannot score goals but they don’t concede too many goals either, their 6 defeats have only been by the odd goal. They have scored 10 goals this season, with their top scorer Mert Bahşi on only 2 goals. However last weekend Denizli produced one of the shocks of the day defeating 3rd place Gönyeli 1-0.
Esentepe who did not have a match last weekend, which has given players carrying injuries/knocks like Uğurcan, Burak and Başak a much needed rest, so they will have a full squad to chose from.
Earlier in the season at Denizli the teams fought out a very hard fought draw 0-0.
I think Sunday’s match will be very competitive as well. A draw for either Club will be no good, so both teams must discard their shackles and throw caution too the wind.
Coaches in need of a win- Esentepe’s Davut Kansu and Denizli’s Tuncay Sarıer
TRIPS DOWN MEMORY LANE :
Season 2014-15 : ESENTEPE 2 DENIZLI 1.
Denizli first ever visit to Esentepe, ended in a tight encounter. Esentepe dominated the first half, scoring 2 goals from DENIZ KIBAR. After the break Esentepe took their foot off the gas allowing a spirited comeback from Denizli. They were rewarded with a late consolation goal from Muhammed. The match was played on the 22/2/2015.
ESENTEPE TEAM : Ali : Salıh, Berkan, Nersin, Emek : Kaan (Mustafa 89), Vurkan, İlyas, Hüseyin : Başak (Mehmet 85), Deniz.
Season 2015-16 : ESENTEPE 0 DENIZLI 0.
This was the first home match of the season, played on 3/10/2015 and predictably when these two teams meet it ended in a draw. Both defences dominated but it was not a boring match.
ESENTEPE TEAM : Serkan (gk) : Mahmut, Nersin, Salıh, Emek : Umar ( Aras 45), Vurkan, İlyas (Berkan 79), Kaan : Başak, Emrah (Eser 57) :
LEAGUE FORM : (last 6 matches, latest 1st) : ESENTEPE : LLLDDD : DENIZLI : WLDDDL :
Expert predictions : Sabrerich : A 2-1 home win but only after an epic tussle.
2 jags : Esentepe 2-1 win : Pothole Pete 2-1 Esentepe win : Burl Ives 2-0 Esentepe win : The Butler 1-1 draw : Rochdale Cowboy : 2-0 – Esentepe win.
ESENTEPE A2 YOUNG TEAM :
Before the seniors match,(12-30pm ko) the youngsters from both teams play each other in a vital top of the table clash. Esentepe are leaders 6 points in front of 2nd place Denizli with 5 matches left too play. It is Esentepe’s title to lose, come along and watch Esentepe’s budding youngsters. For 20tl (ladies and children no charge) you can watch 2 matches for the price of 1.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL VILLAGE FOOTBALL TEAM.
