Prematch : ESENTEPE KKSK v LAPTA TBSK
Sunday October 8th : ko 3-30pm : K-Pet League 1.
Venue : Esentepe Erdal Barut Stadium.
By Richard Beale……………..
Lapta are Esentepe’s visitors this Sunday and if previous seasons are anything to go by another close and exciting match is expected.
This is the third week of the season, Esentepe are 3RD and Lapta are in 5TH position, with both clubs on 4 points. Lapta have yet to concede a goal this season winning 3-0 away to Kaya Mehmetçik on the opening day of the season, but last weekend they were held at home by lowly Doğanci 0-0. Esentepe won their opening home fixture against Akova 4-1 and last Sunday came away with a valuable point against Mormeneşke with a battling performance.
With striker Hasan Özcelik still unavailable through injury, I expect Esentepe to keep the same team from last week.
LAPTA TBSK 2017-18 visitors to the Esentepe Erdal Barut Stadium
Lapta have basically the same squad of players, that were pipped on the final day of last season by Esentepe. who went on to take their Play Off place. During the close season they have brought in a number of players notably Greek Cypriot Michalis Michail, a very experienced midfielder signed from Ozanköy, Michalis was previously with Değirmenlik.
Other signings in the summer have been Hüseiyn Haşımoğlu and Mehmet Kanat agaın from Ozanköy. Mustafa Akıs from Türk Ocak and Ali Nazıloğlu from Tatlısu HOSK.
Lapa sigings L to R: Michalis, Ali Naziloğlu, Mustafa Akiş and Right Mehmet Kanat.
Lapta have spent a number of seasons in the Supa League, their last season amongst the elite was a solidarity season in 2014-15.
Matches between the two Clubs have generally been close affairs with Esentepe gaining the upper hand at home.
PREVIOUS MATCHES :
Season 2015 -16 : ESENTEPE 2 LAPTA 1 (Esentepe scorers Umar and Kaan).
Season 2016-17 : ESENTEPE 2 LAPTA 1 (Esentepe scorers Tacettin and Eser)
A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE.
For this weeks trip down the Lane we go back to Season 2013-14.
Result : ESENTEPE 1 LAPTA 0.
High flying Lapta came to town, bringing with them a huge following as they were expecting a party, requiring only a point to confirm promotion to the Supa League. But Esentepe turned into party poopers by turning in a brilliant performance, meaning the Champagne would have to remain on ice for a further week.
Esentepe were on a back of a tremendous run themselves unbeaten in 10 matches and having won 4 matches on the trot. They had clawed themselves out of the relegation area and into a Play Off spot.
The only goal of the game came in the 65th minute, when Deniz was bundled over in the box by two defenders, leaving the ever reliable EMEK to slot home the penalty.
To complete a bad day for Lapta defender Caglar was sent off following a clash with Aras.
Captain Berkan and İlyas had fine games for Esentepe. But the Man of the Match for Esentepe was Deniz who was a thorn in Lapta side all afternoon.
Lapta would gain promoting at the end of the season, whereas Esentepe faced heartache by losing in the promotion Play Offs.
ESENTEPE TEAM : Ali (gk) : Mahmut, Sergen, Berkan (c), Emek : Umar, Vurkan, İlyas, Burak (Aras 55 ) : Eser (Başak 65 ), DENIZ.
How do I think the match will go on Sunday, like all previous encounters it will be tight but I think Esentepe will shade it 2-1.
REFEREE : Timur Ercan Bodi
PLEASE COME ALONG AND SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL FOOTBALL CLUB.
Admission 20tl, no charge for Ladies and Children : Good refreshments and toilet facilities. Ample free car parking.
